Waterfalls in UgandaUganda

Uganda's two waterfalls on this site show the country's range, from the Nile in the lowland north-west to the flanks of an extinct volcano in the east. At Murchison Falls, known locally as Kabalega Falls, the Victoria Nile forces its way through a gap in the rock about seven metres wide and drops some 43 metres, a violent concentration of water inside Uganda's largest national park; launch trips from Paraa run upstream to the foot of the falls past hippos and crocodiles, and a trail climbs to the top. Sipi Falls is a set of three waterfalls on the slopes of Mount Elgon near Kapchorwa, the main drop about 95 metres, surrounded by smallholder Arabica coffee farms, where local guides lead walks between the falls and abseiling beside the main one.

When to go

Uganda has two dry seasons, December to February and June to September, which are the best months for game drives in Murchison, easier boat access and firmer paths at Sipi. The rains of March to May and October to November bring the fullest flow at Sipi, and more mud. Murchison runs powerfully all year, since the Nile is fed by Lake Victoria rather than local rainfall.

Getting around

International flights land at Entebbe. Murchison Falls National Park is roughly five to six hours' drive from Kampala via Masindi, and most visitors come on a guided safari or in a hired 4x4 with driver; charter flights also serve airstrips in the park. Sipi is around six hours east of Kampala via Jinja and Mbale, and can be reached by bus to Mbale and a shared taxi up the escarpment.

Entry requirements

US, UK, Canadian and EU citizens need a visa arranged online in advance: the single-entry e-visa costs US$50, while the US$100 East Africa Tourist Visa also covers Kenya and Rwanda. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival.

Entry rules checked September 2026. They change without much notice — confirm with the official government source before you travel.