Karuma Falls

Karuma Falls: At almost 1000 meters above sea level, Karuma Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Nile. The powerful waterfalls are situated in Kiryandongo District, western Uganda, at latitude 2.23416 and longitude 32.2463 along the Kampala-Gulu highway on the grid. This is precisely where the road crosses the huge river Nile.

The bridge road offers a quick view of the falls, and most drivers drive slowly here to give passengers time to appreciate and take in the scenery. Depending on your driving speed, the trip to the falls from Kampala takes three to four hours. The largest town in northern Uganda that just became a city, Gulu, is 77 kilometers away from the falls. Additionally, Karuma Falls is located 97 kilometers east of Masindi town along the road. Karuma is one of the ideal tourist spots in Uganda because of the breathtaking scenery created by the water’s roaring as it passes by the rocks.

Luo, which means “the great spirit,” is where the name Karuma originated. According to locals, the rough rocks that the waves hit every night to create the Karma Falls were placed there by the ghost. John Speke crossed it on his way to discover the source of the Nile River, making it a significant landmark in Uganda. As they pass the Karuma Bridge, passengers may hear the roar of the water and catch a glimpse of baboons and monkeys in the distance.

The bridge was built in 1963 to connect cotton growers in the country’s north with the nation’s commercial center. However, the bridge turned into a site of massacres in the early 2000s when Kony’s Lord Resistance Army rebels would hide in the bushes, take over, and murder anyone attempting to pass from either side. Thankfully, this was discovered early on by the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF), who in 2007 drove the rebels from Uganda into the Democratic Republic of the Congo‘s woods. To improve electricity in Uganda, the government of Uganda is now building a new, state-of-the-art hydroelectricity power dam. With a capacity of about 600 megawatts, this dam is the largest in Uganda. To enclose the dam, the government intends to build a large city.

An interesting detail about the Karuma Falls is that you can actually see some wildlife as you drive past them because they are located on the eastern edge of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda‘s largest game reserve.

Among the many creatures that call Murchison Falls National Park home are buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys, lions, baboons, elephants, leopards, Uganda kobs, giraffes, birds, and unparalleled flora. In order to properly appreciate the wildlife, a trip of Karuma Falls might be combined with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park.

When the water hits the attractive rock formations, the magnificent Victoria Nile appears as beautiful white foam. By scheduling a tour to Murchison Falls National Park, where lodging is also arranged, you may see these magnificent waterfalls. Although it is possible to visit the Karuma Falls at any time of year, it is best to go during the dry season to avoid any navigational difficulties.

Activities including nature walks, bird viewing, and sight-seeing are available near the Karuma Falls. However, you can engage in a variety of activities at Murchison Falls National Park, including boat trips, wildlife drives, and experiences at the top of the falls. Thus, combining a Karuma Falls safari with a Murchison Falls safari is the ideal way to enjoy both.