Why visit Sipi Falls, Sipi falls is located in the East of Uganda approximately 277km from Kampala Uganda’s capital in Kapchorwa district. These falls are found on the foothills of Mountain Elgon just at the edge of Mount Elgon National park nearing the Kenyan border to Uganda.
The Sipi falls is comprised of 3 waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude. The highest fall drops from an altitude of 100m referred to as the main fall since it is the last fall in the series, this fall is a little bigger than the other two falls, but all give Uganda a beautiful scenery. In fact most people say that sipi falls are the ‘most romantic falls’ in Uganda which is evidenced by the wonderful falls. This area is majorly where most hikes to Mt. Elgon are started from. Hiking up to these falls gives a beautiful scenic view, like Lake Kyoga, the karamoja low lands, coffee plantations and other surrounding areas.
The 3 Sipi Falls
The second-highest of the Sipi Falls comes first. It plunges 85 metres before concluding in a spectacular splash. The next fall is the smallest, at 65 metres. The last fall is the tallest at 100 metres. The second of the Sipi Falls is the highest, with a magnificent drop of 85 metres. Following this is the smallest fall, dropping 65 metres. Finally, the grandest and tallest plunge is the last at a lofty 100 metres.
Why visit Sipi Falls
a) Abseiling
This is one of the most adventurous sports you will engage in on your trip. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this is the activity for you. It is a sport where you descend the slopes of the steep rocks with a friction device and rope. This is also called ‘rappelling’.
While abseiling, you are adjacent to Chebonet Falls and below lies the bank of the falls. It is quite an adventure to have the mist from the fall embrace you as you descend with the water to the lowest point. This surreal experience is one of those activities that will excite all your senses.
b) Hiking
You are provided walking sticks to provide support on this hike. It takes you about 3 hours to hike all the three Sipi Falls.
The paths to the falls are approximately 7 to 8 kilometres with each hike a different adventure and discoveries. You will be guided by a professional tour guide who knows the ins and outs of the place as well as the best spots with the best panoramic view of the valley.
c) Arabica coffee growing
A lot of people in this area are coffee growers who have been doing this for generations. Most of the lower Mount Elgon plains are clothed in coffee-growing at all stages, you will learn the entire process from planting, maintaining, processing to selling.
d) Mountain Biking
There are lots of trails set up around this area specifically for biking around Sipi River Lodge. Tracks range from hard-core technical rocky climbs to easier downhill routes.
The tracks provide more than a biking opportunity, you have a chance to bike the lower sides of Mount Elgon and have great views of the coffee plantations, the three Sipi Falls and Sipi River and the Kapchorwa plains. You can also bike through the community and check out how the local people live.
e) Bird Watching
The Mountain is home to over 300 birds including Afro tropical highland biome species most especially the Moorland Francolin, Alpine Chat and Moustached Green Tinkerbird. Be sure to see some Black-collared Apalis and Jackson’s Francolin which are only found in Mount Elgon region, Black-shouldered kite, Tacazze Sunbird that can only be found in Eastern Uganda as well as the endangered Lammergeyer. Quite a place for rare and unique birds.
All in all, visiting Sipi Falls is an unforgettable experience. Inspire African Safaris organize trips to Sipi Falls throughout the year. Our trip takes us from Kampala through Jinja to Kapchorwa where you reach the base of the Sipi falls, and hike with knowledgeable guides as you explore the three falls.
You’ll have incredible views of three majestic waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs as you make your way up the mountain. When you reach the top, take some time to explore and marvel at the beauty of Sipi Falls.
