The Best Water Falls in Uganda – Water fall attractions in Uganda
The best Water falls in Uganda include the famous Murchison Falls, as you can see in the waterfall map above or the listing below, Great Adventure Safaris have also managed to squeeze in a couple more best waterfalls in Uganda for a little more variety.
Even though we have a rather sparse sampling of waterfalls in the country, for each of the ones we have visited, we provide detailed information containing trail descriptions, logistics and maps. That way, you have a bit of a trip planning resource that you might find useful.
Planning on travelling to Uganda? Here is a list of waterfalls you should consider visiting when in Uganda the Pearl of Africa
Murchison Falls
The roar of the Victoria Nile waters as they thunder down in giant cascades from the lip of the falls makes Murchison Falls the most breath-taking waterfalls in Uganda and one of the many wonders of East Africa. Here thousands of tonnes of water crush through a narrow 6 metre wide cliff and tumultuously plunge in three spasms to the pool 40 metres below.
The falls themselves are the main feature of Murchison Falls National Park, but that is not all, in the pool underneath, hundreds of hippos break the surface with their pink snouts and arise as submarines from the depth of the waters. The banks of the pool are also alive with hundreds of Nile crocodiles which feed on the great multitude of fish washed down by the Murchison Falls.
You have to go there for these are some of Uganda’s closely guarded secrets. A visit to Murchison Falls, gives you access to the rest of Murchison Falls National Park. A climb from the bottom of the falls to the top allows visitors close-up views of the tumultuous falls rushing down the cleft.
Karuma Falls
Karuma Falls are located on the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park. The water falls are at the border of Masindi, Amuru and Oyam Districts of Uganda. These sequences of rock formations from the Victoria Nile forma beautiful ripple of waters that create white foam that is beguiling to observe. It is part of the Victoria Nile where the Masindi-Gulu road crosses the River Nile, connected by the Karuma Bridge that was constructed in 1963. The water falls is 110km northeast of Masindi Town and 70km south of Gulu Town. The water falls are 311 km from Kampala City. This is the site of the proposed Karuma Hydo Power Project.
Sipi Falls
The beauty of Sipi Falls at the foothills of Mountain Elgon and one of the best water falls in Uganda, Sipi falls are touted as the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda and are very popular with photographers and hikers so no Uganda tour is complete without spending a few hours in the vicinity of these falls. Whether you climb to the top of the falls or just enjoy the view of the falls from down below. They are located at the foothills of Mountain Elgon in Kapchorwa District. The falls are actually made up of three different waterfalls, all of incredible beauty but the one with a 95m drop is most exciting. These three falls drop from different heights and are separated by beautiful lush hillsides between them. Sipi falls are actually named after an indigenous plant called ‘Sep’ that is common along the Sipi River from which the Sipi falls develop. You need to use local guides to navigate the trails near the falls since some of them go through private property.
Aruu Falls
This off-the-beaten-path water fall is one of Uganda’s best kept secrets and is unknown to most travellers. Aruu Falls, the most famous waterfalls in Northern Uganda, are a set of six cascading falls with water cascading down hundreds of jagged rocks. It is located along River Agago in Northern Uganda. In the dry season the falls dry completely but as the rains start, they spring back to life. The falls can easily be seen on your way to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Aruu falls are located in Aruu County, Pader District about 30 – 40 minutes or 47 kilometres from Gulu Town and 386 kilometres from Kampala city. The best time to visit is at the beginning of the rain season when the water levels are not too low but also before the waters become too strong. A must visit spot when in Northern Uganda.
Nkusi Falls
Nkusi Falls are arguably the most off-the-beaten-path waterfalls in Uganda and are the perfect choice for adventurous guests. It is one of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in Uganda. Luckily, only a few people know about it. These have been called a miniature Murchison falls though they fall from a higher point (about 100 meters) into Lake Albert.
Here thunderous waters pour over the sides of the Western Arm of the Great Rift Valley. They are located on the southern border of Bugoma Forest on the western wall of the Albertine escarpment. The falls form the mouth of river Nkusi. The falls can be accessed by boat from Ntoroko – Semliki Reserve. Make sure you visit Nkusi Falls; you will be charmed by their power.
Ssezibwa Falls
Ssezibwa Falls is a Buganda Cultural Heritage Site found in Mukono District. It’s situated 20 miles on the Kampala-Jinja Highway, about 1.5 kilometres off the main highway. The falls flow down the steep ridged stones for a height of about 7 meters. The Falls preserve an ancient African culture and they have been a site of traditional cultural rituals of Buganda believers for ages.
Ssezibwa Falls is a popular destination for exciting nature adventures as well as cultural experiences. Please note that Ssezibwa cultural site has a number of traditional attachments so it is frequented by many locals on religious pilgrimages, please be respectful of them.
Kisizi Falls
The falls were once a murder point where young Bakiga girls who got pregnant out of wedlock were killed. This barbaric practice ended with the introduction of Christianity in the region.
It is in Rukungiri District on Kanyabaha River in western Uganda. The falls are about 65km from Kabale Town through Muhanga Trading Centre and 426km from Kampala City. The water falls have a 30m drop into a canyon and provide hydro-electric power to the Kisiizi Hospital. When travelling to the falls, you branch off at Muhanga Trading Centre on Kabale-Mbarara Highway. From here, you drive for 33km before reaching the falls.
Bwindi Forest Water Falls
Deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are a series of three waterfalls along Munyanga River. A guided hike through the forest along the Waterfall Trail leads you to these crystal clear waterfalls. The highest of these has a 33m drop.
Owen Falls
The falls were among the best waterfalls in the country for sight-seeing before they were submerged in 1954 when the Owen Falls Dam was completed and now they are heavy rapids on the White Nile that are located near Ripon Falls.
If you’re booking a safari tour to Uganda, be sure to request for the inclusion of any of the the best waterfalls in Uganda to your itinerary. At Great Adventure Safaris we can organize private or group tours to any off these waterfalls.