Explore Sipi Falls in Uganda | Mount Elgon

Explore Sipi Falls in Uganda | Mount Elgon

Explore Sipi Falls in Uganda | Mount Elgon : is the most incredible and wonderful waterfall in the eastern part of Uganda. Generally located in Kapchorwa district in the northeast of Mbale and Sironko and approximately 276 kilometers from Kampala. The glorious falls were named after the Sipi River which in turn was named after a locally grown plant called Sep. It is basically an indigenous plant to the banks of the river. In fact, this green plant resembles a wild banana and it is found with a bolt of crimson rib. This is used for medicinal purposes by the local people as it’s believed to treat fever and measles. Local folklore has it that British sightseers once found a lady picking wild plants in a nearby plantation. They asked her the name of the falls, she thought they were asking the name of the plant so she replied, “Sep”.

Besides that, the falls originate from the hot springs that flow on Sipi River, one of the rivers flowing on Mount Elgon. From the bottom, they pour from a high cliff creating a series of rapids flowing into Lake Kyoga. Sipi falls is encompassed of three waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude that lies on the foothills of Mount Elgon. The mountain is near the borders of Kenya and Uganda which submits beautiful and stunning views of Mount Elgon National Park. The main or highest fall drops from an altitude of 100 meters, second at 85 meters while the third is at 75 meters. Hiking to the top of the falls will give you tremendous and beautiful scenic views of the Karamoja plains, coffee plantations, Lake Kyoga, Mount Elgon, etc.

Exploring Sipi Falls

There is an artificial cave designed behind the waterfalls close to the bottom and these caves propose incredible experience. While here, you can sit silently in the shadow of the pouring falls which are more like a curtain to the cave. More so, you will enjoy the cool breeze and eye-catching views while taking pictures. The climate in this area is cool since it’s an hilly area and sometimes as tourists are hiking there are rains which makes hiking a bit hard which is an adventure of its own.

Sipi falls is basically a place available for loosening up, chilling and relaxing from the congestion around cities. The nearby communities have welcoming and hospitable people and these are majorly the Sabiny and the Bagishu. These tribes live around this area as well as practice farming such as growing of the Arabica coffee which is the major cash crop here. This coffee is grown on altitudes between 1600 metres and 1900 metres above sea level. Coffee tours are organized through guides with knowledge of coffee farming, processing as well as roasting. 

Activities done around Sipi falls

Hiking Sipi falls

This activity is a very good option for tourists who go to Sipi falls. While here, you can pick from numerous popular waterfalls walks which are both simple and difficult. This is because you will spend sometime while hiking to the top of the three falls. However, the cool breeze of the falls and the out-standing views will offer a lot of comfort.

Bird watching

is basically a home to over 280 bird species where most of them are seen around Sipi falls. However, others are spotted along the trail to Chetui falls and Kapkwai forest exploration center. While here, birders will be able to see a number of bird species such as; alpine chat. Dusky turtle dove, lemon dove, white chinned prinia, African blue flycatcher, African goshawk. grey cuckoo shrike, mountain yellow warbler, hartlaub’s turaco, black-throated wattle eye, African hill babbler, etc.

Arabica coffee tours

This activity is marvel for many tourists who come to Sipi falls. The plantations are set around Mount Elgon which has volcanic soils that are perfect for this type of coffee. Of course, coupled with the cool weather to ensure healthy coffee plants. During this activity, you will have fun meeting and hanging out with the people in the coffee production chain. These include; farmers, processors, exporters as well as roasters. You will also get a chance to prepare your own cup of coffee straight from the source.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is a rewarding activity that is carried out on the top of the Mount Elgon and around the falls. The mountain trails run from Sipi trading center to Chema hill in Kapchorwa town. The activity is basically organized by Sipi River Lodge which also arranges bikes for hire. It is such a thrilling and enjoyable activity whereby you ride a bike on the Rocky Mountains thus giving you a lot of great moments on your amazing safari.

Abseiling

This is the art of descending rock and slopes using friction device attached to your harness. It is also organized at the Chebonet falls and are made up of 15 sport climbing routes ranging from 10 metres to 15 metres. While doing this activity, make sure you have a climbing helmet and other gears before taking part.

Guided nature walks

The guided nature walks at Sipi falls are done at the bottom of the waterfalls. However, the best time is during the rainy seasons. Here, you will walk on the down steep through the surrounding village communities. Also walk to the three waterfalls which takes approximately 4 hours. Nature walks at the falls are guided with the local guides to the Budadiri community where you take part in the different trails. Some of these include; Namugabwe cave trail which passes through the Bamasaba community and the banana plantations to reach the historical cave filled with bones.

Fly fishing

On the remote section of the Sipi River above the waterfall, you can learn and take part in the art of fly fishing. However, this requires different techniques from other types of fishing for example luring the fish with a “fly”.

Nyero Rock Paintings

You will enjoy a walk to the Nyero rock paintings in Kumi which is approximately 2 hours from the falls. In fact, these are the most historical rock art in the nation and revered as a sacred place for the gods. Here, you will engage yourself in tour and history of how the ancient people used to live through their art.

Cultural tours

While here, you will enjoy cultural tours with the Sabiny and Bagishu who stay in the surrounding villages. The Bagishu have an Imbalu ceremony where young teenage boys are circumcised before the age of 15. Hence, learning more about traditional circumcision and why it’s carried out. You will also meet the Sabiny who will tell you about the female circumcision which is practiced in Sabiny.  You will also enjoy performances from widows through dancing, singing, storytelling, etc. These will provide you with unforgettable memories on your safari.

How to get there

Sipi falls is located in the eastern part of Uganda, Kapchorwa district in the northeast of Mbale and Sironko.  It can be accessed through Kampala-Mbale-Kapchorwa-Sipi falls and it is approximately 6 hours by road.

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