Sipi Falls
Introduction to 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.
Three waterfalls make up Sipi Falls, which are located in the community of Sipi in the eastern Ugandan district of Kapchorwa, little over 4 hours’ drive from Kampala.
The best time to visit is between June and August and December to March because those are the dry seasons. The climate is cooler than much of the country and tends to be nice all year round.
The majestic falls were given their name after the Sipi River, which itself took its name from a local plant called “Sep.” The plant, which resembles a wild banana, is used medicinally because it is said to treat fevers and measles.
Accommodations at sipi falls include; Noah’s Ark Hotel, Twilight Campsite, Sipi Falls Resort, Sebei Cultural Centre, Kiprotich Hotel, Lacam Lodge, Savannah Guest House.
The Top Things To Do & 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.a
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.
Coffee.
The manufacturing of organic arabica coffee is famous in Sipi Falls. On the slopes of Mount Elgon, the Sabiny and Bagishu tribes have been cultivating coffee since 1999. Only at an elevation between 1,600 and 1,900 meters will the beans grow.
We can arrange a tour for you to join a family and experience everything from farming to roasting if you’re interested in understanding how coffee is manufactured.
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.
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.
Hiking at Sipi falls.
Sipi Falls are located at a height of 1,775 meters. The hikes can be challenging and muddy, but they’re worth your effort. You’ll put your sore feet and mud-stained clothes behind you when you take a moment to see the magnificence of the falls. You’ll need about three hours to climb to all three falls.
You follow a river for the bulk of this trip, which makes it simple to keep on course. You’ll pass through rural areas and little towns.
The first waterfall is the second-highest one. It dives 85 meters before coming to an impressive splashing end. The subsequent fall, at 65 meters, is the smallest. You need to be able to stand underneath it when it’s dry. You can observe the water crashing in front of you while standing in the cave below the falls if it has been raining.
The final fall, at 100 meters, is the tallest. Pack a swimsuit because the bottom has a sizable plunge that is suitable for swimming.
There are various pathways that you can take to reach Mount Elgon in addition to Sipi Falls.
Where Can I Stay & What Else Can I Do At Sipi Falls?
What Else Can I Do At Sipi Falls
After your climb, there is lots to do at Sipi Falls, which is mesmerizing. The group’s thrill-seekers can go rock climbing or abseiling in the area.
The Nyero rock paintings are located in the nearby caverns. The paintings, which are thought to have been created around 1250, are the most significant examples of rock art in Uganda.
There are more than 275 different species of birds for avid birdwatchers. Or, if you like to fish, a guide can help you capture some mountain trout.
Wandering down to the next hamlet to meet the Sabiny people and learn more about their way of life, clothing code, and traditional dances is a fantastic adventure.
Where Can I Stay At Sipi Falls?
There are many different types of housing available, and most of them have views of the falls.
Try Sipi River Lodge amid the foothills of Mount Elgon for a more upscale experience. Stay in one of their waterfall villas for a private setting and privileged views.
Try The Crow’s Nest if you’re searching for something more reasonably priced; you won’t have to sacrifice location.