There are many waterfalls in Uganda that have contributed to Uganda’s reputation as the Pearl of Africa, and they are all breathtaking.
The waterfalls in Uganda have contributed to Uganda being called the Pearl of Africa. In fact, there are plenty of them. Read on to see the full list.
These waterfalls complement a chain of other tourist attractions in Uganda such as roaring rivers, lakes, mountains, wildlife, and the country’s rich culture.
The waterfalls in Uganda listed below make for a great picturesque location if you want to keep memories of your safari trip to Uganda.
The areas around the waterfalls also offer an opportunity to participate in other activities such as boat safaris, swimming, rock climbing, hiking, zip-lining, white water rafting, or kayaking on your trip to the falls.
Exploring these waterfalls will give you a proper insight into what Uganda is all about especially when it comes to culture.
The waterfalls listed below are the best ones in Uganda.
Sipi Falls
The Sipi Falls are just 55 kilometers from Mbale along a well-maintained road in the little market town of Sipi, which is situated at a height of 1,775 meters on the northeastern foot slopes of the mountain Elgon.
The settlement looks out into the 99-meter-high Sipi Falls. the third and final waterfall the Sipi River creates a beautiful splash as it crashes downhill from Mount Elgon’s upper slopes into the Kyoga Basin.
Visitors can engage in a variety of activities close to Sipi Falls, including abseiling, hiking, bird viewing, cave expeditions, cave painting trips, and camping. Views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and Mount Elgon’s flanks can be seen on hikes that travel around the falls.
Through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or regional private tour operators, people can arrange vacations.
The footpaths and caves that surround the falls provide hiking opportunities, viewing the extensive banana and coffee plantations that surround the waterways, and interacting with the local Bagisu and Sabiny people.
Itanda Falls
The Bujagali Falls were replaced by the Itanda Falls in Jinja, which is located in Eastern Uganda along the Nile River. Itanda Falls is about 30 kilometers off Jinja Road, and it takes about 45 minutes to travel there on a clean road.
The waterfalls are revered by the locals as holy sites; those who live on the slopes typically travel to the base of the tree in search of a visible blessing during trying times.
The Itanda Falls is currently one of Jinja’s most popular tourist attractions; the river’s history, as well as the area’s views and sounds, make it a must-see on any intriguing safari tour of Uganda.
Aruu Falls
The exhilarating, fascinating, and daring Aruu Falls are flowing torrents of thundering waterfalls.
The Aruu waterfalls are especially stunning because of their jarring, crashing descent. Watching the water cascade down the rocks at the waterfalls is a highly colorful sight.
This is the perfect location for thrill-seekers because you can take a bath under the waterfalls. Additionally, getting there on your own is an adventure in itself due to the ragged rocks and poorly defined trail that must be navigated.
On the Gulu-Kitgum route, Aruu Falls is situated in Northern Uganda, 386 kilometers from Kampala, the country’s capital city, and 47 kilometers from Gulu.
Bwindi Water Falls
In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Buhoma section and Rushaga area contain two significant waterfalls.
The waterfalls are the pinnacle of Uganda’s wild experiences; the sights and sounds of this jewel of the tropics of Africa are all condensed in and around these falls.
Mountain gorilla sightings are quite uncommon near the falls, but your journey to the falls in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park will allow you to see a wide variety of birds.
Murchison Falls
A very stunning sight, the Victoria Nile rushes down a 43-m-long gorge before plunging into a turbulent frothy pool at the bottom.
Murchison Falls is a power of nature and the most visited waterfall in Uganda. It is located in the northwest, between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert, in Uganda’s largest national park.
Taking a boat tour or going on a guided hike are the two finest ways to see Murchison Falls. You can feel the force of the cascade increasing as you go closer to the falls via boat.
Karuma Falls
Karuma Falls, located on the Victoria Albertine Nile in Uganda, are the most stunning waterfalls; one would be unable to stop admiring them for their breathtaking scenery and impressive appearance.
The largest national park in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park, contains Karuma Falls in its easternmost region.
The origin of name Karuma derives from the legend that the Victoria Nile River was blocked from flowing by the Great Spirit Karuma, who also gave the name to the falls in Karuma.
Mahoma Water Falls
The Mahoma Falls is located in a serene, lovely, and yet incredibly gorgeous location of Ruteete, along Fort Portal Kamwenge road.
Visitors to Mahoma Falls are rewarded with the energizing sights of the waterfalls gushing over the rocks with a splash, a lush green landscape, astonishing birdlife, stunning rocks, and a tranquil, peaceful, and cool ambiance.
Ssezibwa Falls
Along the main route connecting Kampala and Jinja in the District of Mukono, Ssezibwa Falls is situated 32 kilometers from Kampala city.
Water rushes through a small opening in some rocks and plunges quickly (17 meters) into a sizable pool that is roughly 14 meters deep. This is what causes the Ssezibwa falls.
One of the greatest spots to unwind after a lengthy wildlife safari in Uganda or before going to the source of the Nile river for sports like whitewater rafting or bungee jumping is the region around the falls.
Local slang for “something infinite” refers to the term Ssezibwa. Another significant cultural and spiritual location for the Baganda people is the Sezibwa Falls.
Kisiizi Falls
The stunning Kisiizi Falls are located in the Rukungiri district, which borders Kabale and is in the southwest corner of Uganda, just a few meters from Kisiizi Hospital, on the Kyabamba River.
These falls, which pour water into a valley to continue the River’s flow, are roughly 27 meters high. Visitors to the Kisiizi Falls are greeted by mist from the falls at a distance of at least 100 meters, letting them know that they are approaching the stunning site with a dark cultural past.
The older residents of this area claim that these falls are to blame for the decent morals of the unmarried Bakiga girls in the neighborhood.
When a girl became pregnant outside of marriage, her father and brother would accompany her to the top of these falls before releasing her to plunge down the cliff and perish.
This was done to deter other females from having premarital s#x, which frequently results in pregnancy. It was to ensure that girls remained virgins until marriage.
Mpanga Falls
The Mpanga River, which contains the falls, feeds Lake George and gives them their shape and beauty.
It rushes towards the lake through a sizable gap in the eastern cliff of the rift valley and also through a rocky chasm of unusual spray forest of cycad, a species unique to Mpanga Gorge, to the impressive Mpanga Falls.
The gorge surrounds the falls, which in turn supports the luxuriant spray forest.
Conclusion
It is said that you can’t help but feel happy when in the presence of waterfalls. This statement is true about the Uganda waterfalls. They aren’t an everyday geographical feature that can be found everywhere. These waterfalls are unique to this particular country.
Many tourists can’t help but travel to Uganda to see the best waterfalls. The famous Itanda Falls, Sipi Falls, and Murchison Falls offer some of the most breathtaking views, perfect for pictures and picnics. These should be on your list of things to see when you visit Uganda.
