Uganda Water Falls Tour

UGANDA WATERFALLS

Sitting along the Equator, Uganda is made up of four regions (Central, Eastern, Northern and Western) in an area of 236,580 sq km, with its capital Kampala.
The country is fortunate to host Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world forming the source of the Nile, the longest river in the World.
Uganda lies astride the Equator in East Africa between longitudes 29 East and East and between latitudes 4 North and South, at an average altitude of 1,100 meters above the sea-level. Bordered by the Republic of South Sudan to the North, the Republic of Kenya to the East, the United Republic of Tanzania to the South, the Republic of Rwanda to the South-West and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the West.
Uganda experiences a temperate climate even though the majority of the country is within Tropicswith temperatures between 16 – 26°C for the majority of the year (April – November). However, during the warmer months (December – March) temperatures reach in excess of 30°C.
Uganda's waterfalls are spread throughout the country.

1. Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is located in Murchison Falls National Park which lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the bulk Bunyoro escarpment merges into the vast plains of Acholiland.
Murchison Falls is also known as the Kabalega Falls named after the Omukama (King) of Bunyoro. Sir Samuel Baker named Murchison Falls in honor of the then President of the Royal Geographical Society in Britain, hence the name changed from Kabalega to Murchison Falls.
The most spectacular thing to happen to the Nile along its 6700km journey to the Medeterranian sea, the 50 meter – wide river is squeezed through an 8 meter gap in the rock and crashes through this narrow gorge with unbelievable power making Murchison Falls is the world's most powerful waterfall.
What to Do At and Around the Murchison Falls
Guided Nature Walks and Hiking to the top of the Falls: If you take a launch cruise to the bottom of the falls, the captain will let you off the trail-head and you will meet the ranger for the hike to top of the falls. The boat can pick you later or use your safari car to drive from the top of the falls to your next destination or lodge. The top of the falls is a good spot for camping. The hiking takes about 45 minutes.
Chimpanzee Tracking: The Budongo forest is one of Uganda's best place to track the man's closest relative – the Chimpanzees. You meet with a specialist Chimpanzee tracking guides for a pre-tracking briefing on the Chimpanzee family you will track, what to expect, the dos and don'ts, and what is amazing about the chimps. Afterward, you will venture into the thick forest with a guide, ranger and trackers in the footsteps of the Chimpanzees. On the trek, you will spot other primates, little creatures of the jungle on the ground and in the trees, birds, interesting forest flowers, plants (some medical some poisonous), insects and butterflies, trees some almost 200 years old. Upon the sighting the Chimpanzees, you will stay for the allowed one hour, totally unforgettable, as they go about their daily life; feeding, grooming, raising the young ones, climbing and descending among other fascinating behavior.
Game Viewing Drive: Pretty much all wildlife watching on land happens in the northern bank of the River Nile. Among the wildlife to spot on the game-drive include: lions, African elephants, Rothschilds giraffes, buffalos, hartebeest, Uganda Kob, leopards can also be spotted in the tree branches, plenty of birds such as the Shoebill, egrets, among others.
Boat Launch Cruise: Enjoy an amazing launch cruise on the River Nile to the base of the falls with virtual guaranteed sightings of hippos, giant Nile Crocodiles, wallowing buffalos, and african elephants, numerous water birds and other animals that come to drink on the banks of the river.
Birding Tour: Both launch cruises and game drives offer an opportunity for one to come accros distinct birdlife, including savannah forest birds, water birds and Albertine endemics. The park's main birding attraction is the Shoebill.
Sport Fishing: The banks of the Nile River below the Murchison Falls provide an exiting challenges to anglers. Living within strong currents and highly oxygenated water is the Nile perch. There is a chance to land a massive catch of a Nile Perch and break the record of 108kg!
Cultural encounters: Energetic dancers from Mubako perform around lodge campfires, making a magical African experience at dusk. The Boomu Women's Group offers accommodation, a craft shop and village tours, revealing the realities of life in this rural community.

