EXPLORE THE MAJESTIC SIPI FALLS:
The Sipi Falls are a hidden gem within the eastern side of Uganda, and are characterized by three jaw-dropping waterfalls plunging along the beautiful lower slopes of Mount Elgon – the fourth highest mountain peak in Africa. Nestled within the district of Kapchorwa, the falls are a wonderful stopover point for visitors to Mount Elgon National Park and the far Kidepo Valley National Park.
The tallest of these three waterfalls is around 100 meters while the second and third are about 75 meters and 85 meters respectively.
Sipi falls were named after the famous Sipi River, which also derived its named from an indigenous plant “sep” at the banks of the River. This banana-like plant is popular for its medicinal values because it is locally used for treating common ailments especially fever and measles.
ACTIVITIES AT SIPI FALLS:
HIKING THE FALLS:
Hiking is the main tourist activity conducted at the Sipi falls. Different hiking trails lead hikers through local communities, lush coffee and banana plantations, forests as well as the roaring Sipi waterfalls. Most popular is the Budadiri Trail that leads visitors to the Sasa trail, peaks of Mount Elgon before finally descending to the Sipi trail and back to the waterfalls. Hiking the Sipi falls not only rewards visitors with the views of the three waterfalls but also the lush slopes of Mount Elgon, vast Karamoja plains and Lake Kyoga.
Packing list for the hike includes hiking boots, walking stick, camera, binoculars, backpack and sunglasses among others.
RUNNERS’ EXPERIENCE:
It is a known fact that the Sebei region (where Kapchorwa lies) is home to most of Uganda’s World Class Athletes. Joshua Cheptegei (2019 World Cross Country Champion and 2017 silver medalist in the World Championship in London), Stephen Kiprotich (another Olympic Marathon Champion) and many others are all from Kapchorwa and it is from their experiences that visitors can get to interact with several elite and amateur athletes of the region.
ABSEILING AND ROCK CLIMBING:
Visit the Sipi falls and enjoy abseiling from the top of the tallest waterfall (100 meters high). Alternatively, visitors can choose to climb the many high cliffs. The amazing waterfalls and jaw-dropping views provide a once-in-a lifetime experience.
TROUT FISHING:
Sipi falls offers fly fishing opportunities for the rainbow trout in the Sipi River above the waterfalls, with wild rainbow trout weighing between 2 and 10 kilograms. Mount Elgon National Park and the Sipi falls are the only places in Uganda where you can enjoy trout fishing.
MOUNTAIN BIKING:
Visitors can hire a bike to explore the trails near Sipi falls and the Mount Elgon.
BIRD WATCHING:
Sipi falls offers unforgettable birding opportunities with species like the Alpine Chat, white-chinned prinia, eastern bronze-napped pigeons, Mountain yellow warblers, African Goshawk, Black-throated wattle-eye, thick-billed Honeyguide, Hartlaub’s turaco, Lemon doves, African blue flycatcher among others.
COFFEE TOURS:
Learn about how coffee is grown, and get a chance to trace the mind-blowing story of coffee from seed to cup. The area’s Arabica coffee has for years been among the finest and delicious in the whole World. Visitors will meet the local coffee farmers, have a tour of the plantations as well as the processing plant to see how coffee seeds and roasted to fine powder ready for drinking.
WHERE TO STAY AROUND SIPI FALLS:
The Sipi falls area boasts of numerous facilities including luxury, midrange & Budget accommodations. These include Sipi Falls Resort, Lacam Lodge, Crow’s Nest, Rafiki Lodge Sipi, Casa Sipi Falls Lodge, Sipi Heritage Lodge, Sipi Falls Lodge, Sipi Traveler’s Lodge and several Campsites for visitors interested in outdoor Camping.
BEST TIME TO EXPLORE THE SIPI FALLS:
The Sipi falls can be visited all year round. However, the season you visit will offer different challenges. The rainy season-March, April, May, October and November is usually associated with muddy and slippery hiking trails/floors making hiking challenging, but is ideal for spotting numerous bird species especially the migratory ones. The dry season-January, February, June, July, August and December provide better hiking conditions and is also the peak season as most hikers prefer these months.
WHAT TO PACK FOR EXPLORING SIPI FALLS:
Packing list to Sipi falls includes: long sleeved shirts, t-shirts, a sweater, safari pants, sunglasses, waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, a good hat, camera, toiletries, insect repellants, pair of binoculars, insect repellant, backpack, first aid kit and rain jacket among others.
HOW TO GET TO SIPI FALLS:
Situated in eastern Uganda, Sipi falls is about 280 kilometers/7-8 hours’ drive from Kampala City and can be accessed by both private and public means. The latter can be through minibuses or matatu through Kampala-Jinja-Mbale-Sipi falls. Most public transport means stop at Mbale Town, and then you wait for 1-2 hours as minibuses to Sipi fill up. However, you can instead hire a cab or motorcycle to the Sipi falls and thus journey lasts only one hour.