Aruu Falls in Uganda are one of the most interesting waterfalls to visit on your way to or from kidepo valley national park, they are a cascading streams of roaring waterfalls that offer a thrilling, unforgettable, and adventurous experience. Aruu waterfalls are located in Pader district in the northern part of the country, along the Gulu-Kitgum highway. The falls are approximately 386 kilometers from the capital city Kampala, 47 kilometers from Gulu, and 57 kilometers from Kigtum. A trip to Aruu falls takes about 6 to 7 hours from Kampala city via the Gulu highway.
The waterfalls are one of the must-see destinations for a spectacular experience while on a Uganda safari to Kidepo Valley National Park. These water falls are one of the places you must visit for a breathtaking experience. The magnificent falls looks so amazing as the water falls over the rocks as you view from the bottom. Aruu falls are located in the Acholi- Lango region and the locals that surround the waterfalls are majorly Langi or Acholis. These people are farmers and you will be able to see farms in the communities that surround the waterfalls.
The Aruu Falls in Uganda are made up of several streams that flow with a roaring mighty sound and a rousing scene that is purely stunning and unparalleled. The various streams of the falls flow from seven rocks: Ryanga, Awilo Yaa, Akweyo, Wang Okiye, Lacee, Okello Gem, and Lanya Kweyo. The jagged rocks have a step-like formation that allows the water to flow smoothly downstream from the river Agago.
Why visit Aruu falls
The Aruu Falls in Uganda, though they are not famous-known, are a wonderful place to visit, they are adventurous, exciting, and relaxing; the falls are some of Uganda’s hidden riches and beauties, and visitors are in awe of how spectacular the Aruu falls are. The majority of visitors to the falls enjoy numerous water adventures and hiking through jagged rocks to reach the falls’ peak.
The stunning Aruu Falls is a sight to behold, with each part of the waterfall getting better than the other as you hike through it. A visit to these waterfalls is only best for a day trip. The water appears to be clean enough for swimming, but swimming is at your own risk. Visitors to Aruu Falls, however, are told and should keep in mind that the rocks are slippery as one descends, and visitors should be prepared to remove their shoes to cross the river barefooted. Again, it’s advised to be cautious with phones and cameras if you must bring any. It is not advisable for the elderly, the disabled, or very young children to participate in this activity as it may need one to be physically fit to be able to hike the jagged rocks and go through the waters to explore all the seven water falls.
Aruu Falls entry fees
Visitors are expected to pay entrance fees to access the waterfalls. International visitors are charged UGX. 20,000, which is approximately $6 USD. East Africans and Ugandans pay a fee of UGX 10,000.
You will also be assigned a local guide who will provide information about the falls. The guides to the falls are available at the campsite and are friendly, always ready to welcome you and take you around for such an amazing experience.
Tourist activities at Aruu Falls
Birding: There are quite a number of different bird species one can enjoy. Some of these include the African pied wagtail, Eastern grey plantain eater, bronze Mankins, grey backed fiscals and many other birds
Nature walks: There are interesting walking trail at Aruu falls and with the help of the local guide, one can explore more the area besides the falls and also meet with the local communities around the falls.
Photography: The Aruu falls offer thrilling scenery of the landscape. The background is so breath taking and enhances the quality of the pictures especially the running white water. For example, it is a good location for marriage proposals with a background of the falls.
Camping: For those interested in staying the wild, it is a perfect place with sounds of the birds and the water falls. Group trips can really work very well here as you can organise picnics, hunting, play games, bonfires, swimming and so many other fun activities.
How to get to Aruu Falls
The Aruu falls are accessed by car, one needs a 4×4 Vehicle because the road reaching the falls is narrow and can be slippery especially during the rainy seasons. From Kampala City to Pader is about 6-7 hours drive via the Kampala – Gulu highway. From Gulu city, it is about 47 Kilometres. If you do not have a vehicle, the falls can also be accessed by Motorbikes from the Main road for those who come from the close towns. It takes about 7 kilometres using motorcycle to the waterfalls at a cost of about UGX 6000 to UGX 10,000.
Where to stay at Aruu falls
At Aruu falls, there are two campsites one of the two has basic rooms where visitors can spend the night or you can pitch the tent and camp for a night, visitors should not expect perfect/good service. However, the Aruu falls and nearby campsites are not much developed but just nice for a day visit.
For visitors who need descent and nice accommodation, you may consider staying in Kitgum town at Fugley’s Guest House, Kitgum Royal Hotel, Bomah hotel, Acaki Lodge and Pleasant lodge. In Gulu town stay at either at Bomah hotel Gulu, Churchill Courts Hotel, Acholi Inn, Dich Comfort Hotel, Hotel Aluku Deluxe, Jojo’s Palace Annex.
Visiting Aruu falls can be an en-route to either Kidepo national park and Murchison falls national park and both national parks have a wide range of accommodations ranging from budget, mid-range to Luxury, so you may consider those accommodations too including; Chobe Safari Lodge, Parkside Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge and many more
A trip to the northern part of Uganda on your way to or from kidepo valley national park will get you visiting these magnificent falls. Book your safari to kidepo valley national park with bujuku eco tours and travel