The Perfect Guide to hike Sipi falls Uganda

Sipi Falls Uganda, Sipi Falls are a combination of 3 waterfalls (Sipi, Simba and Ngasire) and are debatably the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Sipi Falls is located on the north-western slopes of Mount Elgon adjacent to Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda. The fall boat being one of the most visited tourist sites in Uganda. The 3 waterfalls are separated by steep hillsides in the district of Kapchorwa, the highest of them being Sipi is 95 meters (312 feet), Simba 74 meters (243 feet), Ngasire Falls 85 meters (262 feet). Sipi falls are also the starting point of all the hikes to Mount Elgon, apart from the Sipi falls Mount Elgon has over 1000 other waterfalls that are not known to the world because they are found high up in the mountains like Bulago, Sisiyi, Wanale and Chebonet.

The falls are formed by the Sipi river that flows from the upper slopes of Mount Elgon and pours in the Lake Kyoga basin. The falls are also well known for Bagusu Arabic Coffee that grow between 1550 and 1910 meters, you can have a visit at the Arabic coffee farms where you will get more information about coffee farming, processing and roasting.

The word Sipi comes from a local word “Sep” which is a plant that thrives at the back of the River Sipi. The sep plant is believed to heal fever and measles, it has a red and green color similar to the wild banana. The way Sipi was named is fascinating, British travelers were hiking and found a local lady picking the Sep plant, the British asked the lady the name of the falls uphill and she thought they were requiring about the plant and she replied Sep, the British traveler heard Sipi and since then the falls became known as Sipi falls to date.

Hiking Sipi Falls

Hiking Sipi Falls is one of the best things to do on a Uganda tour that can be done by family, groups, friends and others seeking an adventurous safari. Taking photos at Sipi is different from hiking to the actual falls. Hiking all the 3 waterfalls take about 3 – 4 hours depending on your hiking speed, you will hike for 7 km passing through local plantations and farms, climbing ladders and steep ascents. The trails to the Sipi can be tiring because it tends to rain a lot and trails become slippery with lots mud.

Depending on the waterfall you intend to hike, different starting points will be used. If you intend to hike all three then you will start with the top and then ascend to the two waterfalls, the hike from the second to the third is the most challenging and the most rewarding. Hiking to the top of the falls rewards you with beautiful views of the Karamoja plains and Lake Kyoga, have great opportunities to take great photos of Mountain Elgon, awe at the rainbow that is formed by the sun and the mist, the forest that is surrounding the falls is kissed by the mist than gives it the dark green color.

Activities at Sipi Falls

Visit Sisiyi Falls. Tourists who want to visit more falls can consider Sisiyi falls along the way to Kidepo National Park in Bulambuli district along the Mbale – Moroto highway. The falls are suitable for picnicking, camping and have a relaxing environment.

Bagusu Arabica Coffee Tour. Arabic coffee is a major income generating activity for the local Bagisu people. Bagisu are the local people that live on the slopes of Mount Elgon and are known for growing the Bugisu Araba Coffee that thrives at an altitude of 1550 to 1910 meters. The area has fertile volcanic soils and heavy rains that support the growth of the coffee.

Hiking and Mountain Climbing Sipi falls is one of the starting point for Mount Elgon hikes. Hiking this extinct volcano takes 5 – 6 days depending on the hiking speed of the hikers and on their fitness.

Abseiling and Rock Climbing This activity is when hikers climb down steep rocks with affirm rope fastened to your harness. Sipi is arguably the most abseiling and rock-climbing destination in Uganda, done on a certain section of the main falls. One is required to have the right equipment to engage in the activity.

Bird Watching Sipi is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda and Africa as a whole. The falls are home to over 274 bird species that is more than those in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. This activity can be done in the Sipi fall area or start from there and do birding in Mountain Elgon National Park

Fly Fishing. Fly fishing is done above the waterfalls, tourists will be given artificial flies to attract fish.

Mountain Bike and Jogging. What bits exploring the falls neighborhood and marveling at the scenery on the bike? Your guide will take you through the slopes because the area is not flat… making it good for mountain biking with functional gear makes it easy.

Visit Nyero Rock Painting. The paintings are found in 2 hours from Sipi in Kumi district, these paintings attract tourists from all over the world to experience this ancestor landmark that has lived for thousands of years, the locals still believe their gods live there.

Other Activities include:

Nature walks
Visit Abayudaya (Jews) in Uganda
Community Walk
Nature Walks
Cultural walks and visits
Bagisu-Imbalu Circumcision
Nyero Rock Paintings
Visit other falls on Mount Elgon like Chebonet falls, Gushing Murchison Falls and Sezibwa Falls.

When to Visit Sipi Falls Sipi Falls experiences relatively steady and warm temperatures throughout the year, meaning the falls can be visited throughout the year. Though the best time to visit the falls is during the dry seasons, the wet seasons are also favorable.

Getting to Sipi Falls The journey to Sipi Falls from Kampala for 268 km about 4 – 5 hours to eastern Uganda via the Kampala – Jinja highway and then turn to Mbale Town and then drive straight to Kapchorwa where the falls are located.

Accommodations Around Sipi Falls There are a number of accommodation facilities to host your stay during your safari at Sipi Falls and some of them include the Crow’s Nest, Sipi Falls Resort, Sipi River Lodge, Lacam Lodge, Noah’s ark hotel among others.