2. Aruu Falls
The Aruu Falls are located in northern Uganda within Pader District about 4 and half kilometers from the Pader-Kitugum highway. The waterfalls are located in the middle of a forested area and the encompassing area is inhabited by the Acholi and Langi people who are mainly peasant farmers.
The beautiful cascading Aruu waterfalls are among the hide treasures in the country that are worth seeing on your safari in Uganda. Despite their breathtaking beauty, they are not a commonly visited site; however make a perfect stopover or day trip site for anyone on Safari from Murchison Falls National Park to Kidepo National Park or vice versa.
What to Do At and Around the Aruu Falls
Besides viewing these beautiful waterfalls, there are a number of activities you can enjoy at and around the waterfalls. Below we have highlighted some of the activities
Picnic Lunches: You may enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the large rocks at the bottom of the falls as you enjoy the cool breeze of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa
Nature Walks: there are interesting nature walks around the falls to even to the nearby communities and these are led by local guides. These walks will offer you an opportunity to meet and interact with some of the local people, visit their villages and see their traditional homesteads.
Visit the local Market: there is a local market supplied with fresh produces from the local’s farms. There you will be able to buy some fresh fruits like mangoes, passion fruits, watermelons plus so many others when in season. Also those interested in buying a souvenir like some pieces crafted art works, this will be the perfect place to visit.
Photography: the waterfalls offer a very beautiful background for photographs and video recording, so anyone interested in doing so, this is a unique and perfect.
Bird watching: being a source of water to this area, you will see several water birds and other bird species around these waterfalls and the most commonly species include: weaver birds, hornbills, African wagtail, red bishops, Egyptian goose, eastern grey plantain eater, stonechat and the Secretary Bird.
Swimming and Rock Climbing: this is also done at the falls however we should warn you that the rocks are very slippery to climb so climbing and swimming is done at your own risk
Primate watching: because the area is fairly forested, you may be lucky to see some of the primates especially the Vervet Monkeys.

3.Sipi Falls
The Sipi Falls is one major attraction in Uganda since it is comprised of three naturally flowing waterfalls that come from three different districts of country. Even before roads where constructed and bridges where built, Sipi Falls has always been one of the most favorite sites that tourists go to. such site not only imparts the beauty of nature but it is also the best place for busy people to unwind and just simply enjoy the simple things that life has to offer.
What to Do At and Around the Sipi Falls
Hiking Mount Elgon: Climbing Mount Elgon can be accomplished in 4 days – most climbers are fit enough and it is a medium difficulty climb. You have porters and guides with you to guide you along and ease your load. Other lower elevation trails are there for you to hike on for half or full-day, taking a packed lunch from your lodge.
Mountain Biking: Mountain Biking Trails opened up in Mount Elgon National Park and it and the nearby Sipi Falls area have become a most popular for those who love mountain biking.
Birding: Birders will love this area spotting bird species here such as Hartlaub’s Turaco, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, Lemon Dove, Dusky-Turtle Dove, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Thick-billed Honey guide, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike.
Rock Climbing: You can do safe – guided Rock Climbing both inside of Mount Elgon National Park and in the Sipi Falls Area, even along the Falls themselves, which is quite exhilarating.
Trout Fishing at Sipi Falls: Trout Fishing is done past Sipi Falls on the Sipi River, take a nice packed lunch, some drinks or water, you will guided into the place where you can fish for trout. Trout Fishing on the Sipi River is done on a catch and release basis which is the same as catching releasing Nile Perch in Murchison Falls Park.
The Abayudaya Jews of Uganda: The Abayudaya are Jews by choice and not by their lineage, some of them have gone through official conversion in the Jewish Conservative Tradition. The Abayudaya Jewish community is almost 100 years old in since their establishment in Uganda by Semei Kakungulu. They have Schools that teach a Jewish and Ugandan curriculum.
Budadiri Community Walk: An interactive Cultural Community Walk like in the Bunduri Community no to far from Mount Elgon. This community group, based in Budadiri, offers cultural dances, guided coffee tours and community nature walks. Visitors can discover the region’s cultural dances, food preparation, folklore and its famous delicacy Maleewa (bamboo shoots).
Bagisu – Imbalu Circumcision: No Gisu male can be married without being circumcised. In the culture of the Bugisu, circumcision of males is done publicly. Visitors and Tourists are invited to this boisterous, colorful event. However a donation is recommended when pictures are taken.
It takes place from August to December every even year, but December is more and more the favorite.
The Nyero Rock Paintings and Caves: These are ancient rock paintings and were not created by tribes that presently live in the area, but by ancient cave dwellers who were the first inhabitants of the area. The Rock painting remain in relative good shape having survived thousands of the year. There are several other rock painting sites within the general area.
Rock Abseiling: Abseiling is another activity that most of the tourists find equal interest in. At Sipi Falls, tourists can choose from several height options and can even abseil on the mountain that holds the Sipi Falls. Thus, Sipi Falls is not just another ordinary tourist destination.

