Aruu Falls | Northern Uganda’s Hidden Waterfall

Aruu falls are located in Northern Uganda in Pader district, 4 kilometers off the Pader-Kitgum highway. The falls flow through Agogo district into Lapaya village in Pader district. The falls are located mid forest between the area occupied by the Langi and Acholi who are mainly agriculturalists.

 The falls are located 8 kilometers away from Aruu trading center accompanied with Aruu Falls campsite which is a major point for tourists. At the campsite, once can hear the sound of the distant roaring falls whirling through as the water pours into the seven enclaves of Wang Okiye, Lacee, Okello Gem, Ryanga, Lanya Kweyo, Akweyo and Awili Yaa. Visitors at the campsite relax on the rocks as they glance at the water sliding off the rocks. The more courageous and daring ones dive into the water for swimming while the rest can be seen around the bonfire points at sunset.

The locals have it that Aruu falls draws its water from R. Agago which flows through Agago and Pader districts. Rocks arranged in a series of steps form the platform on which the water rolls into before pouring into the enclaves. It is said that the enclave around Aruu falls is inhabited by the Jo P’Kongo who migrated from Otwa and settled at Lapaya villages in search of water and pasture for their animals. The Jo P’Kongo settled on the river banks and this is evidenced by the stone cuttings curved on the rocks at Aruu falls.

Tourist activities at Aruu Falls

Besides viewing the breath taking falls, one can engage in the following activities.

Bird watching

There are quite a number of bird species one can view while at Aruu falls. Some of the species include African wagtail, Egyptian goose, Eastern grey plantain eater among others.

Camping

For those looking to stay in the wild, this is the perfect with the whirling sounds of the water falls. You can have picnics, light bonfires, opt to swim, hunt, play games among others.

Nature walks

Aruu falls has interesting nature walks led by local guides where you get to meet with the local people and explore the surrounding areas.

Photography

Aruu waterfalls offers magnificent scenery for those interested in making memories by taking photography as well as videos. The background is so breath taking and enhances the quality of pictures.

Primate viewing

Due to the nature of the area which is a forest, one can view different primates like the vervet monkey,

 Community walk

For those interested in visiting the neighboring communities of the Langi and Acholi, you can take a walk and if you are lucky, you will see the local market and support the villages.