Uhuru Falls

Uhuru Falls is Uganda’s little-known independence gift. Uhuru waterfall is located in Murchison Falls National Park, a premier wildlife safari tour destination. It is a charming waterfall yet not known by many because it is overshadowed by Murchison Falls.

Uhuru Waterfalls has existed since 1962 the same year Uganda attained its independence. Uhuru lies close to the mighty Murchison Falls and it remains not known by many travelers. It is just a few meters away from the powerful Murchison Falls and while on top of the falls, it is possible to view both waterfalls.

Uhuru Waterfalls is referred to as “Uhuru” for some reasons; first to celebrate Independence Day in Uganda (9^th October 1962). This waterfall was formed in 1962 when a tributary was created from part of Murchison Falls due to heavy rain. Since 1962, the two waterfalls exist separate and each offering stunning views and they are better referred to as twin falls.

Location

Uhuru waterfall lies in Northwestern Uganda. It is found nearby to Baker’s Point and Murchison Falls. This waterfall is set in Murchison Falls N/Park, Uganda’s biggest park and home to 4 of the big 5 games.

Top activities to do while in Murchison Falls National Park

Game drives

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are categorized into three- morning, afternoon, and night game drives. Day game drives in Murchison Falls Park offer you a chance to view the park’s rich wildlife including warthogs, the Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, waterbucks, oribis, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, lions, hyenas, leopards, and also a variety of birds. Night game drives come with animal sightings such as leopards, hyenas, lions, hippos, nightjar birds, and more.

Boat/launch tour

The boat cruise tour in Murchison Falls Park is done in two locations- upstream to the base of Murchison Falls or downstream to the Nile delta to Lake Albert shores. You can embark on the morning or afternoon boat tour. A variety of aquatic life will be spotted during a boat or launch cruise tour including hippos, crocodiles, birds such as saddle-bellied stork, African jacana, goliath heron, yellow-footed kingfisher, bee-eaters, blue-headed coucal, grey-headed kingfishers, African fish eagle, and more.

Birding

Over 451 bird species occur in Murchison Falls National Park making it a preferred birding destination. The park is rich in birds such as shoebill stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, grey-crowned cranes, black-headed lapwing, weaver bird, yellow-fronted tinkerbird, pied kingfishers, black-billed barbet, giant kingfishers, long-toed plovers, silver bird, martial eagle, and many others.

Chimpanzee tracking

Chimp trekking in Murchison Falls Park is best done in Budongo Forest, East Africa’s biggest Mahogany Forest Reserve. Over 800 chimpanzees reside in Budongo with several of them already undergoing habituation. During a chimpanzee tour, you won’t only enjoy the sight of chimpanzees, but also other primates like olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, bird species, etc.

Nature walk

Nature walks in Murchison Falls Park are carried out in different parts including Rabongo Forest Eco-tourism Centre, and Kaniyo-Pabidi Forest. You will be spotting a variety of primates including chimps, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, birds like blue-breasted kingfishers, lemon-bellied crombec, white-thighed hornbills, grey-headed sunbird, African dwarf kingfisher, chocolate backed kingfishers, Pavel’s illadopsis, chestnut-capped flycatchers, little green sunbird, and others.

Other activities

1. Hot air balloon
2. Sport fishing
3. Community tours

Where to stay

Visitor overnight stays are done in budget, midrange, and luxury lodges including Paraa Safari Lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Murchison River Lodge, Chobe Safari lodge, Shoebill Campsite, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, others.

Getting there

By road- drive from Kampala through the Luweero-Masindi route to Kichumbanyobo gate to the top of the falls where you can view Uhuru falls as well or take a flight from Entebbe Airport to Pakuba airstrip and meet the driver guide who will take you through your expedition in Murchison Falls N/Park.