Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda

Sipi falls is located in North East Uganda, Sipi falls covers the districts of Kapchorwa, northeast of Sironko and Mbale city. Sipi falls has a three serie waterfalls that lay on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. The mighty Sipi River was named after the ‘Sep’. This was  a plant native to the banks of the River,it looks like a wild banana , it is believed to be a medicine plant that can be used as a cure measles and fever.

For all hikers who go to mountain Elgon expeditions, Sipi falls is the commencing spot for the hike to the top of Mountain Elgon.Hikes around the falls offer stunning views of the. Sarrounded by the elevated Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mt. Elgon, these views are magnificent while hiking around the Sipi falls. The hike takes several routes but there is a very popular one which commences from Budadiri towards the Sasa trail which leads you until the summit and then descends down the Sipi trail and finally back into the Sipi Falls

Sipi falls can be visited any time of the year beacuse weather in the sipi area is cool all year round, though during rainy seasons you may get challenges hiking hence advised to move with walking sticks.

Activities at Sipi falls

With the falls being the main attraction at Sipi falls, there are several activities that can also be done while at Sipi falls, they include;

Birding at sipi falls

Birding at sipi falls can be done inside mounain Elgon. At Kapkwai forest exploration centre,there are a variety of birds, the exploration centre is located inside Mountain Elgon National Pak. The area is blessed with over 300 birds including 40 restricted range species plus over 56 of the 87 Afrotropical highland biome species live here, particularly the Moorland Francolin, Moustached Green Tinkerbird and Alpine Chat. Other birds that can be watched include; the African Goshawk; Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catcher, Chinspot Batis, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Dohertys and Luhders Bush-shrikes, Baglafecht Weaver, Cinnamon Bee Eater, Moustached Tinkerbird, Hartloub`s Turaco, Tacazze Sunbird, Olive- and Bronze-naped pigeons, Black Kite and Black-collared Apalis.

Hiking at sipi falls

The beautiful water falls at Sipi can not be seen at once since they are split in different elevations, this means that one has to hike to each water fall following specific trails that varry from 7 to 8 kms. When it rains, there are steep and rocks that are very challenging when hiking. There is always a well trained and experienced guide that leads you all the way to the last falls. The guides give guidelines and also advice on which items to carry with you, mostly they advice one to carry a bottle of water,a stick for support and many more. It takes averagely 3 hours to hike to the top though can exceed depending on the oace of the hiker.The treks go through villages, coffee and banana farmlands and in the distance scenic views of the Karamoja plains.

Abseilling at sipi falls

Sipi Falls is the main destination for Abseiling in Uganda. Rock Climbing & Abseiling are done at the main waterfall. The 100m high water falls give the best experience of the whole activity and drizzles fall on ur making all the clothes wet. The session starts from the top of the falls untill bottom of the falls. There is help of a well expereinced guide who on arrival reads out the precautions to every one, a rope is then tied around ur waist and then you get close to the metallic stares that lead you down the falls, you are always moral boosted by the guides or the friends you have gone with. It is a breath taking experience that one can not miss out. While you arrive at the botom of the falls, there is another guide who waits for you to help remove the ropes around the waist. After the session, you are guided by a guide through trails to the next program.

Mountain Biking at sipi falls

On the foothill of the fourth hghest mountain in Africa, mountain biking has become a main tour activity. The biking trails run to the Sipi falls and the surrounding areas offering great scenic sights which make it interesting to encounter. Though mountain biking experiences at Sipi Falls are still at a low level stage though with great potential to touch the limit, it is believed that it gives a very good physical experience to the cyclist.The other areas where mountain biking is conducted in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrate National Park which is also famously known for gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and Lake Bunyonyi commonly referred to as the lake of a thousand Islands.

Cultural tour around the sipi falls

Sipi falls is majorly sarrounded by the Sabinyi people who have alot of cultural beliefs and norms. The Sabinyi are famously known for female genital mutilation, the male are circumcised too. One would be told about their ways of living, their ritual transformation from child to adulthood. They are also subsistance farmers.

Visit the Coffee plantations tour

Kapchorwa or areas around Mountain Elgon are known for growing Arabica coffee. This has attracted tourists to learn abpout the cycle of arabica coffe from as it is still untill when it has amtured to be harvested. This specific tour is under guidance of a guide who leads you to farmers around the area. The walk around the plantations is paid for with an agreed amount.

How to get there

Sipi falls is located in the North Eastern part of Uganda near the Uganda– Kenya baorder. Sipi falls can be connected to by use of road transport at most. It takes you approximately 5 hours by road from Kampala city, you go through Mukono town ,the industrious Jinja town where you can view the river nile, the new suspended bridge and lake victoria, the sister Busembatya and Namutumba districts ,then you will approach Budaka district which is the last district before you reach mbale. As you get closer to Mbale town, the Wanale ridge is viewed at almost 25km away from Mbale,along the way,Uganda clays Kamonkoli is also sited. Mbale town is a bright and beautiful town where you feel welcomed as you enter with nature at it’s best. From mbale , it is 56km drive to Sipi falls. Along the way you will be able to see the beautiful green vegetation and rocks along the slopes of Mountain Elgon.

Accomodation around sipi falls

Sipi falls has a number of affordable accomodation that varies from Budget-midrange-luxury. Most of the accomodation places are strategically located and easily accessible. Some include;Sipi falls lodge, Sipi river lodge, Lacam kodge sipi, Rafiki lodge sipi. In mbale which neighbours Sipi falls also has very good accomodation like Mt.Elgon Hotel, Mbale resort hotel, wash and wills country home and many more.

An experience at sipi falls is worth memories to remeber always.