Mahoma Falls in Fort Portal: Uganda’s Hidden Natural Treasure
Located in the scenic Ruteete District, Mahoma Falls are among Uganda’s most picturesque natural features. The Mahoma Falls in Fort Portal are located on the Fort Portal-Kamwenge route. Mahoma Waterfalls are peacefully set amid the tranquil Ruteete area, with cool temperatures. Access to these hidden jewels is possible with a 2-hour walk via the scenic forests. An experienced guide can accompany you as you explore the charming Mahoma Falls in Fort Portal, sharing details about its unique culture, history, and ecology.
As you approach the waterfalls, the gushing sounds and also the cool temperatures in the area can amaze you. Generally, you experience a turnaround in your life. If you are looking for a short weekend getaway, this is the right destination.
Mahoma Falls are found at an elevation of 1300m. Surrounding the spectacular Mahoma Waterfalls are scenic Crater Lake and vegetation. The scenic Mahoma River plunges over 40m into a plunge pool, with tall trees in the surrounding area forms the falls. The serenity at the Mahoma Waterfalls is unmatched, offering nature adventurers a perfect spot to begin their exploration in Fort Portal.
Beyond the commanding scenery of Mahoma Waterfalls, visitors can also explore nearby destinations such as Kibale National Park.
The Unique History of Mahoma Waterfalls in Fort Portal
Mahoma Falls in Fort Portal formed because of volcanic activity in the Ruteete area about 4000 to 6000 BC, during the middle Holocene period. They are part of the prehistoric geological events that led to the formation of the Mahoma River, which later gave rise to the scenic Mahoma Falls. Today, Mahoma Falls serves as a sacred cultural site for the Bakonjo people. Locals believe the falls are home to a spirit that forecasts weather patterns and protects them. The spirit is responsible for the area’s heavy rainfall.
Major Attractions in and around Mahoma Falls
The breathtaking scenery
The presence of natural features such as the Mahoma Waterfalls makes Fort Portal one of the city’s scenic destinations. A visit to Fort Portal allows you to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the year, also characterised by rolling hills, tea/banana plantations, and Crater Lake.
Explosion Crater Lakes
Mahoma lies in a region with numerous crater lakes formed by volcanic eruptions. Crater lakes in this area include Lake Saaka, Lake Nyabikora, and Lake Nyinambuga. This area is popular because it features on the 20,000 Ugandan shilling note.
Kibale Forest National Park
Accessible within a 30-minute drive on the Fort Portal-Kamwenge route, Kibale National Park is an unusual destination for experiencing the best of Uganda’s chimpanzee-tracking holiday. Kibale contains about 13 primate species, including 1,500 chimpanzees, as well as blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Kibale National Park supports other huge concentrations of l’hoest monkeys, buffaloes, elephants, 250 species of butterflies, red colobus monkeys, Ugandan mangabeys, civets, African golden cats, duikers, bush pigs, sitatungas, mongooses, and more.
The birds of Kibale Forest include Albertine-endemic species such as red-faced woodland warblers, dusky crimsonwing, collared apalis, black-capped apalis, red-headed bluebills, great blue turacos, Abyssinian ground thrush, and African green-breasted pittas.
Sempaya Hot Springs
In the nearby Semuliki, you shouldn’t miss exploring the world’s powerful hot springs–the Sempaya. This is a perfect option for you to spice up your Mahoma Waterfalls tours in Fort Portal. At the Sempaya hot spring, you can visit the female/male hot springs.
Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru
Located 32 km from Kibale National Park, Western Fort Portal, and the tourism city of Amabere, these unique caves are worth a visit. The caves are better known as “the breasts of Nyinamwiru. From Fort Portal city, you can drive for 10km to the Nyakusura caves.
Tooro Palace
The Mahoma Falls tour also offers the opportunity to explore the unique traditions, practices, and culture of the Toro Kingdom at the Tooro Palace. The Toro Palace is one of the cultural landmark in Fort Portal tourism city. Tourists on a trip to explore the Mahoma waterfalls can also combine their visit with a cultural safari at the Tooro Palace, where King Oyo resides.
Amazing Experiences to Enjoy at Mahoma Falls in Fort Portal
A wide range of activities can be enjoyed on the Mahoma Waterfalls tour. They include guided nature walks/hiking, chimpanzee tracking, photography tours, cultural safaris, and swimming.
Nature walks/hikes
Guided nature walks or hikes are some of the main safari highlights to expect on a safari in Mahoma Waterfalls. Expect to enjoy a 3-hour walk to the waterfalls through a lush forested area, spotting a variety of birds, butterflies, and primates along the way.
Cultural tours
Visitors can also interact with the Bakonjo community and explore its unique lifestyle, traditions, and culture.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is a perfect addition to a visit to the Mahoma Waterfalls in Fort Portal. Kibale is the right place to go for chimpanzee tracking before or after a guided walk at Mahoma Waterfalls. On chimpanzee treks, expect to embark on a guided walk with a habituated chimpanzee community. To track Kibale chimpanzees, a valid chimpanzee trekking permit is a must, and each costs USD 250 for all foreign non-residents, USD 200 for foreign residents, and UGX 180,000 for Ugandans.
Birding safaris
Birds can also be spotted in the surrounding lush forests at the Mahoma Waterfalls or while at Kibale National Park. A guided birding tour in Kibale rewards with astonishing bird encounters, including the yellow-billed ox-peckers, Crowned eagles, helmeted guinea fowl, woodland kingfishers, yellow-fronted tinkerbird, chocolate-backed kingfisher, African green-breasted pittas, yellow-spotted barbets, chestnut-throated apalis, and cinnamon-chested bee-eaters.
When to Visit Mahoma Waterfalls in Fort Portal
Mahoma Falls are best explored during the dry season, from June to September, or during the short dry months from December to February. Visits can also be arranged during the long and short rainy seasons. This is from March to May or October to November – less rainfall characterises it.
Once you have understood the weather patterns or seasonality of the Mahoma Waterfall, the next step is to ensure that you have the right gear packed. On the packing list, expect to bring long-sleeved shirts, waterproof hiking boots, a first-aid kit, a waterproof daypack, a pack of insect repellent, a safari hat, trousers, visas, passports, and rain jackets.
Accommodation to Stay
Visitors to Mahoma Waterfalls have the best accommodation available. They are midrange, budget, and luxury. Popular places to book an overnight stay include Isunga Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, and many others.
Accessing the Mahoma Waterfalls in Fort Portal
The Mahoma Waterfalls can be reached in just a 5-hour drive from Kampala. You drive up to Fort Portal, navigating through the towns of Mityana and Mubende. If you take a flight, you can spend less than 2 hours and expect to land at Semliki or Kasese Airstrips. A pickup by an experienced driver can be arranged as soon as you land at the airstrip and connect to your overnight accommodations.
In conclusion, Mahoma Falls in Fort Portal offers an exceptional opportunity for anyone seeking an outstanding weekend getaway. Contact us now to book a trip to Mahoma Falls in Uganda at an affordable price.
