Tourist attractions around Lwakhakha included the Sono water intake from where Tororo town gets water and rock bridge over river Lwakhakha wide enough for 5 cars to traverse at the same time. This bridge connects Uganda to Kenya and is called “daragi ya mungu” literally translated as God’s Bridge. The main activity is subsistence farming, with the use of donkeys to transport produce and irrigate on a small extent. This area is famous for coffee, beans, onions, tomatoes cabbages etc and is ideal for a cultural experience during the circumcision ceremonies in even years.
On two prior trips to Lwakhakha I had seen a stunning waterfall on the slopes of Namusindwa Ridge, but due to limited time was unable explore the site. On my third trip I was determined to visit Laso waterfalls, get a description, pictures and find out how to get there and away. Laso Falls could be a second route to entertain volunteers combined with a cultural experience on mountain bikes. We set off early so as to get to the waterfalls and away before it would become very hot. Our first hitch; breakfast wasn’t ready and we improvised with doughnuts, coca cola and mineral water arriving at Bumalye at 8 am.
We drove from to Bupoto 8 kms and turned left driving another 8 kms to the trail head at Bumalye. We parked the car at Bumalye and started the hike. In the school compound, we found 3 donkeys and learnt that they are the preferred means of transport due to the steep terrain.
With the combination of a slippery walk way and ice-cold water, I could not get to the base of the waterfalls. I took pictures about 30 metres from the base and left in a hurry before the biting cold started to take effect on my body. To enjoy the spectacular views at the top one needs warm and water proof clothing. Fortunately there is natural terrace which can hold 50 people. Laso falls has not been developed for tourism and is rarely visited. A stairway for the last 10 feet would ease the ascent, but for the time being, Laso is not for the faint hearted.