Sezibwa waterfalls are mythical falls along the Sezibwa River. One of the longer-traversed rivers in Uganda. The Sezibwa River empties within the Victoria Nile northwards in Kayunga district. This is a unique river among the res. Iit’s believed to have been born by humans. The river starts in Kyagwe, on one of the rocks where the birth believed to have taken place. Sezibwa waterfalls exhibit a rare beauty with a breathtaking ambiance worth some minutes spent. The moist roars of the waterfalls and traditional background paint a worthy picture. For anyone interested in visiting the falls.
The story that the Sizibwa River was born by humans is evident with traditional ritual practitioners who do their worship at the falls. The locals believe the falls inhabit spirits, and there are shrines at the top of the falls where people visit to cleanse their bodies from bad omens.
Sezibwa Falls is a perfect gateway for weekend fantasies, making it just an en-route for a trip to Jinja. Before reaching the source of the Nile, you have to spend some minutes enjoying the cool. Serene view of the falls. Considering the other waterfalls around the country, which can include Kisizi Falls, Sipi Falls, Griffin Falls, Aruu Falls, the fabulous Murchison Falls, Karuma Falls, and others. Sezibwa Falls also proposes a wonderful stature of its kind.
The historical Sezibwa waterfalls are located in Mukono district. Which is about 45 kilometers east of Kampala’s capital, along Kampala Jinja Road, and branch off from Kayanja Trading Center. The antique River Ssezibwa holds quite an interesting story about the actuality of the river. The falls one of Uganda’s hidden treasures in the central region and suggest a lot about nature and culture. They’re located on the border of both Mukono and Buikwe. And they have the dual management of the Anglican Church and the Buganda Kingdom.
The history of Sezibwa Waterfalls
Traditionally, believed that River Sezibwa was born by a woman who belonged to the Kibe clan (fox), aligned with Buganda customs. The lady’s name was Nakkungu Tebatusa. And her husband was Nsubuga Ssebwato, who were residents of Kawuma village in Bukunja (Buikwe district). Believed that she gave birth to twins called Sezibwa and Bwanda. These were in the following waters: The name Sezibwa paraphrased from the Luganda word “sizibwa Kkubo” meaning “my path can’t be blocked”. The recitation of the name evidenced by the river flow. Which couldn’t be blocked; this enables the river to flow through the slopes and highs for 150km.
Local people in communities around the falls who kept hold on the ancient traditions take Sezibwa Falls as places for practicing their rituals. Believing that the river inhabits some of their gods like Musoke (god of rain) and Walumbe (god of death). According to the traditional myth, there are even shrines built at the top of the falls. And at all times, the locals are always going there to be cleansed of their omens and also to be blessed.
At Sezibwa Falls, which was also a favorite ground for retreats from Buganda Kingdom. The current Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi II, planted memorial trees as a symbol of preserving nature and the heritage of the site. The waterfall site is under double management. A part managed by Buganda Kingdom, and the other side is managed by the Anglican Church.
The River Sezibwa is one of the unseasonal rivers flowing for a distance of about 150 kilometers and pouring into the great River Nile in Kayunga district. The falls here pour over the elevated solid rocks into a bowl with fabulous water whispers. Creating a miraculous, transmittable view. Around the Sezibwa waterfalls, there is almost the best serene environment, just worthy of a breath-taking visit and one of the uncrowded places one can visit for a lonely day out.
Things to do at Sezibwa Waterfalls
With the few hours one can spend at Sezibwa waterfalls, there are various adventures to undertake. And among these is the faultless bird-watching spot with about 100 bird species. Butterflies, insects like dragonflies, and rock hiking experiences are some of the extra things you have to engage in. There are several tree species that provide a cool ambiance. That makes the place more amazing and keeps you wanting to stay for a while.
Waterfall viewing
This occasionally stands as the main motive for visiting the falls. The amazing moist view of the falls, encompassed by reckless, overpowering roaring, where waters fall over 17m into the pond, which is about 13m deep. The panoramic view where you watch waterfalls sloping down on tilted rocks can be the magnetic pole. That pulls you to like this fabulous destination more.
Bird watching
The evergreen tree-covered ambiance formed by various tree species accommodates a variety of bird species. And from the falls viewing point, the bridge makes it possible for one to view as many bird species as possible, which can include the great blue turaco, splendid starling, red-eyed dove, woodland kingfisher, grey-headed sparrow, hornbill, eastern plantain eater, African grey parrot, and northern black flycatcher, among many other species. While entering the waterfalls, you welcomed with a cool ambiance filled with the melodies of birds whistling from tree branches.
Rock and hill climbing
It’s another wondrous adventure to engage in at Sezibwa Falls. A guided rock hike to the top of the falls introduces you to ritual shrines where locals always do their traditional worship. Sezibwa Falls hiking rewards you with a wider view of the atmosphere at the place. In-depth knowledge of the traditions, and a wildlife view of monkeys, lizards, and birds, among others.
Wildlife watching
There are also chances of encountering some mammals while at Sezibwa waterfalls. The serene natural atmosphere favors the presence of such mammals, including squirrels, Nile monitor lizards, snakes like green mambas, and horn adders. The major mammals watched are vervet monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.
Conclusion;
Sezibwa waterfalls featured on any of your eastern Uganda tours. Which can include an adventure to Mabira Forest, the Source of the Nile, or the long eastern adventure circuit, which can go through Sipi waterfalls. As well as a Uganda safari to Pian Upe Game Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park.