Semliki Safari Lodge

Semliki Safari Lodge is an enchanting retreat nestled in the lush Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, an unspoiled haven of forests, savannahs, and winding rivers. As Uganda’s oldest established safari lodge, it offers a timeless atmosphere of adventure and discovery, blending classic safari traditions with warm Ugandan hospitality. The lodge is designed for travellers seeking exclusivity, comfort, and immersion in one of Africa’s most biodiverse landscapes.

This breathtaking landscape combines tropical lowland forest with savannah grasslands, creating habitats for an astonishing variety of wildlife, and the reserve is one of the least visited protected areas in Uganda, making Semliki Safari Lodge an ideal choice for those wishing to explore off the beaten track while still enjoying luxurious surroundings.  Highlights include the chance to view the shoebill stork on Lake Albert and the opportunity to visit a local chimpanzee research project.

Location

The lodge is located in the remote Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve in western Uganda, between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Albert. Semliki Safari Lodge is reached via a scenic drive from Fort Portal, which takes approximately two hours, or a 6 hour drive from Kampala.  Charter flights are available to airstrips nearby.

Accommodation

Built in a traditional safari style with thatched roofs and canvas walls, the lodge offers a sense of romance and seclusion. There are just eight tented cottages, each with spacious verandas overlooking the reserve and the distant peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Interiors are warm and inviting, with large four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, and simple but elegant furnishings that reflect the natural environment. The intimate scale of the lodge ensures highly personalised service and an atmosphere of exclusivity.

Activities and Wildlife

Semliki Safari Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the unique habitats of the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve. Game drives reveal a wealth of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and Uganda kob, alongside more elusive species such as pygmy hippos and the rare shoebill stork. River excursions provide a tranquil way to spot hippos and crocodiles, while guided walks allow guests to discover the smaller wonders of the forest and savannah. Birdwatching here is exceptional, with over 400 recorded species, many of them forest specialists found nowhere else in Uganda. After a day of adventure, guests can relax by the pool, enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars, or gather around the campfire to share stories of the day’s sightings.

December -March: hot & dry

April-June: rainy season

July-September: dry with occasional passing rain

October-November: short rains

Chimpanzee Research & Forest Walk – there is a chimpanzee research project on site at Semliki, being run by the University of Indiana in the USA. The research is based on bipedalism and is likely providing further insight into human evolution. Guests are invited to visit the research site and go into the forest with the team. There are a number of trails cut through the forest and this is a fascinating outing.

Game Drives – expect to see Uganda Kob, Savannah and Forest Elephant, Buffalo, several monkey species, Waterbuck, Bushbuck & Warthog among many others. Semliki is in particular known for its unique and diverse bird life, with mix of savannah, forest and wet habitat birds numbering nearly 500 species – a highlight is the shoebill stork.

Conservation and Community

The lodge is deeply committed to conservation and to supporting local communities. It was one of the first eco-lodges in Uganda, pioneering sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact while promoting wildlife protection. Through local employment, training, and the sourcing of produce and materials from nearby villages, Semliki Safari Lodge ensures that the surrounding communities benefit directly from tourism. Its continued presence has played a vital role in preserving the Semliki Valley as a sanctuary for wildlife and culture alike.

SEMLIKI LODGE IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE LODGE ACCEPTS FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES