Wanale Ridge
A cliff escarpment rising directly above Mbale, with a seasonal waterfall and paragliding launches.
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Wanale is the escarpment that rises straight out of the plain behind Mbale, a spur of Mount Elgon with a sheer face several hundred metres high standing over the town. In the rains a waterfall, Nabuyonga, drops over the lip and is visible from Mbale. The top is farmed and gives a view over the whole plain towards Lake Kyoga, and the cliff has become the country's main paragliding launch site.
What you actually see
- The escarpment face - a sheer wall rising several hundred metres above the plain.
- The seasonal waterfall - Nabuyonga falling over the lip in the rainy months.
- The plain view - the country towards Lake Kyoga from the ridge top.
- The paragliding - launches from the cliff, the main site in the country.
When to go
June to August and December to March are driest for the road up. The waterfall only runs in the rains. Mornings are clearest before haze builds.
Honest expectations
The waterfall is seasonal and absent for much of the year. The road up is rough and steep. Paragliding operates only when instructors are in the country, which is intermittent.
Nearby
Mbale is below, and Sipi Falls is north.
What to pack for Wanale Ridge
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.