The Sipi Falls are found in Kapchorwa district in eastern Uganda, in the Northeast of Sironko and Mbale town. They comprise of three beautiful waterfalls on the Sipi River that flows from the slopes of Mt. Elgon, and forms the waterfalls as the river cascades over high cliffs at the base of the mountain. They measure 75m, 85m and 100m high, and can be spotted from as far as Mbale town and other distant areas. The falls are an iconic attraction of the eastern region and are the most popular destination for most of the tourists in this area. The river bank is underlined by a plant called 'Sep,' which is an indigenous plant after which the Sipi river was named. The plant is used majorly used for medicinal purposes and is of very great importance to the local people; it is stated that the plant is used in the treatment of measles and fever. Sipi is characterised by a cold weather, which makes the availability of heavy clothes a necessity.

Getting there

From Kampala you get to Sipi by taking the Jinja highway route to eastern Uganda, that goes through major towns and districts like: Kampala - Jinja - Iganga - Mbale - Kapchorwa - Sipi. It is a 5 - 6 hour drive from Kampala. The place is located approximately 280km from Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

Activities around sipi falls.

Hiking.

Areas around Sipi falls are the starting points to hike Mt. Elgon. One of the routes through Sasa trail starts in Budadiri and follows to the summit. At the summit, one can have sceinc views of landscapes that range from the Karamoja plains, coffee plantations to Lake Kyoga and other areas.

There are also activities like rock climbing, nature walks, mountain biking, cave visits, some water activities (like sport fishing) and abseiling. Abseiling usually happens from the Chebonet falls where there's a climbing route that ranges from 10 to 35m. The caves to be visited include the Khauka cave and the Kapkwai cave. 

One can also visit the coffee plantations for coffee tours around the area to have interactions with the local people. The coffee is grown by the Bagisu community and is mainly Arabica, which they grow on the mountainous slopes. One can also enjoy views of some birds that inhabit the area. Such bird species include: Baglafetcht weaver, black collared Apalis and the African Blue flycatcher among others. Melodious tunes of birds and a cool sunset are not to be missed on a Sipi falls safari! The place is labelled one of the most romantic places in the country.

Activities

Sipi Waterfall Hikes

Sipi offers one of the best hiking experiences in Uganda. The hike involves visiting each of the three waterfalls which are located at different elevations along the mountain. You will hike to the topmost waterfall (85m) from where you will come down following the flow of the Sipi River, going through cultivations and villages, meeting with enthusiastic and friendly locals, enjoy nice views from up the mountain to the distant plains (Karamoja) and low grounds adjacent to Mt. Elgon. Visit the smallest waterfall located in between and finally descend down to the main and biggest of the Sipi waterfalls, which has a big pool that the local guides call the ‘natural swimming’. You can take plunge but the water is very cold.

The entire hike is approximately 7 km and can take up to 3 hours to complete, depending on the pace.

Alternatively, instead of hiking the entire trail you can chose to visit two or even only the bigger water fall.

It is a moderate hike, no serious fitness is required but you will suffer less body aches if you had been doing some exercising before the activity.

Abseiling

This is a thrilling activity undertaken at the main waterfall and would be good to combine with the hike. It involves sliding 100m down on a rope right next to the waterfall, down into the pool. This is ideal for the adrenaline junkies. The Abseiling or rappelling activity takes place at Sipi falls and offers an adrenaline feel that is two hours in length. You will sail down the rope under controlled conditions. The equipment used is simple and includes belts and ropes which are drilled into rocks.

Sipi Coffee Experience

Coffee growing is one of the main economic activities along the slopes of Mountain Elgon and this is evident at Sipi, where coffee plants can be observed throughout the community. Here the communities, majorly the Bagisu and Sabiny organize coffee experiences whereby you are followed through the process of growing coffee, harvesting and processing locally it to the final product ready for consumption. At the end of the experience you have a small bag of coffee to take home. The coffe plantations are on the lower slopes of Mt. Elgon and is majorly arabica, growing on altitudes between 1600 and 1900 metres. This Arabica coffee is one of the finest in the world! You will visit the local processing plants and witness how the coffee beans are processed before export. You will also have a chance to roast your own coffee and enjoy your own cup. During this sipi coffee experience, you will also interact with the local people and have a taste of culture, including how people live. The sipi coffee tour involves a hike that lasts for between 2 to 3 hours.