River Kafu is one of the most important natural attractions that can be visited by tourists on safaris in Uganda. Flowing from the western side of Uganda, River Kafu is known to start from a wetland approximately 12 kilometers to the North of Kitoma Village within western Uganda. Therefore its source is Kitoma Swamp found within the Kibale district, the mouth is in Victoria Nile within Masindi district and stands at an elevation of 1100 meters (3609 feet) above sea level.
This magnificent River Kafu drains eastwards before changing course to the North to empty its waters in the popular Victoria Nile that is always visited by tourists during Uganda Safaris at approximately 8 kilometers North of Masindi Port within Masindi district. The source of this River is said to be found on the geographical coordinates of 31.0820 and 1.1500 in terms of longitude and latitude respectively and at the point where the Kafu River empties into River Nile is found within the coordinates of 32.0945 in longitudes and 1.6475 in latitude. It is said that the entry point into River Nile is about 1040 meters (3410 feet) above sea level.
Along the course of River Kafu, it transverses through a number of districts that include Hoima, Masindi, Kyankwanzi, Kibale, Luwero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke, all within the western side of the country. Not to forget that the wetland that River Kafu emanates from is also crossed by the small River Nkusi although it arises from a separate location draining past the wetland and immediately emptying into Lake Albert within the western border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The source of River Kafu stands at an elevation of approximately 1100 meters above sea level while its mouth stands at an elevation of 1040 meters above sea level with the total length of the River being 180 kilometers (112 miles) from the start to the end.
This wonderful River has two tributaries that include River Mayanja and River Lugogo which both flow through the vast permanent papyrus swamps before finally emptying their waters into River Kafu. It is interesting to note that. It should be noted that the spectacular landscape of River Kafu Basin is mainly made up of thick bush thicket and verdant papyrus swamps. The River Basin is characterized by a wide range of flora as well as fauna such as Antelopes like Oribis, Bush duikers, Uganda Kobs, Bohor Reedbucks, common elands, Defassa waterbucks, the swamp occupying Sitatungas and Bushbucks, Leopards and Bush pigs to mention but a few. The landscape of the spectacular River is dominated by thick Bush thickets and the Papyrus Swamps.
Although often ignored, River Kafu is one of the most interesting Rivers to explore while on safaris in Uganda. Besides its beauty, it is home to several wildlife species that include Oribis, Bush duikers, Uganda Kobs, Bohor Reedbucks, common elands, Defassa waterbucks hence must not miss on your bucket list.