Mumbuga spring
A natural hot fountain.
Mgslee — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mgslee — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mgslee — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Timothy Akolamazima — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mgslee — CC BY-SA 4.0
Semuliki National Park protects 219 square kilometres of East Africa's only lowland tropical rainforest, in Bundibugyo District, western Uganda. It is one of Africa's richest areas for plant and animal diversity, especially birds and butterflies, and lies about 32 km in a straight line from Fort Portal. The area was managed as a forest reserve from 1932 and became a national park in October 1993. It sits in the Albertine Rift at 670 to 760 metres, with the Rwenzori Mountains to the southeast and Lake Albert to the north. Most of its plants and animals are also found in the forests of the Congo Basin. Its best-known sights are two hot springs in a mineral-crusted swamp, one of which, the Mumbuga spring, forms a natural fountain about 59 cm high. Steam drifts over the green meadows around the springs, reached by boardwalks through tall grass under forested hills. The springs draw shorebirds, and animals come to lick the salts. The park lies on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, so go with Uganda Wildlife Authority guides and check travel advice and health measures before your trip. Keep back from the edges of the springs, as the water is scalding.
A natural hot fountain.
Through grass and steam.
Rich in birds.
Bundibugyo District, western Uganda
Rare lowland rainforest and hot springs.
Yes, on the DRC border, so go with guides.