You can find Karuma Falls near the intersection of Kampala-Gulu expressway and River Nile, which is situated about 97 kilometers north of Masindi Town and 77 kilometers south of Gulu.
Karuma Falls are located on the Kampala-Gulu expressway at the point where the Nile River crosses. They are approximately 97 km from Masindi Town and 77 km from Gulu.
At the Karuma falls is the brand-new power dam that was constructed using modern technology. With a proposed hydroelectric generating capacity of almost 600 megawatts, the Karuma power station will be the largest in Uganda.
The location of the falls was at latitude 2.234167 and longitude 32.246390. Its elevation is 1000 meters on average above sea level. It was said that the power facility at Karuma Falls would be enveloped by a large city.
In 1963, the Karuma Falls Bridge was built to make it easier for the cotton producers in northern Uganda to cross the river. Despite the bridge’s significance to cotton producers, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels found it to be a dangerous area.
When individuals crossed from this location to northern Uganda, the rebels used to barricade the bridge and kill a lot of them. But in 2007, the Ugandan defence force drove the rebels to the Congo and put an end to this horror.
Along the area Pakwach highway, at Karuma Bridge, are the beautiful Karuma Falls. Visitors to northern Uganda adore and enjoy observing the Nile’s swift water flowing across the bridge.
The pressure with which the water strikes the hard rocks on the river’s bottom at Karuma point creates the white water of Karuma falls. When crossing the bridge, some bus drivers choose to slow down, giving tourists the chance to view the falls and several baboons and black and white monkeys.
Therefore, It’s not unusual for people traveling on the Kampala-Pawach Road to want to stop at Karuma Falls. These include visitors to the southern section of the park, who can either take a ferry or walk from Masindi to Karuma Falls on the park’s northeastern edge.
Tourist Activities at Karuma Falls
Viewing Wildlife Game
One of the oldest national parks that receives a significant amount of visitors from tourists travelling to Africa is Karuma. It is ideally situated in the eastern portion of the Murchison Fall National Park.
A trip to Karuma Falls can be combined with a safari to Murchison Falls National Park, which is the only location of the impressive Murchison Falls.
It is recommended for those who wish to go for wildlife game viewing, to visit the northern part of the park. That’s where you’ll find a significant concentration of wildlife game. There you’ll see Rothschild giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, African buffaloes, impala antelopes, zebras, and bushbucks.
A boat cruise
On this cruise, you’ll enjoy watching various species and birds along the river banks. Additionally, you may spot the Nile crocodile, hippos, elephants drinking, and antelopes.
A boat cruise on the Victoria Nile will offer you a great adventure experience. You can take a boat trip on the Albertine Nile and the bottom of the Karuma falls using the delta boat or the Nile boat.
Sport fishing
Visitors should prepare their fishing gear for the most thrilling activity especially after having breakfast. The guide will then pick you up to go fishing for Nile perch and other species below the renowned Murchison Falls boat.
The entire day will be spent fishing from a boat and the shore as well.
Nature Walks in Budongo Forest
This nature walk will provide a window into the tropical habitat of a variety of primates. These include the grey-chested mangabey, white-and-black colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.
Inclusive to these are a variety of bird species, including the very rare shoebill stork and many others.
Accommodation at Karuma Falls
When visiting Karuma Falls, visitors have access to a broad variety of lodging options.
These include low-cost, mid-range, and upscale lodging options, like Red Chill Camp, Chobe Safari Lodge, Karuma Falls Campground, and Sambiya River Lodge, among others, that provide top-notch services to all tourists.
How tourists can reach the Karuma falls
The trip from Kampala to Karuma Falls can be made by car along the Masindi-Gulu route. It takes around 3–4 hours, covering a distance of about 255 kilometers.
Public transportation options include buses, and travelers can also use a tour operator’s private services.
Conclusion
You can add a trip to the falls to your one-day schedule for the national park at Murchison Falls. The sounds made by the falls convey how dynamic nature is.
At Karuma Falls, you can capture a lot of pictures or just take in the beauty of the gushing water.
You may also consider going to Karuma Town to take in the scenery and discover more about the locals’ way of life.
