Paraa, The Home to Many

About Tour

In Northern Uganda’s Acholi subregion, Nwoya District is home to Paraa. It is situated within the roughly 5,000 square kilometer Murchison Falls National Park, which is the largest wildlife reserve in Uganda (1,900 sq mi). On the bank of the Albert Nile, this place is situated roughly 25 kilometers (16 mi) southeast of Pakwach and 86 kilometers (53 mi) northwest of Masindi. The location of Paraa is 02 1800 North, 31 3300 East (Latitude:2.3000; Longitude:31.5500).

Along with the impressive Murchison Falls and the wide variety of bird and animal species, the park’s major draw is Paraa, which in Luo means “the land of hippos.” Paraa was built in the early 1950s.

The 60-room hotel and suite Paraa Safari Lodge is located in Paraa, near Murchison Falls, and is perched on a hill on the northern bank of the river with views of the River Nile. A sizable pool, a restaurant, a bar, en-suite bathrooms, and balconies are just a few of the amenities. The facility, which Idi Amin demolished in the 1970s, has since been repaired and is now run by the Madhvani Group, which also runs Mweya Safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park Lodge. The Queen Mother was entertained at Paraa Safari Lodge in the 1950s, and by the 1960s, it was quite well known.

In 1907, Winston Churchill traveled 86 kilometers (53 miles) on foot from Masindi to see Paraa. The explorer Samuel Baker described “a wonderful sight” that unexpectedly appeared for his group in 1864. Emin Pasha, Theodore Roosevelt, and American author Ernest Hemingway were among the other notable visitors to the area. Hemingway’s plane, which had dropped to get a glimpse of the Murchison Falls but descended too low, hit a telephone wire and crashed. The couple survived the collision.

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Where is Paraa Located?


In Northern Uganda’s Acholi subregion, Nwoya District is home to Paraa. It is situated within the roughly 5,000 square kilometer Murchison Falls National Park, which is the largest wildlife reserve in Uganda (1,900 sq mi).


Who oversees Paraa Safari Lodge as general manager?

Mwamidi Crispus


Fascinating Escape to Aruu Falls

About Aruu Falls

The Aruu Falls waterfalls are located in the Pader area along the Gulu Kitgum route in northern Uganda. The distance to the falls, which are around 386 kilometers from Kampala, the capital of Uganda, 47 kilometers from Gulu, and 57 kilometers from Kigtum, takes 4 to 6 hours to travel by car from Kampala.

The residents who live close to the waterfalls are mostly Langis or Acholis because the falls are in the Acholi-Lango area. These folks are farmers, so you may expect to see farms in the neighborhoods near the waterfalls.

The falls are picturesque waterfalls where water cascades downhill over rough rocks, giving the falls their breathtaking beauty. The streams that make up the waterfalls rush with a thundering sound and an intense scene that is simply breathtaking and unrivaled.

Seven rocks are the source of the several streams that lead to the falls

• Ryanga

• Awilo Yaa

• Akweyo

• Wang Okiye

• Lacee

• Okello Gem

• Lanya Kweyo

The water flows smoothly downriver from the River Agago thanks to the jagged, stair-like formation of these rocks. Even though the falls are not well-known, they are a delight to visit. They are adventurous, thrilling, and soothing. The falls are some of Uganda’s hidden treasures (Uganda Safari Attractions) and beauties, and when visitors arrive, they are astounded by how magnificent the Aruu falls are. Most visitors to the falls are happy to participate in various water activities and hike across tough terrain to reach the falls’ focal point.

You must go on a rock climbing or hiking expedition to reach the Aruu waterfalls because they are hidden in a forest and in a rocky location. And after you are at the falls, here are some things you may do during your time there.

Observing Waterfalls

Waterfall viewing, which involves standing at key locations near waterfalls to enjoy their beauty, sound, and flow as they pass over rocks downstream, is the simplest and most popular activity. Although it can seem like a quick activity, it usually takes visitors an hour or two to fully appreciate the distinctiveness of these picturesque waterfalls.

Picnics

Since the area around the Aruu Falls is composed primarily of rocks, you can choose to enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the many picnic rocks nearby while taking in the cool breeze of the falls and the surroundings. You may also take in breathtaking vistas of the Acholi-Lango region while sitting on these rocks.

Nature and neighborhood walk.

To learn more about the area and the towns that surround the falls, you can also go on guided nature and neighborhood walks. The community walks are done in the adjacent communities, while the nature walks are done within a portion of the forest. You can appreciate the various tree species in the forests on nature walks, where you’ll also encounter some birds, butterflies, and other critters of the forest. On community walks, you can participate in communal and customary tasks like gathering and storing food, as well as talk with the people who live close to the falls. Visit the neighborhood market for fresh food items and locally produced crafts while doing the community walk.

