The Sempaya Hot Springs

The Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki National Park, Uganda

The Sempaya Hot Springs are a remarkable natural attractions found in Semuliki National Park at the edge of the great Ituri Forest on the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name ‘Sempaya’ was drawn from a Kiswahili phrase – ‘sehemu mbaya’ which is translated ‘the difficult side’ owing to the challenges encountered during the construction of the Fort portal – Bundibugyo road along the ridges of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.

The Sempaya Hot Springs exist as two springs; the male spring and the female spring, found in two separate locations.

The female spring

The inner female spring is referred to as Nyasimbi by the local Bamaga tribe and is believed to be a sacred location of their female god. The location of the spring is 30 minutes walk off the main road into the beaten forest tracks.

Once at the spring, it is thrilling to see steamy hot water boiling at approximately 103 degrees Celsius, bubbling and jetting out of the ground. Tourists have the honor of boiling eggs and cooking matooke (plantain) in the hot waters. The female spring is invaluable to the local women who go there to offer sacrifices and prayer to appease their female ancestor. The barren ask the female god for fertility and those who are pregnant pray that the mother spirit grants them an easy delivery during childbirth.

The male spring

The outer male spring is referred to Mumbugu by the local Bamaga and is believed to be the sacred shrine of a male god. The spring is discovered after an hour-long journey into the woodlands. It is associated with wealth and sacrifices are offered by men with the aim of appeasing the male ancestral spirit in exchange for prosperity.

Besides the fascinating hot springs, a Uganda safaris tour to Semuliki National Park has a lot to offer to the adventurer and avid naturalist. The park has numerous attractions; River Semuliki which snakes through the mountains and meanders away pouring its waters into Lake Albert, the great Ituri Forest of the Congo basin, the legendary Rwenzori Mountain ranges, wetlands and woodlands which are a habitat to various bird species and wildlife.

Travel with us. you need to visit this hot spring and see how hot water comes out. for sure its a female hot spring .