4. Sisiyi Falls
Sisiyi Falls is found in eastern Uganda in Bulambuli District, northeast of Sironko and Mbale. The waterfall lies on the edge of Mt Elgon National Park that straddles the Uganda-Kenya border. With a cool climate than most of the country, Sisiyi Falls is a nice place to unwind, relax and literally chill out away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities.
What to Do At and Around the Sisiyi Falls
Bird Watching: The forests surrounding the Sisiyi falls are home to various bird species that could be spotted during your time at
Mountain Climbing: Hike Mount Elgon along the rock to the top of the Sisiyi Falls at about 110 metre high. Tourists do not have to worry about heat as they climb the rocks. With relative ease, tourists can hike the falls in a hand-holding human chain formation, usually led by a guide. You will have spectacular views of the Elgon region with slopes with coffee plantations.
Cultural Encounters: Get in touch with Uganda's brave tribe of the Bagisu who are famously known for their Imbalu traditional ritual where boys turn into men through circumcision. Don't miss bull fighting competitions organized in the region on Saturdays.
Visiting other smaller local waterfalls within Bugisu.

5. Itanda Falls
Itanda Falls a great place to visit on your Safari in Uganda is not so much known, it is located only 27 kilometers away from Jinja and you need only 45 minutes driving along that rough road. When you get there, you will definitely have an experience of the Authentic Africa, particularly Uganda.
Itanda is an extremely stunning site with lots of ripples therefore has the potential to attract hundreds of tourists and they engage in the different activities like kayaking and also water rafting, an activity that interests hundreds of people from different corners of the world. Today, there are still very few tourists that have visited Itanda therefore it is still one of Uganda’s underutilized resources that is yet to be fully explored.
What to Do At and Around the Itanda Falls
White Water Rafting, Canoeing and Boat riding: Here you can expect long, rollicking strings of Grade IV and V rapids, with plenty of thrill and spills. Despite the intensity of some rapids, most people who venture here are first-time rafters; it's the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try something different.
Kayaking: An alternative to rafting is to go solo and kayak through the raging river, or take a more leisurely paddle on flat water.
Visit the Source of the Nile River: Visit the birthplace of the mighty Nile River, here the water spills out of Lake Victoria on its journey to the Mediterranean flowing fast from the get-go.
Bungee Jumping: Challenge your fear of heights by touching the source of the Nile from the high Nile Bungee jumping Uganda.
Cultural Tours: Great opportunity to experience local culture including sampling of the local foods and village beers.
Quad Biking: Quad biking along the beautiful banks of the Victoria Nile is a real blast. After a little spin on the practice circuit, it's time to explore the paths and trails criss-crossing nearby countryside.
Horse Riding: A horseback safari provides the ideal way to explore the Nile up close, see a traditional Ugandan village and view the fantastic panorama from the hills overlooking the Nile River Valley.

6. Kalagala Falls
They are strategically located in Kayunga district, Kangulumira Sub County in Kalagala village. The sound of the water as you approach is too falls is too interesting. When you stand approximately 4 meters away from the falls, you will have to appreciate and enjoy nature providing you opportunity for participate in photography, scenic viewing and leisure
What to Do At and Around the Kalagala Falls
Birding Tour: The falls provide forest walks and a number of avian species have been identified at the site including blue headed weavers, herons and Sand birds. Bird watching takes place at the place
White Water Rafting and Kayaking: White water sports take place around this place mainly on rivers with falls and rapids.
Boat rides: There are small boats at the falls thus providing boat rides in the area.