A Rock Climb

One of the most thrilling activities at these falls and one activity that gives you shivers is rock climbing against the flowing water, despite the fact that the rocks are typically slippery due to the running water. However, the location’s administration cautions that climbing should only be done by experienced individuals and only in the dry seasons when the rocks are less slippery.

Birding

Several different bird species can be seen in the area surrounding the falls while you are there. The birds include many different species, such as hornbills, weaver birds, stone chat birds, and African wagtails.

Swimming

You can swim in the pool that has formed where some of the water from the waterfalls has collected, although the facility’s administration advises caution due to the area’s rugged terrain and the fact that only experienced swimmers should utilize it.

Photography

Some people travel to the falls on Uganda IQ.u.L.s to the Northern Region in order to take pictures and record videos against the distinctive and lovely waterfall backgrounds, which make for the ideal image and natural settings.

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Where is Aruu Falls located?

The Aruu Falls waterfalls are located in the Pader area along the Gulu Kitgum route in northern Uganda. The distance to the falls, which are around 386 kilometers from Kampala, the capital of Uganda, 47 kilometers from Gulu, and 57 kilometers from Kigtum, takes 4 to 6 hours to travel by car from Kampala.


Which district is Aruu Falls?

Pader District

Aruu Falls – Pader | Pader District.



Kidepo Valley National Park sightseeing including unique Culture, Wilds and Birds

About Kidepo Valley National Park

Safari Advice: Kidepo Valley National Park is around 700 kilometers northeast of Kampala. The two-hour flight from Kajjansi airstrip, Kampala, or Entebbe International Airport is the quickest method to get there. It usually takes 10 hours to travel safely by vehicle. It is appropriate to stop in a town for the night while traveling. However, many who visit Uganda find a suitable home for adventure and escape after exploring the pristine nature there.

communicates largely about the tourism business with workers in the industry or members of extremely sensitive groups. Rest easy knowing that you will get immediate assistance if anything unexpected arises during your trip.

Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in the semi-arid Karamoja region. The daily average temperature is 270 C/810 F, and it has even reached 400 °C. One of the safari recommendations that visitors to Kidepo Valley National Park should be aware of is the necessity to pack drab, lightweight cotton clothing. Bright colors draw bugs and insects. Before and throughout your trip, drink enough non-alcoholic liquids to keep your body hydrated. Be sure to bring a safari tent, a cap, some flip-flops, some safari shorts, some sunglasses, and sunscreen.

The insects that spread malaria live in hot climates, making it the most lethal disease on the African continent. Most likely, tourists visiting Uganda never get to witness a single individual who has malaria. However, just because you see the insects does not mean they are carrying the malaria virus. Use caution, pack bug repellent, get vaccinated against malaria before leaving, dress in long pants, especially at night, and sleep with a mosquito net. Numerous hotels and safari lodges fumigate their rooms and take additional anti-mosquito procedures.

In whatever form, very short dresses are unsuitable. One safari tip that will keep you out of trouble is this. Some rural African populations are still conservative and hold onto their traditional beliefs. Uganda is a country with many different religions, and some populations openly profess Islam. Skimpy clothing is thought to indicate a lack of morals; it attracts attention and may cause some people to look down on you. Maintaining decorum is important.

Taking pictures when traveling is fantastic; it’s a fun activity that gives the traveler enduring memories of their trip. The feeling might be different for the individual in the picture since he is unsure of the intentions. Asking for permission from the subject you want to include in your photos is appropriate. To eliminate any doubt, it is more kind if you snap a photo with them. Keep in mind that they might not speak your language and will do so by acting rudely. If you don’t take these safari suggestions into account, a disagreement can result.

In the woods, traveling with a ranger guide is highly advised. They have the practical experience and are aware of recent events.

Taking pictures when traveling is fantastic; it’s a fun activity that gives the traveler enduring memories of their trip. The feeling might be different for the individual in the picture since he is unsure of the intentions, and asking for permission from the subject you want to include in your photos is appropriate. To eliminate any doubt, it is more kind if you snap a photo with them. Keep in mind that they might not speak your language and will do so by acting rudely. If you don’t take these safari suggestions into account, a disagreement can result.

In the woods, traveling with a ranger guide is highly advised. They have the practical experience and are aware of recent events.

Unless the ranger directs attention to it, always leave it in the car. To prevent idling behind the bush, use the restroom before you leave.

When watching animals, keep your distance from them. The animals become agitated by the motor noise and oil odors. Getting too close could restrict their movement and cause them to respond however they see fit.

In the national park, wildlife has the right of way. When they cross the tracks, be patient.

