Sipi falls is a general name for the series of three magnificent waterfalls in the district of Kapchorwa, Eastern side of Uganda. These waterfalls lie on the brim of Mount Elgon National Park, the fourth highest mountain peak in the African Continent, along the Uganda-Kenya border. The beautiful Sipi falls area is always the trailhead for most hikes to the summits of Mount Elgon, kicking off from Budadiri and goes through the popular Sasa Trail to the peak as well as descend to the Sipi Trail and back to the falls.

Of the three waterfalls in Sipi area, the first and undeniably the highest is about 100 meters, the second falls at 75 meters below with upper cascades before dropping at a plunge pool while the third waterfalls drops at 85 meters below with columnar appearance. These waterfalls combined reward visitors with jaw-dropping sceneries that offer a wonderful backdrop for photography.

Location of Sipi Falls

The beautiful Sipi falls is nestled at approximately 1775 meters/5823 feet above sea level, while the area is situated within the Eastern side of Uganda, in Kapchorwa district and northeast of Mbale and Sironko districts. The area is about 172 miles from the Capital (in Kampala) and at the edge of Mount Elgon on Uganda-Kenya border.

History of Sipi falls

The name Sipi came from a wild and indigenous banana-like plant known as “sep” found along the pristine banks of River Sipi. This unique plant was always used for medicinal purposes, especially treating measles and other fevers that affected locals within the surrounding area.

Fascinating thing you can do around the spectacular Sipi falls

Guided nature walks/hikes

Guided hikes/nature walks are one of the most popular tourist activities around Sipi falls and visitors who take part in this activity are rewarded with the picturesque views of the sweeping Karamoja plains, the slopes of Mount Elgon, plantations of Arabica coffee and Lake Kyoga. Most of these hikes are organized through Uganda Wildlife Authority or Local Tour Operators and they last about 3-4 hours. In most cases, the guided hikes transverse a beautiful River, through verdant farmlands and homesteads

Abseiling or Rock climbing

There are presently 14 well established trails/routes for visitors interested in undertaking rock climbing around Sipi falls area. Of these routes, the most difficult is the 35-meter climb while the easiest about 15 meters climb and perfect for tourists that are not physically fit. Whichever route you choose, be sure of relishing breathtaking views of the three waterfalls in Sipi area as well as the far-flung sweeping Karamoja plains.

Trout fishing

Some visitors to the Sipi falls area take part in trout fishing conducted on Sipi River, where specimens weighing up to 5 kilograms are caught and released back into the River. Fishing permits and equipment can be acquired from the nearby Sipi River Lodge.

Cultural experiences

The Bagisu and Sabiny are the two dominant tribes around Sipi falls, and their livelihoods depend on farming where the country’s best Arabica coffee is grown between altitudes of 1600 and 1900 meters above sea level. Guided coffee tours can be organized for visitors who wish to learn the process of coffee growing, drying, roasting, processing and even packing before you finally take it your way.

Mountain cycling/biking

Mountain biking/cycling can also be undertaken by visitors to the Sipi falls area where the villages, coffee farms and banana plantations can be explored by bike.

Birding

For avid birders, there are over 200 bird species within the Sipi falls area alone. These include the African blue flycatcher, African Goshawk, White-chinned Prinia, Baglafecht weavers, Chubb’s cisticola, to mention but a few.

When to explore the magnificent Sipi Falls

The Sipi falls area can be explored throughout the year. The area is generally characterized by a cooler climate than other parts of Uganda hence the reason why Arabica coffee is grown in the area. The weather is generally beautiful throughout the year although the perfect time to explore and undertake the activities is dry season-June to late August and late February to May.

Where to stay when exploring Sipi falls

The Sipi falls area features a wide range of accommodation facilities that include Sipi River Lodge found on the foothills of Mount Elgon for visitors interested in relishing luxury experience. Others include the Crow’s Nest Rest Camp, Casa Sipi Falls Lodge and Sipi falls Resort among others. Other places of stay are as far as Mount Elgon National Park area and Mbale Town and they include Noah’s Ark Hotel, Mbale Resort Hotel, Mount Elgon Hotel and Lacam Lodge.

How to reach Sipi falls

Sipi falls area is about 172 miles/5 and a half hours drive on road from Kampala City. The road journey involves transversing the popular Jinja highway passing via Mabira Forest, sugarcane plantations, Jinja Town, Iganga and Mbale before continuing to the waterfalls.