Aruu Falls
Aruu Falls are waterfalls situated in the Northern part of Uganda along the Gulu Kitgum highway in Pader district. The falls are roughly 386 km from Uganda’s capital Kampala and about 47 km from Gulu and 57km from Kigtum; a trip to the falls is about 4 to 6 hours from Kampala city using the Gulu high way.
The falls are located in the Acholi- Lango region and the locals that surround the waterfalls are majorly Langi or Acholis. These people are also farmers and you will be sure to find farms in the communities that surround the waterfalls.
The falls are scenic falls of flowing water that flows downstream on jagged rocks that make the falls extremely beautiful to look at. The waterfalls are made up of several streams that flow with a roaring sound and stirring scene that is just beautiful and unmatchable.
The different streams of the falls flow from seven rocks that are
- Ryanga
- Awilo Yaa
- Akweyo
- Wang Okiye
- Lacee
- Okello Gem
- Lanya Kweyo
These rocks are jagged with a step like formation that facilitates the seamless flow of the water downstream from River Agago.
The falls though not famous are a wonder place to visit; they are adventurous, exciting and relaxing; the falls are some of Uganda’s hidden treasures (Uganda Safari Attractions) and beauties that people that reach the falls are in awe of what spectacular falls the Aruu falls are. Most of the people that visit the falls are glad to take part in numerous water adventures and hiking through jagged rocks to get to the point of the falls.
The Aruu waterfalls are within a forest and a rocky area so to access them you have to take a rock climbing or a hiking adventure to get to them. And when you get to the falls, here are some of the activities that you can do within your time at the falls.
Waterfall viewing
The easiest activity and common activity at the most, is waterfall viewing where you stand at strategic points of the waterfalls to take in the beauty, the sound and the flow of the falls and the go over the rocks downstream. Though this may seem like a by the way activity it normally takes peoples about an hour or so to take it in the uniqueness of these scenic waterfalls.
Picnics
As stated the area around the Aruu Falls is made up of rocks, these rocks offer unmatchable points for picnics thus you can opt to enjoy the cool breeze of the falls and the surrounding on a picnic lunch on one of the many picnic rocks around the waterfalls. As you sit on these rocks you also enjoy amazing views of the Acholi- Lango region
Nature and Community Walks
You can also take guided Nature and community walks to explore the surrounding areas and the communities that live around the falls. The Nature walks are taken through part of the forest area and the community walks are done in the nearby villages. On the nature walks you will appreciate the numerous tree species in the forests; you will see some birds, butterflies and other forest creatures. On community walks you will get to engage in community and traditional activities like food harvesting, storage and also interacting with the locals that live around the falls. While on the community walk you can also visit the local market for fresh food products and crafted works that are made by the locals in the area.
Rock climbing
Though the rocks are usually slippery because of the flowing water, rock climbing against the flowing water is one of the most exciting adventures at these falls and its one activity that gives you chills. The management of the place however advises that only skilled climbers take on the activity and only during the dry seasons when the rocks are not as slippery.
Birding
Around the falls there are a couple of birds species that roam around that you can sight on your visit to the falls. The birds include:- hornbills, weaver birds, stone chat birds, African wagtail and many more.
Swimming
Down the waterfalls there is a pool where some of the water collects, you can swim at the pool, however the management of the place maintains that you swim with caution because of the rocky nature of the area plus only experienced swimmers should swim in that area.
Photography
Some people visit the falls on Uganda Tours to the Northern Region to take photos and video against the waterfalls’ unique and beautiful backgrounds that give the perfect picture and nature backgrounds.
