Sipi Falls Uganda– Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Sipi falls is a series of three waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude. Sipi falls is found in Eastern Uganda approximately 277km away from the capital city Kampala in Kapchorwa district, northeast of Sironko and Mbale.

The waterfalls are found on the edge of Mount Elgon National park near the Kenyan border and the falls pick its waters from the slopes of mountain Elgon into the Kyoga basin. Sipi falls is regarded as the most romantic place in Uganda.

It is a wonderful place to bring a loved one to spend some memorable time together. The Sipi waterfalls are formed from the Sipi River which is named after “sep” a plant indigenous to the banks of the river (a wild banana plant). Of the three waterfalls at Sipi, the longest drop is 100m.

The Sipi falls is also a starting point for many hikes up to Mount Elgon. The most popular route starts in Budadiri and the Sasa trail to the summit and then descends down the Sipi trail back into the Sipi falls.  Hikes around the falls offer a stunning view of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mount Elgon.

Sipi Falls Uganda

Accommodation around Sipi falls in Uganda.

Sipi falls has a number of lodges and campsites offering good accommodation that you can stay and enjoy the cool weather and ice-cold water which some describe as healing when diving into it.  In case you are backpacking or camping, the crow’s nest is a good place to spend your night with a number of dome tents with a small budget.

It offers a stunning view of the Sipi falls and the Elgon slopes. And in case you have little time, the lodges, resorts, and hotels can be good places for you to spend your time. For example, the Sipi falls resort located within Mount Elgon national park, Sipi river lodge with luxury cottages, Mbale resort hotel, and Lacam lodge among others will all give you a nice stay with affordable rates.

Activities around Sipi falls.

•  Hiking.

Most hiking routes start from the Sipi falls area with the most popular hiking route starting in Budadiri following the Sasa trail to the summit and then descending down to the Sipi trail back into the Sipi falls. Hikers have really enjoyed Sipi falls trips than any other waterfall trip around Uganda.

Hikes to short trails take a short time of about 20 minutes and long trails can even go for a day but the cool climate around the place will offer a lot of comforts and you feel at home. Hiking will give you a stunning view of the high Kapchorwa raised land and the Karamoja and Teso plains.

• Mount Elgon expeditions.

Elgon is one of the highest mountains in Uganda and the second-largest volcanic in the world about 3,000m above sea level and its unique landscape has given it unique hilarious hiking adventures.

• Abseiling.

The art of descending rock and sloping. Abseiling along the side of the main 100m Sipi waterfalls as well as climbing on 14bolted sport routes with arrange of difficulty is such a memorable adventure for travelers.

• Birding.

There is a variety of bird species around Sipi falls for example around Kapkwai forest Exploration Centre with great birding opportunities. Birds such as African Goshawk, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Flycatcher among others, and Mount Elgon national park provides a complete bird watching experiences.

• Nyero rock painting.

These paintings are among the most important rock art in Uganda. It is a 2-hour drive to the Kumi district where Nyero rock paintings are located. Many tourists all over the world come to this historical place to have a glimpse of how ancestors lived thousands of years ago. The local people believe that the gods still live there.  

• Community visits.

For short tours, hiking around Sipi waterfalls and visiting the local communities is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of this area. The area around Sipi falls is locally occupied by the Bugisu Arabic coffee growers which tourists visit for a local brewing experience.

• Sipi Arabic coffee tour.

Apart from visiting the falls themselves, visiting Sipi will also help you engage in coffee production processes. This is one of the most unique experiences that visitors to Sipi falls have really loved. The locals are known for the growing of the Bugisu Arabic Coffee. Visitors do enjoy coffee farming, processing, and coffee roasting. Visitors will know all the information to do with the entire coffee chain.

• How to get to Sipi falls.

Getting to Sipi waterfalls is by road transport from any of the major towns in Uganda. With the close town Mbale which is 45km away from the well-surfaced road and 277km from the capital city Kampala a road drive is a 5-hour drive via the source of the Nile River in Jinja.

Some People Also Search for the Following Uganda Safari Packages