Car horn honking is punishable by a steep fine. It’s suicide to drive through an area where there are elephants or other wildlife.

Keep your voice low when viewing an attraction to maintain the tranquility of the wildlife. Speaking loudly disturbs wildlife, which seeks refuge. Remember that animals are constantly on the lookout for danger, which in this instance maybe you.

Keep a consistent distance from your guide when on a bushwalking adventure, and avoid forming a line of people behind the ranger.

If any animals charge at you, remain motionless. Never try to flee, scream, or display any symptoms of fear. The animals will calmly leave. Never turn your back on animals, and if it doesn’t retreat, steadily walk away.

When leaving the campsite, put out the fire. Never store food inside your tent since it invites animals. 

Burn a fire all night long to frighten animals away.

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What is Kidepo Valley National Park’s major draw for visitors?

If any animals charge at you, remain motionless. Never try to flee, scream, or display any symptoms of fear. The animals will calmly leave. Never turn your back on animals, and if it doesn’t retreat, steadily walk away.

When leaving the campsite, put out the fire. Never store food inside your tent since it invites animals. Burn a fire all night long to frighten animals away.


What is unique about kidepo valley national park?

Image result for kidepo valley national park tips

Kidepo valley national park is an Important Birding Safaris Area in Uganda with close to 450 bird species and a dream Uganda tour destination for bird-watching expeditions. A dozen out of the 50 birds of prey species in Uganda are endemic in the Karamoja region.


Kidepo Valley National Park advice image

Elephants, zebras, bush pigs, Rothschild giraffes, elands, Jackson’s hartebeest, buffalo, oribi, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, black-backed and side-backed jackals, and oribi is some of the common creatures. The best park in Africa to see large buffalo herds is Kidepo!


Murchison Falls National Game Park

About Murchison Falls National Game park

Why should you visit Murchison Falls Uganda? The answer is simply because you will be blown away by the waterfall’s mighty force and stunning beauty. Murchison Falls is the star attraction of Uganda’s largest national park, which is also named after the falls.

Considered the most powerful waterfall in the world, Murchison Falls is created by the great Nile River thrusting through a narrow gap in a violent roar before crashing down a 140-ft (43 meters) drop and flowing outward into Lake Albert.

You’ll probably also get to see colorful rainbows and a variety of birds at the falls, so make sure you have your camera ready!

How powerful is Murchison Falls? The outlet of Lake Victoria sends around 300 cubic meters per second (11,000 ft³/s) of water over the falls, squeezed into a gorge less than ten meters (30 ft) wide.  Wikipedia.org

2. Where is Murchison Falls Located?

You will find this magnificent waterfall in the Murchison Falls National Park, which is located about 75 miles(46 km) from the town of Masindi in northwestern Uganda. A visit to this national park is much more than a breathtaking waterfall.

The park is also home to an abundance of African wildlife and exciting adventures which will be discussed in more detail further down in this article.

3. How to Get to Murchison Falls

From Kampala, you can take public bus transport to Murchison Falls National Park. This is a 5-hour trip. You can also drive your own car, and you will find that roads such as Kampala-Gulu highway are well-paved.

The closest main town to Murchison is Masindi, which is around 75 km (about 1 1/2-hour drive). Minibus transportation is also available from the town of Hoima (129 km away). For a quicker alternative, you can take a charter flight to the landing site at Pakuba.

Upon entering the Murchison Falls National Park through the Chobe Gate, you will access the launching area at Paraa, where you can take a boat cruise on the Nile River to see the bottom of the magnificent waterfall.

If you prefer, you can also drive your own car or opt for a 45-minute hike to the top of the falls.

Murchison Falls location in Uganda

5. Where to Stay in Murchison Falls

Here are the top 5 lodges in Murchison Falls National Park

  1. Paraa Safari Lodge
  2. Chobe Safari Lodge See more about this lodge in the video below.
  3. Pakuba Safari Lodge
  4. Budongo Eco Lodge
  5. Twiga Safari Lodge

6. A Little History about Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls was named after Roderick Murchison, a Royal Geographical Society president, by Sir Samuel and Florence Baker, who were two of the first Europeans to explore the fall area.

During the 1970s, the name of the falls was unofficially changed to Kabalega Falls, after the king of Bunyoro, under the Idi Amin regime.

Once that government collapsed, the name of the falls reverted back to Murchison, but you may still sometimes hear it called Kabalega Falls.

7. Murchison Falls Claims to Fame

In 1951, Murchison Falls served as the background setting of the John Huston movie, African Queen, which starred Humphrey Bogart.

Murchison Falls has been visited by many notable people such as Winston Churchill and members of the British Royal family.

