The best waterfalls in Uganda: Waterfalls are a mass of water that drops off a cliff rapidly. All waterfalls are a beauty to see. However, the feeling and experience that you get when you visit each waterfall is different. Definitely, this is what creates the thrill.
Water Falls and the activities carried out there are not for the faint-hearted. But, that does not mean that if you go there you will not have any fun at all. They provide a refreshing experience for people and those who want to relax, and that is the right place to go.
Uganda has lot of beautiful scenery to see and one of them is the numerous waterfalls. Meanwhile, you can locate them in different parts of Uganda. Uganda is popular as the Pearl of Africa and the breathtaking. Thus, waterfalls are a confirmation to this showing you how she is gifted by nature.
The best waterfalls in Uganda are accessible almost throughout the year and this is what makes them unique. However, you can best see them during the Rainy season. During this time, the water levels increase by a large margin. There are numerous waterfalls in the country and today we are going to look at the different waterfalls. Also, we’ll see the activities that you can carry out when you visit these beautiful God-given sites.
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is the most common among tourists. This is due to its height of 43 meters and width of seven meters. It runs on the rocky dunes on the west Nile between Lake Albert and Lake Kyoga. For those who love water rafting, you will get to have fun on one of the world’s scariest falls. Here, the rapids run at a Speed of 80 kilometers.
A visit to Murchison Falls within also lets you experience seeing the falls crash into a chasm. This creates a unique view and sound. At Murchison Falls, you get to view the devil’s cauldron and rainbows at their best.
The falls fall into the Victoria Nile and you will also find a park where you can view the different animals in the area. Some of the activities that you can carry out at Murchison Falls include kayaking, fishing, and water rafting. Also, you can go for a boat cruise to the delta or bottom of the falls. These two boat cruises allow you to see aquatic animals like hippos, crocodiles, and many others.
The Sipi Falls
You find Sipi falls in Eastern Uganda in Kapchorwa district. Sipi falls take the award for being the most beautiful falls in Uganda. A visit to the falls gives you a chance to climb Mountain Elgon on which the falls Cascade down onto. The Sipi falls give you a chance to view the surrounding areas at a high peak. You also enjoy the view of the place and Eastern Uganda.
There are different activities that you can carry out when you decide to visit the Sipi Falls. These include; these include mountain bike racing, Bird watching,
Ssezibwa Falls
Ssezibwa falls is on the Ssezibwa River and it has quite an interesting story on how it came into existence. According to the Baganda, a woman who belonged to the Kibe clan gave birth to twins. However, one of the twins was not human, the other twin was a river. The woman whose name was Nakangu named the river Ssezibwa and that’s how it came into existence.
The locals still believe the river inhabits the spirits and you will find shrines surrounding the falls where people visit to cleanse their bodies from bad omen. The waterfalls run over a few quartzite rocks before being separated into two which gives off a good view.
The different activities that you can do on the ssezibwa falls include boat riding, kayaking, fishing among other activities.
Kisizi Falls
Kisizi falls are on Kyabambe River in Rukungiri district deep in the Kigezi hills. They rise to a height of 27 meters high. Beautiful scenery of forests surrounds the falls and it is in a very secluded area.
The Kisizi falls have a myth surrounding them. According to locals, the falls from way back were used by families for pregnant girls who were not married. These girls were pushed down the cliff as a warning to other girls to remain virgins till they got married. Then one time, there is a girl who was to be pushed by the brother and father. However, when the time came for pushing her, she held onto both and they fell down the falls. Hence, the sounds that one hears when one visits the falls are the sounds of the family calling onto themselves.
There are different activities that you can carry out when one visit the Kisizi falls. These include sky trail, bird watching, and walking through the Kisizi falls cave to get a clear view of the falls. Also, hiking and forest walks around the Falls is a satisfying experience.
Mpanga Falls
These are also popular as Beaton Falls and it flows into Lake George. Mpanga Falls rise up to 50 meters and they give off a beautiful scenery. the scenery is due to the beautiful rocks in the area. Some of the things you can do here is to watch birds, the Cycad trees, and boat riding among others.
Itanda Falls
These falls are along river Nile and you can hardly miss them as youheads to Jinja. Although they are not easy to reach, it is a serene place which is only 27 kilometers from Jinja town. Tourists rarely visit it making it maintain its natural beauty.
Many consider it to be a sacred place by the local people who pray to get healing from the area. You can also enjoy Kayaking, All terrain safari, fishing, biking, water rafting and birding among other activities.
Aruu Falls
You can find these Falls in Pader district in Northern Uganda as you head towards Kidepo Valley National Park. They cascade down the slippery rocks creating an enticing scenery to the viewers. There are several activities you can do at Aruu Falls. These include rock climbing, sport fishing, birding, swimming and nature walks.
Karuma Falls
You can find them along the Victoria Nile and they formed as a result of rock formations. karuma is the second-most powerful and one of the best waterfalls in Uganda. It is where the beautiful Falls flow down. You can find them near Murchison falls National Park in kiryandongo district. It creates foam which is white in color and it is where you find the Karuma power station.
Even though before it was a bit hard to visit the Karuma Falls due to the war caused by the Lord’s resistance movement, it is very easy to visit now because the place is now peaceful with enough security. The activities you can carry out at Karuma Falls include birding. Also, you get to see the different wild animals around the area.
Mahoma Water Falls
You can find Mahoma falls in Ruteete along Fort portal Kamwenge road. They have become a major tourist attraction for those visiting Fort portal. They are on River Mahoma which formed due to the volcanic eruptions that took place in that area. Mahoma falls will give you good scenery that is serene and you will be able to carry out the different activities. These include biking, birding, rock climbing and many more other impressive activities.
Ripon Falls
Rippon falls are near Lake Victoria on the River Nile in Jinja district. It is one of the best waterfalls in Uganda. John Speke discovered them and he marked them as the source of the Nile. They are believed to be about Five meters high and 275 meters wide although the Owen Falls dam has submerged them.
The activities that can be carried out when you visit Ripon Falls include water rafting, boating, kayaking and other interesting activities.
Owen Falls
Owen Falls are on River Nile in Jinja district. Locals commonly know it as Bujagaali. It is one of the best and most powerful waterfalls in Uganda. It now houses the Owen falls dam for the generation of electricity. The different activities to do on Owen Falls include Kayaking, white water rafting, bungee jumping and horseback riding.
Have you picked interest in visiting Uganda probably to see one of these falls? You can book a tour with us featuring other destionations/activities. These include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife safaris and many more. Safari Vacations and Travel services will cater for your travel needs.
