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Hot springs are created by geothermally heated underground water rising to the earth’s surface. The water temperature is significantly higher than the air temperature in the surrounding area and can therefore be dangerous. Most hot springs around the world are known to release heated groundwater through shallow intrusions. Sempaya Hot Spring is one such case. Located in Semuliki National Park, the hot springs have a temperature of up to 103⁰C (217.4⁰F) and are divided into male and female by the locals. Intrepid visitors to these hot springs usually place raw eggs on the springs, let them cook, and eat them later! This is a true representation of how hot these springs are.
Semuliki National Park is a protected area in western Uganda. The park occupies an area of 219 km2.
Human use
Locals in the Semuliki area sometimes bathe where the water is cooler for hygiene reasons. Others have attached traditional motifs to the bath. Some include healing skin disorders, fertility for those who are yet to bear children, easy childbirth for pregnant women, and relaxation.
Traditionally, the Bamanga people hold spring sacred; referring to the gods being female, and proceed to propitiate them.
How to get there
The drive to the hot springs is long to say the least, but also rewarding in terms of the spectacular views. This move involves a series of twisty turns that wind up to the escarpment of Mt Rwenzori. And to Sempaya Hot-springs.
Traveling up this escarpment from Toro Kingdom offers views of rolling green mountain ranges that are a sight to behold! There are small farms in sight, beautifully landscaped, posing for good photo moments.
The waterfalls are located on the easternmost edge of the Congolese Ituri forest basin. A few meters from the Semuliki River, which meanders and flows into Lake Albert.
More sites and wonders
There are several activities you can do in Semuliki National Park.
Nature walks – several places can be visited with a guide.
Bird watching – the wetland that surrounds the springs attracts a variety of bird species
Wildlife Watching – The salt deposits around the springs have a way of attracting wildlife. Therefore, animals such as buffaloes occasionally visit the hot springs to lick these deposits.
Sempaya Hot Springs are by far the most common hot springs in Uganda! However, the country is known to have many other hot springs. From a traveler’s point of view, the gushing hot water at Sempaya is remarkable (according to the photo). And it must be seen with the naked eye.
Great Explorer Safaris sometimes include a visit to the Sempaya hot springs in their itineraries, especially those that pass through Semuliki.
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