Karuma Wildlife Reserve is located in Masindi District in western Uganda and is 902 metres above sea level. It is found in the areas of Murchison Falls National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi, Budongo Forest Reserves and Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. The reserve is known for large animals like buffaloes and elephants besides the smaller types. It has an area of 820 square kilometres and gazetted in 1964. The main reason of protecting this reserve was to act as a safeguard zone between Murchison Falls National Park and the neighboring villages including other un-conserved areas.
The rock formations that form these waterfalls were arranged by a traditional spirit known as ‘karuma’ and it is from this that the falls derived their name. The roaring beautiful Karuma Falls comprise of a number of naturally cascading interlocking rock- formations that appear like a series of steps all the way to the bottom of the calm Victoria Nile. The art and order in which these rocks are arranged is very impressive and you will be fascinated at your first sight. The impressive waterfalls are found not far from Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park along the eastern boundary of the park and just one hour’s drive from the northern district of Gulu.
Currently, the Karuma falls hold a 750-Megawatts hydropower station known as Karuma Power Station, a project that was done by the government of Uganda together with a couple of foreign partners and today it generates some of the electricity that is consumed by the people of Uganda.
During your visit to this hidden tourist site, you will not fail to see a number of wild animals within the surrounding areas. Among the commonly seen animals include: Uganda kobs, different monkeys, giraffes, elephants, baboons, buffaloes and lions plus leopards occasionally. There are also various colored birds you will see flying about.
When it comes to accommodation, there are a number of facilities around this site including luxury, mid-range and budget facilities. Among these are: Karuma Falls Campsite and Red Chilli Rest Camp both perfect for camping trips. As you are coming from Kampala using public transport; board the buses to Gulu. You may also book through a tour operator to organize for you a memorable experience.