Bujagali Falls Key Activities & Tours

Bujagali Falls Key Activities & Tours: Bujagali Falls, also known as Budhagali Falls, is a captivating cascade of water located near Jinja, at the point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. This natural wonder was once a popular tourist attraction, admired for its beauty and cultural significance. The falls were said to be home to the local spirit “Bujabald” and were an important site for the people of the Busoga Kingdom.

Unfortunately, the magnificence of Bujagali Falls was impacted when a power dam was built in 2011, leading to the formation of Bujagali Lake and affecting the area’s tourism. The raging power of the Victoria Nile was diverted through hydroelectric turbines, diminishing the original magnificence of the falls. However, the area has transformed into a hub for adventure seekers, with the beautiful Bujagali Lake becoming a focal point for East Africa’s adventures.

The construction of the dam faced opposition from conservationists and tourism, but it did not prevent Bujagali Falls from becoming the most popular waterfall in the Eastern region. Situated near Jinja, Bujagali Falls is renowned as one of the country’s outstanding natural beauty spots and is an ideal destination for weekend getaways and relaxation after intense whitewater rafting. The first waterfalls on the Nile River downstream from the Ripon Falls were named Bujagali Falls, with the western banks marking the boundary of the Buganda Kingdom and the eastern bank serving as the boundary of the Busoga Kingdom.

Whitewater rafting is a popular activity at Bujagali Falls due to the presence of several cascades and Grade 5 rapids within Kyabirwa. Rafting here offers tourists an exceptional wild-water experience amid stunning African scenery at the beginning of the Nile River, with the first whitewater rapids located at Bujagali Falls. Rafters embark on a 28-kilometer trip with a paddle, life jacket, and helmet, starting with a basic training session and using a reinforced inflatable raft with eight to ten participants. Other activities in the area include sport fishing and swimming.

Despite the slight impact of the Bujagali dam construction on the beauty of Bujagali Falls, it remains one of the most picturesque sites in eastern Uganda, offering tourists the opportunity to enjoy activities such as whitewater rafting, sport fishing, and swimming.