TORO SEMULIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE
Established in 1926, Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve is one of Uganda’s stunning protected areas and a few oldest. Its establishment was mainly to offer refuge to its vast Uganda Kobs that thrive in this area. It spans for about 542 square kilometers and it is situated in western Uganda, within the districts of Ntoroko and Kabarole district. This reserve comes with spectacular views of the rift valley which is set between the Rwenzori, Lake Albert and Kijura escarpment.
It is dominated by open acacia combretum woodland and savanna grassland which is interspersed with patches of Borassus palm forest, significant belts of riparian woodland on the main water courses and other expansive swamps towards Lake Albert. It is set within a relatively low altitude starting from 700 meters and during day time, its set up is incredible. About 4 communities live around this reserve and they include Karugutu-Kyabandara community-this is found in the southern side of the reserve approximately 18 kilometers off Fort Portal Town. This area is largely inhabited by the Bakonjo who are traditional farmers. They mainly grow maize, cassava, beans, beans, bananas, rice and others. The Rwebesingo community on the other hand is situated in the west and northwestern side of the reserve and features the Batuku who are pastoralists. The Batuku are said to be descendants of the Abarusula the royal army of King Kabalega of Bunyoro Kitara kingdom. Ntoroko fishing community-this is located in the south side of Lake Albert just between the estuaries of Wasa and Muzizi Rivers. It covers an area of 4 square kilometers and was gazetted as a wildlife sanctuary to provide refuge to wildlife species that thrive in here. This community depends largely on fishing.
The Kasesenge Kyakabaseke community-this is situated in eastern escarpment of the rift valley and most of them are Bakiga migrants who originally came here to work in the tea estates in the 1960s. It was tea that was source of income and as the prices kept deteriorating, they resorted to crop cultivation and they grew mostly maize, bananas, groundnuts, beans and others.
What to do in Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Primate walk
This primate experience may last you about 3 to 4 hours and this is done around the Semliki safari lodge. While on this primate experience, you have a chance to sight at vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys as catch a glimpse at other wildlife species like bush bucks, warthogs, water bucks, Uganda Kobs, elephants and others.
Game viewing
This reserve and also park features about 3 tracks that take you through excellent wildlife viewing experience. The notable wildlife species for you to catch a glimpse at include waterbucks, bush babies, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, Uganda Kobs and many more.
Nature walks
This is perfect for nature lovers and takes you about 2 to 3 hours via distinct habitats of this reserve which range from savanna woodland to riverine forest. While on nature walks, you have a chance to sight at species like the warthogs, Uganda Kobs, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, ground hornbills and many others.
Cultural encounters
For unique and thrilling cultural experiences, visit the Karugutu Community Conservation Association a community based association whose aim is to conserve, educate through dance, drama and music performance. They arrange for traditional dances for tourists and also you have a chance to shop some of their handcrafts at the entry point of the reserve.
The other activities include boat ride via Lake Albert which inhabits variety of birds like the blue cheeked bee-eater, blue headed Coucal, blue breasted bee-eaters, African pygmy goose and shoebills. You can also hike through Nyaburogo Gorge where your hike kick starts from reserve’s headquarters and takes you through a 7 kilometer hike. On your hike, you have a chance to encounter birds like the black headed marked babbler, tropical boubal, black headed bushrike as well as primates like black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and many more.
How to get to Toro Semliki wildlife reserve
This reserve is accessible from Kampala through Mubende to Fort Portal which is about 290 kilometers drive. By road, you need a 4 wheel drive safari vehicle to help you navigate through the remote routes to this reserve.
The climate and weather
Toro Semliki wildlife reserve features a hot kind climate with wet season that kick starts from March to May and August to November. The dry season on the other hand is usually experienced from June to July and December to February. For those of you who may wish to explore more about chimpanzees in this reserve, the dry season is the preferable time for you.