Semuliki Game Reserve (formerly Toro Game Reserve)

Located in the Western Rift Valley in Uganda, the Semuliki Game Reserve is a reserve of dramatic contrasts, a rich mosaic of grassland, savannah, forest and wetland habitats.  Miles of acacia savannah are dotted with borassus palms, bordered by the shimmering shores of Lake Albert and the steep green slopes of the foothills of the Rwenzoris. The fauna in Semuliki Game Reserve is correspondingly diverse.

The Semuliki Valley Wildlife Reserve was the first protected area to be gazetted in 1932 in the country (as the Toro Game Reserve) and had historically been a very popular destination on the safari circuit. It was also well loved for its hunting. The game at Semliki was bountiful. Unfortunately, during the troubled years of civil war in the 1980’s, Semuliki was truly plundered.

Later, poachers were caught, patrols were carried out regularly and at last the reserve began to rehabilitate. Uganda kob numbers doubled, and at least one new herd of elephants migrated into the reserve.  Lion and hyena, believed to be extinct in the area, have made a remarkable return. Semuliki is thriving again.

Species diversity:
A boat trip on Lake Albert provides an excellent opportunity to see the rare Shoebill Stork, shore birds, hippos, and the rift valley escarpment plunging into the lake.
On the game drives you might spot, elephants, kob, hyena and lions, and a huge variety of birds.
Here you can see Central Africa’s forest species – such as forest buffalo, a darker leopard sub-species, and the smaller forest elephant – as well as East Africa’s savannah species: lion, elephant, numerous antelope species, warthog, buffalo, etc.

Size and Accessibility:
The game reserve is a 545km² sanctuary lying in western Ugandan.

By Car:
Getting to Semuliki Game Reserve is a short drive from Fort Portal. From Kampala it’s about a 5 hour drive.

By Air:
It is possible to fly to Kasese and drive for approximately 2 hours to the game reserve.

Activities:
Game drives
Night game drive
Bird watching
Nature walks