7.Ssezibwa Falls
The words “sezibibwa kkubo” mean that no obstacle can stop me from moving on and from Ssezibwa two rivers move on past the tranquil island that separates them into two streams reminding locals of the legend as to how the rivers began.
Many hundreds of years ago there was a woman by the name of Nakangu who was from the Fox clan who was about to give birth to twins, but what was birthed from her were two rivers – two streams. In local tradition it is believed that the spirits of Nakungu’s unborn children – Ssezibwa and Mobeya still live on and inhabit the waters of the river.
What to Do At and Around the Ssezibwa Falls
Birding Tour: The forest at Ssezibwa offers an ultimate opportunity for bird lovers to spot different kinds of bird species.
Cycling: Many visitor to this cultural site enjoy cycling around villages getting to know the way of life of the people who live near the only born waterfalls in the world.
Cultural Encounters: Meet the traditional healer at Ssezibwa Falls who worship the gods who enabled Nakungu to give birth to the river for fertility blessing to the people. This place has a high value in the traditions of the Buganda Kingdom and many Kabakas (Kings) of Buganda have visited and planted trees at the site.

8. Griffin Falls
Griffin Falls is conveniently located in Mabira rainforest just 10 km off the highway between Kampala and Jinja. After an amazing experience in the Mabira forest, you can feel good about where your money ends up because all the profits from Griffin Falls Camp are put into sustainable development projects in the villages in and around Mabira Forest.
The Griffin Falls Camp is owned by the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation (MAFICO), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)
What to Do At and Around the Griffin Falls
Forest Canopy – Super Skyway Zip-lining: This is the only Zip-Line above the tree-tops in East Africa and you can do so in Mabira Forest at a most reasonable Price. The equipment meets all safety standard and was brought in from the USA b y a Peace Corps Volunteer who put the program together and trained Ugandans in safety as visitors zip-line above the tree-tops in the Rainforest. The activity can be done from 8 am to noon and from 1 pm to 6pm,
Uganda Mangabey Monkey Trekking: The Uganda Mangabey Monkey a rare species of monkeys only found in Mabira Rainforest and in a few other locations in the country as well in a small area of bordering Tanzania. There are 3 habituated groups inside of the Park and they can easily be tracked with guides who were a part of the habituation Process. Other monkeys like the red-tailed monkeys, birds, butterflies, flowering plants, and ancient trees that have been here for centuries.
Birding: Mabira forest is home to 315 species of birds including some rare ones like the Nahan’s francolin, Tit Hylia, Yellow and grey longbills, Purple-throated cuckoo shrikes, Illadopsises, Jameson’s wattle eyes. You can spot 46% of Uganda’s forest birds in Mabira Rainforest, that is lot more than any other forest in Uganda.
Nature Walks: You can go on Nature Walks without guides here, however for the best experience in the forest we recommend that you use the resident guides that can give you the best forest experience. Forest walks for any fitness level can be done here including children on a family safari with us, from a long and adventurous trek into the back country to a gentle meandering stroll through our well maintained trails.
Mountain Biking: The mostly well-maintained trails are also a great place for mountain bikers to blazed through the Forest. One can even venture beyond the forest into the communities. Mountain Bikes can be rented at Griffin Falls camp, outside of the forest at a National Forestry Department facility and the best bikes can be rented from Nile River Explorers in Jinja.

9.Munyaga Falls
Munyaga falls are on River Munyaga that flows through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the South western Uganda. After tracking the endangered mountain gorillas one should take a Nature walk to enjoy the forest and the beautiful scenic Muyaga falls.
What to Do At and Around the Munyaga Falls
Gorilla Tracking: A genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience, hanging out with mountain gorillas is one of the most trilling wildlife encounters in the world, and Bwindi Impenetrable National National Park is the best place to see them.
Forest Walks: Even if you can't a afford gorilla tracking, Bwindi is a rewarding park to visit just for a chance to explore the lush virgin rainforest. With various trails that offer a tremendous opportunity to primates, orchids, various birds, butterflies, reptiles, moths, and trees.
Cultural Encounters: The 'Batwa Experience' helps preserve the culture of the Twa (Batwa) people who were displaced from their forest habitat when Bwindi Impenetrable National Park became a national park. Meet the Batwa and see how they lived in the forest.