Waterfalls in Uganda – The “Pearl of Africa”

Waterfalls in Uganda are distinct with each offering visitors on Uganda safari with a unique feeling and experience. Need to experience something different on Uganda safari? Well, waterfalls feature among the most unique attractions to explore on Uganda safari tour given their jaw-dropping appearance and conducive surrounding which makes them the best spots to chill or escape from the bustling and noisy city, offering a refreshing experience.

There are many spectacular waterfalls in Uganda and incredibly, they are distinct from each other. Exploring Uganda’s waterfalls lets you complement your other Uganda safari experiences like birding, game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, mountain gorilla trekking, or cultural encounter.

Below are some of the magnificent waterfalls in Uganda

Murchison Falls 

Located in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, Northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls is by far one of the most stunning waterfalls in Uganda. It is from this waterfall that the national park derives its name.

Murchison Falls is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and powerful waterfalls in the world. It squeezes itself in a narrow gorge of 7 meters prior to it plunges down about 43 meters and forms a permanent rainbow.

Visitors on Uganda safari can best explore Murchison Falls on a boat cruise that heads towards the bottom of the falls. En-route, you have the opportunity to see basking crocodiles, hippos, water birds, and a magical view of the falls. You then disembark and take a hike to the top of the falls where you will witness the powerfulness of this natural wonder as it squeezes itself in a narrow gorge.

Amazingly, you can also incorporate your visit to Murchison Falls with game drives (for you to see diverse wildlife species including the Rothschild giraffes, elephants, lions, leopard, buffaloes, antelopes like Uganda Kobs, topis, impalas, elands, waterbucks), bird watching, nature walks, hot air balloon tours in Murchison Falls National Park.

Waterfalls in Uganda

Murchison Falls

Sipi Falls

The Sipi Falls are some of the most magical waterfalls in Uganda which visitors on Ugandan safari shouldn’t miss exploring. A visit to these waterfalls lets you discover how Uganda is gifted by nature. The Sipi falls are comprised of 3 scenic waterfalls and they are set in Eastern Uganda. They are shared by Mbale, Sironko, and Kapchorwa districts. These magical waterfalls straddle at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, just close to the border with Kenya.

Visitors on Uganda safari in the Sipi Falls region also have the opportunity to take hikes to the top of Mount Elgon, birding in addition to viewing the magical waterfalls.

Ssezibwa Falls 

This waterfall-like other waterfalls in Uganda has something unique for tourists on a Ugandan safari and won’t leave you the same way. Ssezibwa Falls is located in Mukono, about 35kms East of Kampala. These waterfalls hold a unique spiritual and cultural history-with the majority of local residents flocking to this place to seek blessings, fortunes, and wealth.

The area is today reserved as Buganda Heritage Site. Ssezibwa Falls is set on River Ssezibwa, about 7m high, and forms breathtaking scenery. It is a perfect place to visit for kayaking, camping, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and boat ride.

Aruu Falls 

These although rarely visited are the most powerful waterfalls in Uganda and they are found in Pader district, Northern Uganda. The jagged crashing cascade makes these waterfalls a unique place with a breathtaking view. Visitors on Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park can also pay a visit to Aruu Falls.

Kisiizi Falls

This waterfall is set on River Kyabamba, Rukungiri district just at the border with Kabale, Southwestern Uganda. Visitors on a Ugandan gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can add a visit to this magnificent waterfall.

It rises about 27 meters high and features stunning scenery of forests. Kisiizi Falls holds a rare history, especially for Bakiga. It is believed that when the unmarried Bakiga girls in this region conceived before marriage, their father and brother escorted the girls to the top of the falls released them off to fall down the cliff.

This was one way of instilling morals among young girls and keeping them away from engaging in pre-marital sex which often results in pregnancy.

There are many activities to do on a visit to Kisiizi waterfalls, for instance, forest walks, community walk, birding where you have a chance to identify different bird species such as the lesser striped swallow, emerald spotted wood-dove, grey crowned crane, double toothed barbet, African pygmy kingfisher, African paradise flycatcher, scarlet chested sunbird, willow warbler, yellow-billed stork and many more; photo taking.

Waterfalls in Uganda

Kisiizi Falls in Uganda

Mpanga Falls 

Also famous as Beaton Falls, Mpanga Falls flows into Lake George. It rises about 50m and it boasts of its breathtaking scenery. A visit to this waterfall on Uganda safari lets you identify a variety of birds, explore more about the cycad trees and also embark on a boat ride.

Karuma Falls – Waterfalls in Uganda

Do you have plans of heading to Northwestern or Northern Uganda? If yes, then Karuma Falls is such a magical place not to miss to set your eye. It is such a magical waterfall to visit on Uganda wildlife safari to Murchison Falls National Park. Karuma Falls are on the Kampala-Gulu highway.

They feature a sequence of rock formations right from the base of Victoria Nile to the ripple. These waterfalls are ideal for bird watching or boat cruise. A visit to this waterfall can be incorporated with game drives, birding, nature walks, and a boat cruise/launch trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park.

Itanda Falls – Waterfalls in Uganda

The Itanda Falls are set on River Nile and for visitors on a visit to Jinja, it is such a magical spot to explore. It is 27kms from Jinja Town and remains an untapped natural wonder in Uganda. Itanda Falls is perfectly explored on Kayak, water rafting, and bird watching.

Other waterfalls to visit in Uganda include the Nkusi Falls on Lake Albert, Mahoma Falls in Ruteete, Ripon Falls, Owen Falls, Bujagali Falls, triple waterfalls in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

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