Sipi falls
Sipi falls is one of Uganda’s most majestic natural wonders located in Eastern Uganda approximately 277km from the capital in a district of kapchorwa. These falls are situated on the northwestern slopes of Mountain Elgon National Park close to the board of Uganda and Kenya. Sipi falls is a series of 3 waterfalls with the first one being 100 meters high and it is usually the starting point for those hiking Mountain Elgon.
The second water fall known as Simba fall plunges up to an altitude of 75 meters high with upper cascades before the plunge while the third water fall known as Ngasire fall plunges to an altitude of 85meters with a vigorous flow and creates mini rainbows when the sun hits. Hiking the Sipi falls gives a scenic view of Lake Kyoga, the Karamoja lowlands, coffee plantations and other surrounding areas. One can hike the falls using either the Sasa trail which is the main trail or the Sipi trail.
The name Sipi was derived from the word “sep” which is a name of a wild banana- like indigenous plant that grows along the Sipi river banks. This plant is used for medicinal purposes like treating malaria and measles by the local people.
Formation Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls was formed through volcanic activity on Mount Elgon millions of years ago. As the mountain erupted and lava cooled, layers of hard volcanic rock developed on top of softer rock layers. Over time, river erosion from the Sipi River gradually wore away the softer rock beneath, creating deep valleys and cliffs. Where the river cut through these layers, the dramatic series of three waterfalls we see today were formed, with the main one dropping about 95–100 meters.
Things To Do
Hiking Sipi Falls
Hiking the Sipi falls is a very exciting adventure that gives you experience about one of the country’s most famous sights. Sipi falls is also believed to be the most romantic place in Uganda. Hiking these 3 waterfalls can be a bit hard and muddy but worth it and it usually takes 3-4 hours to complete depending on your fitness and hiking is done under supervision of local guides who provide walking sticks for support on the rugged hills.
Abseiling and Rock Climbing at Sipi falls
Sipi falls is by far the best and ideal place for this adrenaline pumping activities carried out along the chebonet falls which is the main waterfall of 100meters. Abseiling is a technique of climbing down steep rocks while fastened with a sturdy apparatus. One must have proper rock climbing and abseiling equipment and under the supervision of a local guide who ensures your safety.
Culture tours
After hiking the Sipi falls, tourists can go for a guided cultural tour and learn about the culture of the two native tribes who dwell in the area near Sipi. During specific times of the year the, tourists get to witness their way of living, dress codes and the famous Bagisu and Sebei culture of circumcision. The bagisu boys and sabiny girls are usually taken through cultural initiation rites that culminate in circumcision though that of females has reduced over the years since it was found unhealthy and risky to women but that of men is an amazing activity to witness. You will also have a chance to view the sunset hence a wonderful experience.
Coffee Tours at Sipi Falls
Famously known for its Robust Arabic coffee that grows at an altitude of 1600-1900m along the foothills of Mount Elgon, coffee tours are arranged by experienced local guides and farmers. This is a great experience for those interested in witnessing how coffee is made from seed to cup. The guides will lead you to the local community right from the farm where coffee is planted to its harvest and how it is brewed; you will even get a chance to pick the coffee berries, then de shell and grind them with a traditional mortar and pestle before roasting them over an open fire and finish with enjoying your own cup.
Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing can be done on mountain Elgon and Sipi falls is one of the main starting points for those climbing to its highest pick (Wagagai) at 4321km. mountain Elgon is the second largest volcanic mountain in the world with the largest caldera and it’s shared by Uganda and Kenya although the largest part is in Uganda. The entire hike to the summit takes 5-6 days depending on your fitness through the Sipi or Sasa trails.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe conservation area is located on the plains of Karamoja between mountain Elgon and kidepo valley national parks and it is a great place to a number of wildlife such as ostriches, cheetah, the roan antelope, kudus and gazelles, although, these have decreased due to poaching but efforts are being made to restore it from its former glory.
Mountain Biking and Jogging
The best way to marvel at the beautiful scenery or discover the local community is through biking or jogging on the rigged hills of mountain Elgon. You can also get a chance to jog with some of the World champions such as Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Peruth Chemutai, and Stephen Kiprotich. Kapchorwa is now “The Land of Champions, known as Uganda’s running paradise, and it serves as a permanent home and training Centre for hundreds of Uganda’s and international endurance runners.
Best Time To Visit Sipi Falls
Sipi falls can be visited throughout the year since the temperatures are cool and Uganda experiences a tropical type of climate with all year sunny and 2 rainy seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season because the hiking trails to the highest waterfall is not slippery, however during the wet season the waterfalls are larger and more powerful so visit can also come during the rainy season to feel the full intensity of the waterfalls.one is advised to carry heavy clothes because it’s cold and the rain is unpredictable.
How to Get There
Getting to Sipi falls takes about 5 to 6 hours from Kampala via the Kampala- jinja highway route, from Jinja the journey continues through Iganga town before turning to the highway which leads to Mbale. One can also take the lengthier scenic route to Tororo town then to Mbale. You can use either public or private means of transport.
Where To Stay
Sipi Heritage lodge
Enjoy the wonders of just relaxing in pure nature at this elegant accommodation with higher quality services and luxury decorated rooms. The lodge offers breathtaking views of the waterfalls with facilities like a reading space, bar, dining room and a verandah
Rafik Lodge Sipi
The lodge is located on cliff 1785 meters above sea level with different rooms each thoughtfully designed with the best panoramic view of the Sipi falls and the valley in mind to offer guests the most comfort and unique experience during their stay at Rafik lodge. The lodge also has a lounge, restaurant and a bar where guests can have their meals and drinks plus free WI-FI.
Noah’s Ark Hotel
This famous hotel is located on the slopes of mountain Elgon and offers accommodation that favors all kinds of guests from budget, midrange and luxury travellers. Visitors are advised to book earlier most especially budget travellers.
The Crown’s Nest Sipi
The crowns nest is Sipi fall’s accommodation for budget travellers and backpackers. In its highly elevated position, it has nice structures with the best view of the majestic Sipi falls, kapchorwa hills and horizons at any time with services tailored to meet customer satisifaction.
