Semliki Safari Lodge

Guests at Semliki Safari Lodge can stay in one of the authentic safari tents. With family tents accommodating up to four people, and twin and double tents for up to 2 people, there is something for everyone. The tents are traditional and have an atmosphere of rustic charm, with polished hardwood floors, Turkish rugs, and comfortable beds. Wide netted windows allow bright, natural light and fresh breezes to fill the tent.

The beds are covered in crisp white bed linen, complete with plush pillows and draped in mosquito netting. All tents come complete with their own ensuite bathroom which includes a hot shower. A private verandah at the front of the tent comes complete with deck chairs, offering guests the perfect place to unwind after a long day and truly take in their beautiful surroundings.

Guests can make their way to the communal dining room at Semliki Safari Lodge. Romantic candlelit dinners are served under a thatch roof and with guests surrounded by authentic safari décor.

If guests wish, unique and unforgettable dining experiences can be arranged during your stay at Semliki Safari Lodge. Organise for a picnic to be taken out to the heart of the bushveld, and enjoy light treats while immersing in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Similarly, bush breakfasts can be arranged for guests who wish to begin the day in the centre of the wilderness, enjoying a filling breakfast while accompanied by the sounds of the bush waking up. Private dinners can be arranged for guests who wish to spend an evening alone in each other’s company.

Included in your stay is the traditional safari activity of a game drive. Head out twice daily and experience the bush first-hand. Travelling in comfort through the wilderness, knowledgeable guides will be able to drive you to all the best viewing spots where you may see elephants, buffalos and monkeys.

For a more immersive experience, guests can head out on a guided game walk through the bushveld. Following a trained and friendly guide, guests will be able to meander through the wilderness at a slower pace, taking in the fresh air, as well as viewing the micro-ecosystems. This is also a great opportunity for a keen birder, as on the walk you will be able to listen to the birdsong, and maybe see some of the 425 species of bird which inhabit this area.

Guests can arrange to go on an excursion to see the local chimpanzees and the researchers that are working to help protect their population. Talk to the researchers and find out about the interesting lives of these majestic and endangered creatures.

Organise a boat trip on the gentle waters of Lake Albert. Enjoy gliding serenely over the glistening water, keeping your eyes on the horizon, and taking in the ethereal view. Or look to the shallows for wading birds and thirsty animals stopping for a drink.

Wild Places Africa has been hands-on in conservation and protection initiatives since the early 1990s. Before the lodge at Semliki was built Wild Places Africa had already reorganised the park ranger force. With help from Parks Canada and their surplus equipment, uniforms were provided to the rangers. As well as helping with their salaries. With tents, sleeping bags and backpacks also supplied to the rangers they were able to patrol the area once again, and anti-poaching patrols began to yield results again.

Wild Places works with local communities, to help them understand the importance of conservation, involving them in the running of the lodge and training them as guides. They established the Semliki Conservation Trust which works to create better public health awareness in the local communities and has a specific focus on the nutritional health of expectant mothers.

At their Apoka Safari Lodge, they have a long-established relationship with the local village of Lokorul which is located on the outskirts of Kidepo Valley National Park. The majority of workers hired for the safari lodge are from this village and are offered professional training. Visits to this local village are available and are sensitively carried out. Guests can talk to the village elders, learn how to make local food and see how the Karamojong live. This prosperous partnership has enabled the building of a village clinic and regular doctor visits in this region.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is owned by the local community of Nkuringo but built and managed by Wild Places Africa. A specifically habituated group of gorillas helped the community participate in the conservation of the habitats. The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) and the Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF) worked together to purchase a tract of land to work as a buffer zone between the gorillas and local homesteads. The community earns significant shares of the revenue of Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.