Uganda Waterfalls

Uganda is seated on a land expanse of 241551 sq km. Out of these 241551 sq km, 41743 sq km is covered with swamps, rivers, and lakes. In percentage, 17% of Uganda is covered with water. But the beauty and scenery often lie in rivers and swamps. Below are the top must-visit rivers in your Uganda self catered/self-guided motorcycle adventures

1.Murchison Falls-Murchison Falls National Park

It is beyond doubt, Murchison falls is the leading and strongest waterfall in Uganda. The scenery of the unstoppable great Nile forcing its way through an 8m gorge which turns into a continuous explosive like gashing out of water forming the iconic Murchison Falls.

The waterfalls are located in Murchison falls national park where you also stand a chance to enjoy great boat trips, hikes, and game drives.

2.Bwindi waterfalls-Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Gorilla trekking seems to be the main highlight of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. It is very common to find gorilla trekking and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, unfortunately; this is partly an underrepresentation of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

The park has main four rivers that can be explored during the different Bwindi impenetrable forest national park hiking trails. These include; Munyanga river, Ivy river, Kashasha river, and Rusizi river.  Amidst these; Munyanga river stands out with a 33 meters waterfall.

3.Ssezibwa Falls-Mukono

Unless you have Murchison falls, you can easily mistake Ssezibwa falls for Murchison falls. Unfortunately, Ssezibwa falls is one of the least explored waterfalls in Uganda yet still offering some of the best waterfall scenery in Uganda.

Ssezibwa falls is the most probable recommended probable destination for a weekend gate away from Kampala. The waterfalls are located in less than a 3 hours drive from both Kampala and Entebbe amidst thick traffic jam.

4.Mpanga Falls- Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mpanga falls are not one of the common waterfalls in Uganda however much they remain the leading Queen Elizabeth national park waterfall icon. Mpanga river has its source at Rwenzori mountains where it flows through a number of districts including Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, and Mahyoro.

The river has poured into Lake George which is another famous haven for adventure boat trips in Uganda.

5.Bujagali Falls-Jinja

Though Bujagali falls are some of the most popular waterfalls in Jinja, they are no longer as fascinating as they used to be. After the construction of the dam in 2011, the water flow was altered affecting the scenery of the former Bujagali falls.

The falls are still in existence unfortunately they can no longer pass for the most iconic waterfalls in Uganda. Of recent, it is no match to Murchison falls and Aruu falls in northern Uganda.

6.Sipi Falls-Kapchorwa

Eastern Uganda is most popular for hiking while the West is most known for wildlife. Sipi falls is the icon of Eastern Uganda standing out with activities such as hiking, abseiling, and community tours.

There are two waterfalls connected by a 4 to 5 hours walk. All the most fascinating scenes of Sipi falls can be captured behind any camera you have at your disposal at any time of the year.  Sometimes Sisiyi falls are also counted as part of Sipi falls.

7.Kisiizi Falls- Kigezi Highlands

Kisiizi waterfall is one of the few community-run tourism attractions in western Uganda. The waterfall not only offers spectacular views but also acts as a power plant for the Kisiizi community. It is one of the most recommended destinations for community tours in Uganda.

The waterfall provides hiking opportunities, suspension bridge walks, cave visits, and a community hospital visit. These waterfalls are found in Rukungiri District.

8.Wanale Falls-Mbale

Wanale waterfalls are found on mountain Elgon. The waterfalls also feed the Sipi falls in Kapchorwa district. They are among the least visited waterfalls in Uganda partly because of its low popularity compared to waterfalls like Sipi falls, and Murchison Falls.

9.Itanda Falls-Jinja

Itanda falls are some of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in Jinja. The waterfall also offers spectacular views for some of the birds which are fond of the river Nile. The waterfalls can also be visited throughout the year.

A visit to Itanda falls can be included in your source of the Nile itinerary. The ride to Itanda falls might take you about one hour from the jinja city center. It is not a very long distance unfortunately the road is a beat rough affecting the speed.

10.Sisiyi waterfalls- Bulambuli

Sisiyi waterfalls are the strongest waterfalls in Eastern Uganda. There are three major waterfalls in Eastern Uganda including Sipi falls, Wanale falls, and Sisiyi waterfalls. Of all these, Sisiyi waterfalls are the strongest.

When you visit Sisiyi falls, you are likely to have a community tour as well since you are likely to interact with the local people who fetch water from river sisiyi

11.Griffin Falls-Mabira Forest

Mabira forest has for years been known as one of the biggest tropical forests in Uganda. Though the forest is threatened by deforestation among other human activities, the forest still holds wild gems as Griffin falls.

A nature walk through Mabira forest will make it possible for you to spot a number of monkey species including the Mangabeys, red tail monkeys, duikers among several other wildlife bird species, and reptiles.

12.Aruu Falls-Padar

Aruu falls has a magnificent view that is unmatched by any waterfall in Uganda. It is one of the few places where you can swim without fear of bilharzia.

The place is located around 40km from Gulu and 60km from Kitgum making is a good stopover on your way to Kidepo valley national park or an extended trip to Murchison falls national park.

13.Nkusi Waterfalls-Lake Albert

Bugoma forest has been making headlines for its threatened existence.  There are ravaging debates of establishing sugarcane plantations inside of reforesting the areas that have been adversely affected by human activity.

One of the most unknown and hidden gems of the Bugoma forest is the Nkusi waterfall. The strength of the waterfall can only be compared to that of Murchison falls in Murchison falls national park. The waterfall is found in Semuliki national park

14.Mungiro waterfalls-Semuliki National Park

Mungiro waterfall is one of the mind-boggling sceneries of Semuliki national park. Though the park has over the years been known for Sempaya hot springs, a visit to Mungiro waterfall does not offer a stunning view but also an opening into the cultural heritage attached to the river.

There are supernatural occurrences attached to this place. It is one of the few places where the scenery goes beyond what meets the eye and crosses over into a deeper sense of importance attached to the cultural heritage of the Batooro tribe.

15.Mahoma Waterfall-Fort Portal

Fort portal is the main gateway for Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park. Though chimpanzee tracking tends to overshadow all the other activities around Fort portal city, there is more to explore in this area.

Part of the beauty of Fort portal lays the crater lakes. It is besides the crater lakes that you find the Mahoma waterfall which offers similarly spectacular views only next to Aruu falls in northern Uganda. The waterfall is found in Ruteete along Fort portal-Kamwenge road and also just a stone away from Ndali lodge.

16.Kalagala Falls

Kalagala waterfalls are currently the main rafting destination in Uganda. When Bujagali waterfalls were partly laid to waste after the construction of the new Owen falls down, rafting shifted from Jinja to Kalagala falls which is also outside Jinja.

However, because Jinja was crowned as the adrenaline capital of Uganda, you are likely to find information placing Kalagala falls in Jinja however much it is outside Jinja

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