ARUU FALLS IN PADER
Aruu falls are one of the most interesting waterfalls to visit in Uganda, they are cascading streams of roaring waterfalls offering a thrilling unforgettable and adventurous. 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 Northern part of Uganda in Pader district along the Gulu – Kitgum highway. They are approximately 47 Kilometres from Gulu city and about 57 Kilometers from Kitgum district. From Kampala city where most travellers start from their Uganda safaris, it is about 386 Kilometres drive via Gulu highway to reach Aruu Falls. While at Aswa bridge which links the Pader and Lira-Acholi-Bur near Agagura town just after Aswa bridge, the spectacular Aruu falls are about 15 minutes’ drive on dusty road while on Uganda safaris Tours.
Why visit the Aruu falls
The stunning Aruu falls is an eye catching where by one part of the waterfall gets better than the other as you make a hike around. A Visit to these water falls is only beautiful on a day adventure in Pader, the water looks so clean for people to swim but you swim on your own risk as the disclaimer is clear. However, Visitors to Aruu falls should bare it in mind that rocks are slippery as one slopes down and be ready to remove the shoes to be able to cross the river on bare foot. Again it’s advisable to be careful with phones and cameras in case you have to take them along. This activity is not recommended for very old people, disabled and very young children.
Tourist activities at Aruu Falls
Birding – There are quite a number of different bird species one can enjoy. Some of these include the Egyptian Goose, Eastern grey plantain eater, African wagtail just to mention a few
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 community 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 specially the running white water. For example it is a good location for proposals with a background of the falls.
Camping – For those interested in staying the wild, it is a perfect place with sounds of birds and the water falls. Group tours can really work very walk here as you can organise picnics, hunting, play games, bonfires, swimming and so many other fun activities.
Entry fees for Aruu falls
Visitors are expected to pay entrance fees. You are also allocated a local guide to give information about the falls. The employees who work as escorts/ guides to the falls are available at the campsite and are friendly, always ready to welcome you and take you around for such amazing experience.
International Visitors are charged about UGX. 20,000 that is like US $6.
East Africans and local Ugandans are charged UGX. 10,000.
How to access Aruu Falls
The Aruu falls are accessed by car, one needs a good working 4WD Vehicle because the road reaching the falls is narrow and can be slippery especially on rainy days. 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 Moto bikes from the Main road for those who reside in the close towns. It takes about 7 kilometres using Boda bodas (moto bikes) to the falls at a cost 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 but you 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 just to mention a few.
There are no better falls in the whole world that offers up-close adrenaline rushing great picture moments and memories like these beautiful falls. A Uganda safari to northern Uganda will get you visiting these falls and also a combined Uganda safari to Kidepo valley national park, Murchison falls national park and Ziwa rhino sanctuary and any other interesting tourist destination in the Northern part of Uganda. Therefore, you need to make this stop and take this adventurous visit to the amazing water falls on your way to Kidepo valley national park or while on your way from Kidepo National Park or Kitgum as an activity on your travel itinerary.