The famous author, Ernest Hemingway was flying into Murchison Falls National Park for a visit in 1954 when his plane crashed. Hemingway survived and was treated at a local hospital.

8. Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls

The best time to visit Murchison Falls depends on what you plan to see and do. The national park can be visited throughout the year, but some months may be better than others.

  • Overall Best time: Generally speaking, the best time to visit Murchison Falls is between December and February as this is the dry season when it is much easier to spot wildlife. Just keep in mind that the temperatures can be unbearably hot during this time.
  • Low Season: During the months of April to May and October to November, the Murchison Falls area experiences heavy rains which can occasionally make roads inaccessible. On a brighter note, the wet season is one of the best times to see migratory birds, and you may find reduced travel expenses during the low season.
  • High Season: June through September is the high season when most tourists are visiting the national park. This is when you will be more likely to enjoy relief from both heavy rains and high temperatures.
Best time to visit Murchison Falls

9. Oh! The Animals You Can See!

When you come to visit Murchison Falls Uganda, you will find yourself right smack in the middle of a motley of amazing wildlife that you may never see anywhere else in the world.

The surrounding national park consists of wetlands, tropical forests, woodlands, and savannah grasslands, which all provide habitats for Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) as well as giraffes, chimpanzees, antelopes, bushbucks, warthogs, hyenas, reedbucks, hartebeest, and more than 450 bird species.

Along the Nile River, you may spot hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds.

Saddle-billed stork in flight

10. Game Drives

One of the most popular activities in Murchison National Park is going on a game drive to see a variety of animals that include elephants, giraffes, velvet monkeys, jackals, lions, baboons and more.

While you can take a game drive any time of the year, the best time is during the dry season.

Game drives usually take place early in the morning and sometimes in the evening. Being accompanied by skilled guides will enhance your game drive experience because they know exactly where and how to track the animals.

11. Nature Walks

You will find designated trails throughout the national park where you can enjoy nature walks, from along the top of the falls and through the forest and along the delta, where you can meander among beautiful trees, plants, flowers, and butterflies.

You might catch a glimpse of red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and a diversity of birds like chocolate-backed kingfishers, hornbills, and maybe even the rare shoebill stork.

12. Hot Air Balloon Safari

One of the most unique ways you can explore Murchison Falls Uganda is by taking a hot air balloon safari.

You can opt for a sunrise or sunset launch that takes you high above the treetops to glimpse wildlife teeming below. This is probably one of the most memorable activities you can do here.

13. Boat Cruises

Another exciting way you can enjoy a Murchison Falls Uganda safari is by taking a boat cruise. From the launching area at Paraa, where the Nile River flows into Lake Albert, the boat will bring you to the bottom of the Murchison Falls and the Devil’s Cauldron.

Along the way, you can admire beautiful flora and spot hippos, Cape buffalos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and a variety of water birds such as cormorants, bee-eaters, and fish eagles.

14. Birdwatching

If you love birds, you will be in paradise at Murchison Falls Uganda. While there are hundreds of species here, some of the most common include the crested crane, blue-naped mousebird, spotted mourning thrush, bluff-bellied warbler, and white-rumped seedeater.

A nature walk at night might present you with the opportunity to see nocturnal birds such as standard-winged nightjars and Verreaux’s eagle owls.

15. Cultural Encounters

Interacting with different cultures often presents learning experiences and wonderful memories.

While in Murchison Falls Uganda, you have the opportunity to meet several different ethnic groups that live in different sections of the national park.

Some of these groups include Acholi, Banyoro, Alur, and Boomu. Not only can you learn about the different beliefs and customs of these ethnic groups, but you can take cooking and dancing lessons with them and buy their handicrafts that help support their livelihood and pay for their children’s schooling.

16. See Wild Rhinos

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is en route to Murchison Falls Uganda in Nakasongola.

You will be happy to stop here and see a variety of birds and animals including the country’s only population of wild rhinos.

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Is Murchison Falls worth it?

Murchison Falls National Park is home to a wealth of species in addition to a range of stunning landscapes. Many huge creatures, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and leopards, can be seen. Additionally, the park is home to well-known birds including the grey crested crane and shoebill.


How many gates does Murchison Falls National Park have?

They are the chobe gate, wankar gate, tangi gate, mubako gate, kichumbanyobo gate, and bugungu gate. There are six gates in total. The majority typically use the Bugungu gate to enjoy stunning views of Lake Albert and the Budongo forest.


What is Murchison Falls National Game park famous for?

However, the most notable feature of Murchison Falls National Park is the world’s most powerful waterfall. 200 bathtubs worth of water is pushed through a gorge that is only seven paces wide per second. The ground surrounding it trembles because of the pressure.