Located approximately 38 kilometers from Jinja city (capital city of adventure), Itanda falls is also known as the second strongest water (brother) fall in Uganda after Murchison Falls, which happens to be the strongest water fall in the world. Starting from culture to tourism, Itanda falls has a significant role that it plays in our daily lives, mostly for the people that stay near these falls. For the tourism sector, apart from playing the role of tourist attraction, Itanda falls has several activities that are carried out or done from there. Below is all you need to know (FAQS) about Itanda Falls and what to expect seeing or doing there in case you are planning to visit this amazing tourist attraction in Eastern Uganda. Itanda Falls is commonly known worldwide for being one of the places where the famous Nyege-Nyege festival takes place, where different people from all over the world come together to celebrate culture and music for over four days.
What to do / activities available at Itanda Falls?
There are a variety of tourist activities that can be done or carried out at Itanda falls, and these include,
Tubbing at Itanda Falls
Tubbing at Itanda falls is a tourist activity which involves sailing for approximately 1 to 2 hours on the rapids of the water while seated on an inflatable tube, tied down to it tightly with a belt in the west. Tubing at Itanda falls involves sailing on the water rapids for a distance of about 2 to 3 kilometers with the help or guidance of an experienced guide throughout the whole activity.
Hiking to the top of Itanda Falls
The slopes of Itanda falls are made of rocks that can be easily hiked, hence making the hiking activity to the top of Itanda falls easy for tourists or visitors. When they get to the top of the falls, tourists or visitors get to meet and interact with the locals in the nearby community. Note that the hiking activity should always be done with the help or guidance from a local tour guide because no matter how easy this activity may seem like, this activity may turn out to be risky due to the slippery rocks so, all you have to do is listen and follow every step your local guide because they will know the right rock to touch and step on.
Visiting the source of the Nile
Located approximately 38 kilometers from Itanda Falls, tourists or visitors can also decide to visit the source of the longest river in the world (the River Nile), which starts from Lake Victoria. You will also get to visit the Monument where the grate explore Jhon speak, who discovered the source of the River Nile, and take photos as well, if you want.
Photography at Itanda Falls
The fact that Itanda falls is a very outstanding attraction when it comes to beauty, which makes it a good spot for both photography and videography shooting.
Bird watching at Itanda Falls.
Itanda Falls is also a good bird-spotting destination since a variety of different bird species are always seen flying over the falls and also visiting the bottom to drink water. Some of the birds that you should look forward to seeing or spotting at Itanda Falls include cormorants, pelicans, storks, and kingfishers, to name a few.
Kayaking at Itanda Falls
Yes, kayaking is one of the tourist activities that is done or carried out on Itanda falls; however, this activity is only done by professionals (grade 5) since the rapids are very high and cannot favor the beginners.
What is the best time to visit Itanda Falls?
Itanda Falls is always open to tourists or visitors throughout the whole year, but the best time or most recommended time to visit is during the dry season of the year (June to August and December to February). The dry season is the best time to visit because during this time of the year, the water levels are low, the weather is more favorable for all the outdoor activities, and Itanda falls is also more accessible during the dry season than the rainy season, where the trails taking you there are filled with mud and slippery.
Accommodation facilities in Jinja near Itanda Falls
There is a variety of accommodation facilities in Jinja where you can stay and have easy access to Itanda Falls. These accommodation facilities range from luxury to budget and some of these include The Haven Eco Lodge, Adrift Overland Camp, Explores River Camp, BN private beach, Lemala wild waters, Sunset Hotel, Nile Resort Hotel, King Fisher resort, Cool breeze hotel, 2 Friends Guest House Jinja, Nile Anchor Palace, Dian Will Hotel, Hotel Maria Grant, Billionaire’s Suite Jinja, Tourist Bay Hotel Jinja, New Daneil Hotel, Omega Christian Hotel Jinja, Islet Hotel Jinja, Chel and Vade Hotel Jinja, Nile Discovery Resort Jinja, to name a few.
How to get to Itanda Falls in Jinja.
Itanda Falls can be accessed or reached by road, either using private or public transport. Coming from Kampala, you will use the Kampala- Jinja highway, which takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. When you get to Jinja, you will then proceed to Itanda Falls, which is about 45 minutes away.