On the foothills of Mount Elgon, the small village of Sipi is host to 3 stunning waterfalls dropping over sheer cliffs on their way to the plains below. The last drop is a breathtaking 100 metres (especially if you dare to abseil it!!) and is said to be the most beautiful waterfall in all of Uganda. At an altitude of 1750metres you can expect some refreshingly chilly nights as well as ample sweeping views of the plains below. Accommodation is available to suit all tastes and budgets and it can be a great base to start or finish a hike up the mountain. Now only 3 hours drive from Jinja thanks to a new tarmac road, it is well worth a short visit to relax and enjoy this peaceful little haven.
Sipi Falls are a series of 3 waterfalls in Kapchorwa district near Mount Elgon national park, Eastern Uganda. Amongst the most spectacular and tallest waterfall, the upper series of Sipi falls are 100 meters tall. Water flows rapidly from such a height to create a spectacular sight. When you stand at the bottom; you can feel the fog, mist, and fresh air. View from the top is one of the most breathtaking scenery of Mount Elgon, the world’s largest caldera.
Though most tourists have been visiting Sipi falls just to see the impressive waterfall and then return back, there are lots of reasons to explore sipi falls. Thanks to a lot of activities, sipi area has turned into a tourist destination. Visitors can camp near sipi waterfalls and make daily excursions for hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. You can do waterfall abseiling if you are adventurous to hang on the rope over 100 meter cliff from the top to the bottom. If you are on a wildlife safari, Mount Elgon national park gives the best chance for game drives to spot elephants, zebras, and lots of antelopes.
The sipi falls trailhead is at Budadiri. For the first ascent of the hike, you see the first two series of waterfalls. Half way of the sipi hike, through local villages you get amazing view of the coffee plantations, hills and ridges of Mount Elgon. Once at the top you get views of northern Karamoja area and Lake kyoga basin. Getting to the top takes around 2-3 hours of hiking and is not challenging. Local guides take you around for a fee. Once you have seen the waterfalls, you can decide to explore the beautiful area around Sipi falls.
Coffee farming makes up the main source of income for local people as the altitude and climate is perfect for growth of the world-famous Arabica coffee bean and many of the household names abroad source and export their coffee from the region. The local Sabine people also have quite unique circumcision ceremonies which take place each year as a right of passage for young boys into manhood. Although the main rainy season is expected from July to October it’s best to expect some rain all year round and bring a waterproof jacket and walking shoes if you plan to go hiking.
There are many excellent hiking opportunities ranging from 1 hour to all day. Hikes will take you through local homesteads and coffee farms to bases of waterfalls, caves and numerous viewpoints. It’s advisable to take a guide from your choice of accommodation as certain landowners charge small maintenance fees to hikers for upkeep of paths and ladders, trails can be hard to find and you can learn lots from their local knowledge. Unfortunately, several young men in Sipi trading centre are often seen hailing down vehicles of tourists and offering their services as guides. It’s better to take a guide from your accommodation for the reassurance that they have been chosen for their knowledge and professionalism. There are several other activities available ranging from abseiling and archery to bird watching and Trout fly-fishing. If Rock climbing or abseiling is your type of Adventure then check out ‘Rob’s Rolling Rock Adventure Centre’ at Sipi Falls.
It is recommended when visiting Sipi you use the services of a guide from your choice of accommodation when wanting to undertake any walks to the various waterfalls.
Sipi Falls Area:
The magnificent Sipi Falls are located en-route to the Forest Exploration Centre and Kapkwata. Several day hikes pass through local villages and farming country. It is a 1,5 hour walk to the Forest Exploration Centre. Enquire for a guide. If rock climbing or abseiling is your idea of adventure then check out ‘Rob’s Rolling Rock Adventure Centre’ at Sipi Falls. Abseil all 3 Sipi falls in day, 1/2, full day or multi-day climbing courses. Tel. 0772 800705 for bookings. Ushs50,000- full day 90 meter, Ushs30,000- half day 30 meter.
Camping tips for sipi falls
If you want you to spend more time, there’s a 2-3 days hiking and camping offer offered by the local guides. You have enough time to hike at the base of Mount Elgon, navigating the ridges and hills. The hike takes you through local coffee and banana villages plantations where you can interact with local coffee farmers. You walk besides the sipi falls, around Sipi River lodge and culminate at sipi falls where you visit the falls. There are also options to visit other small waterfalls just near sipi if you have the strength and energy.
If you decide to do this, the hike is not to be underestimated. There are ascents going up 3000 meters above sea level. However, it a good alternative compared to full hiking Mount Elgon.
Camping involves setting your own tent or hiring one from the local guides. The cost of camping will include food, porters.
How to get there
If you want to see sipi falls, you will need to travel to Eastern Uganda. In Mbale town located about 4-5 hours drive from Kampala, you will find taxis going to Budadiri where hiking the sipi fal begins. Mbale is the biggest town near Mount Elgon national park. Budadiri is just about 1 hour drive from Mbale and the dirt roads require 4WD vehicle.
Accommodation
There are guest houses, lodges and resorts. They include Last chance guest house. This has basic accommodation, showers don’t have hot water but it can be boiled for you any time.
Here are selected places to stay;
- Crown’s nest lodge best for camping
- Pacific hotel Kapchorwa
- Masai backpackers
- Sipi river lodge
- Noah’s ark hotel
- Twilight sipi camping site
- Savannah guest house