Semliki Wildlife Reserve, formerly known as the Toro Game Reserve, is Uganda’s oldest protected area, established as a game reserve in 1926. The main reason was to protect the large numbers of Uganda Kobs in the area. It is located in the western part of Uganda within Ntoroko and Kabarole districts. It covers approximately 542 square kilometers. The reserve is set at a relatively low altitude starting from around 700m above sea level. There are four communities living around the reserve namely the Karugutu-kyabandara community, Rwebisengo community, Ntoroko fishing community and the Kasenge-Kyakabaseke community.
Key Attractions in Semliki Wildlife Reserve
- Wildlife: The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, and antelopes such as the Uganda kob and waterbuck. Primates like chimpanzees and olive baboons can also be spotted. Uniquely, the 200 strong Elephant population includes savannah and forest Elephants plus a hybrid form from inter-breeding.
- Birdwatching: With 440 bird species, Semliki is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Notable species include the shoebill stork, the African fish eagle, Red-necked falcon, Black-billed Barbet, the turkey like Abyssinian Ground-hornbill and the Rwenzori turaco.
- Scenic Landscapes: The reserve offers beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Albert, and the surrounding savannah and forests. There is also a hike to Nyaburogo Gorge, this is an ideal walk for birders that starts right at the Reserve Headquarters. It is a 7km hike. Common birds sighted include: Arrow marked Babbler, Tropical Boubal, Black-headed Bushrike, Luhdrers Bushrike and primates including Black and White Colobus, Baboons, vervets, and occasionally the Chimpanzees.
- Semliki River: This river forms part of the reserve’s boundary and offers opportunities for boat rides and birdwatching along its banks.
- Cultural Encounters: Visitors can engage with the local Batwa community to learn about their traditional way of life and customs. Also the Karugutu Community Conservation Association (KCCA) is a community-based association whose objective is conservation education through Music Dance and Drama (MDD).
- Primate Walk: The walk takes 3 to 4 hours and is conducted near Semliki Safari Lodge where you will meet the reserves experienced ranger guides. Key primate species you may spot on this walk include chimpanzees, Red-tailed, vervet, Black and white colobus monkeys and Baboons. Angulates you may encounter are Waterbucks, Warthogs, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, and Elephants.
