Uncovering the well-kept secret of stunning Aruu Falls

It’s hard to believe of stunning falls within an almost dry region, right? Here is Aruu Falls in Northern Uganda situated in Angagura sub-county in Pader district. Aruu Falls that draws its waters from River Agago, flows through Agogo District into Lapaya village in Pader district are cascading streams of roaring waterfalls offering a thrilling unforgettable and adventurous experience within a virtually untouched wilderness.

Aruu Falls are on the Gulu–Kitgum highway 47 Km from Gulu town and 57 Km from Kitgum town. The falls are located eight kilometers from Aruu Trading Centre and about 386 Km from Kampala-Uganda’s capital. It is about 187 Km to Kidepo Valley National Park and about 237km to Murchison Falls National Park which are the spectacular points for wildlife safaris in Uganda in the northern and north Eastern region. This makes this spot one of the best places to or from one these safari parks though with a very rough undefined road leading there.

These falls are one of a kind in a way that the flood cascades off a still set of rocks before rapidly pouring into the seven enclaves. With local naming, these enclaves are known as Wang Okiye, Lacee, Okello Gem, Ryanga, Lanya Kweyo, Akweyo and Awilo Yaa. Impressive rocks, arranged into a series of steps form the platform on which water beautifully rolls into different formations before splitting into about seven tributaries to pour into the seven enclaves. The waterfalls are a very vibrant sight to watch as water gushes down the rocks.

For the adventure seeker, hiking the rocks and having a great swim at the bottom of the cascading roaring Aruu Falls is such a thrilling unforgettable experience. At the falls you can also try your luck on fishing and could probably make a good catch.

Tales about Aruu Falls

In Africa, almost everything has a story behind it and that’s just for the secretive Aruu Falls. Myth has it that the enclave around Aruu Falls had been inhabited by the Jo P’Kongo (a group of people), who had migrated from Otwa and settled at Lapaya village in search of water and pasture. They had also escaped tribal conflict. The Jo P’Kongo people occupied the banks of the enclaves around the falls and this can be seen from stone cuttings and artefacts carved on different rocks.
It is believed that the original inhabitants of Lapaya village were washed away by water because they had built houses in and around water ways. Its also believed that the water levels increased suddenly and washed many of them away. No survivor is known but some people say that a woman and a certain man who had been away on different errands, survived.

Accommodation in Aruu Falls

Amazingly those who see potential in these falls have put up a campsite close to the falls known as Aruu Falls Campsite such that you do not have to worry about where to spend the night if you did refresh at the splendid falls. The campsite is a few meters at the top of the falls in a very relaxed and quiet environment with the fresh crisp breeze from the falls to soothe the mind and calm the spirit.

Aruu falls campsite is 7km from the main road. You can travel in Uganda by either a personal 4×4 safari vehicle or on a boda boda/motor bike and get to the campsite.

On your safari in Uganda, you have a place to make a stop and cool off the heat on either a way from or return journey to Africa’s spectacular wilderness or Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park.