Explore the Sipi Falls

SIPI FALLS

Sipi Falls are waterfalls that are found on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of Sironko and Mbale. The Sipi River is named after the ‘Sep’, a plant indigenous to the banks of the River. Resembling a type of wild banana, Sep is a medicinal plant; the translucent green frond with a bolt of crimson rib is used for treating measles and fever. In order to hike up Mt. Elgon, the path starts in Budadiri and follows the Sasa trail to the summit and then descends down the Sipi trail back into the Sipi Falls. Hikes around the falls offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mt. Elgon.

THE TOP THINGS TO DO AND SEE AROUND SIPI FALLS

Nature walks Hiking and Climbing Mount Elgon:

Elgon today is the fourth tallest mountain in East Africa and the best time of the year to climb it is during the dry seasons and can be accomplished in 4 days with a help of a guide. During the activity, you are advised to carry your packed lunch to avoid inconveniences.

Mountain-Biking.

This activity can be done both on Mount Elgon and around Sipi falls blaze down the trails on the fourth tallest mountain in Africa, there is nothing that is comparable especially during the dry seasons of the year.

Mount Elgon Birding.

The guide will take you for birding along the Sipi Falls Trails and spot many species along the way such as Hartlaub’s Turaco, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, Lemon Dove, Dusky-Turtle Dove, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Thick-billed Honey guide, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike.

Mount Elgon Rock Climbing:

Guided Rock Climbing both inside of Mount Elgon National Park and in the Sipi Falls Area, even along the Falls themselves, which is quite exhilarating.

Trout-fishing-Sipi-Falls Trout Fishing – Sipi Falls:

Trout Fishing is done past Sipi Falls on the Sipi River to catch and release basis which is the same as catching releasing Nile Perch in Murchison Falls Park. Fishing can also be done on mountain trout.

The Abayudaya Jews of Uganda:

This community is 100 years old and located in eastern Uganda near Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls. To be part of this community is by choice and not by lineage. The community also has schools, hospital and state of Arc Dental Department this is to help the Jewish people.

Budadiri Community Walk:

This community group, based in Budadiri, offers cultural dances, guided coffee tours and community nature walks. Nature lovers can indulge in one of the three trails like  Namugabwe Cave Trail, passing through BaMasaba community land and banana plantations to reach a historical cave filled with bones; the Dirigana Loop Trail to the Dirigsana Falls and Gabushana Cave past local markets and the “Walls of Death.” There is also a tour of Mt Elgon’s famous Arabica coffee processing plants, which supports local farmers. Tourists can discover the region’s cultural dances, food preparation, folklore and its famous delicacy malewa bamboo shoots.

The Sipi Falls area is particularly famous for locally grown Bugisu Arabica coffee. Bugisu Arabica only grows at an altitude of between 1,600 and 1,900 metres. Coffee tours are organized through guides with knowledge of coffee farming, processing and roasting. Profits from this go towards community projects.

The Nyero Rock Paintings and Caves

These are old rock paintings and were not created by tribes that presently live in the area, but by ancient cave dwellers who were the first inhabitants of the area. These paintings are still in good shape having survived in a thousand years.

Accommodation at sipi falls include; Noah’s Ark Hotel, Twilight Campsite, Sipi Falls Resort, Sebei Cultural Centre, Kiprotich Hotel, Lacam Lodge, Savannah Guest House.

3 Days Sipi Falls Trekking Safari – Sipi falls tour

Day 1: Kampala – Sipi Falls

Wake up for your breakfast and then setoff for sipi falls which is in eastern part of the country. Passing through the fascinating Mabira Forest where you will get to see different tree species, sugar plantations around Lugazi and Kakira, River Nile and Lake Victoria, the Mpologoma River at Tirinyi as you proceed to Mbale where you will stopover for lunch. Then proceed to sipi falls at a later hour checking in Noah’s Ark hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Day 2: Sipi.

Wake up early for a cup of coffee and a snack and get ready several activities that may take place at the course of the day with only 1 and a half hours for lunch. These activities include: Trout Fly Fishing, Mt Elgon Expeditions and day hikes, Climbing, Abseiling, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Archery and Bird Watching. Watch the plethora of waterfalls, breath taking landscape and abundant birdlife. Alternatively spend the day viewing all three of waterfalls in the Sipi Valley, this trek can be strenuous in places but has many viewpoints to stop and rest and take in the beautiful scenery of Mount Elgon and plains below. Our guides will take you through the local trails and can introduce you to the local area and Sabine customs. After this long day, check in your hotel for dinner then an overnight.

 Day 3: Sipi Falls – Drive to Kampala

After your morning breakfast, check out and immediately set off for Kampala with a brief stop at the Nile for viewing and then proceed where the driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight.