The Ultimate Sipi WaterFalls Tours In Eastern Uganda, Sipi Falls Hiking Safari in Mountain Elgon
The Sipi Falls is one of the outstanding attractions in Eastern Uganda, and arguably the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda that you should consider visiting. The falls are located in different areas along the cliffs-dominated foothills of the Mountain Elgon, you cannot see all three of them at once. For this matter, you have to hike to each of the waterfalls, following a trail approximately 7 to 8km.
The Sipi Falls consists of a series of three stunning waterfalls situated in the foothills of Mount Elgon in Mount Elgon National Park. The falls are located on the Sipi River that flows from hot springs on top of Mt. Elgon and at the bottom of the mountain the river encounters high cliffs and numerous rocks thereby creating a series of rapids and the three stunning Sipi waterfalls. After creating the waterfalls the Sipi River continues and pours into Lake Kyoga. The trek meanders through villages and coffee and banana farmlands and also offers excellent views of the massive wall-like cliffs, the green slopes of Mt. Elgon from up, to the flat grounds below the foothills across Kapchorwa and in the distance panoramic views of the Karamoja plains.
There are several starting points, depending on which waterfall you intend to start with or hike to. If time is not your concern and you are confident of completing the entire hike, it is best to start from the top and save the best & and most challenging for last, and that is the main waterfall. Alternatively, you can hike to the first two falls before breaking off for lunch or a break at one of the lodges and later proceed to the main falls to spend the rest of the day & and probably do so some swimming in the cold plunge pool. If you have limited time, it is best you start with the main waterfall and see if you can continue up to the other two.
Sipi Falls is an iconic attraction of the eastern region of Uganda as one of the best destinations for hiking tours in Uganda. The Sipi Falls also provide the starting point and end point of climbing tours in Mount Elgon and also provide a wonderful stopover to break down the long trip to the Kidepo Valley National Park a premier Uganda safari destination located farther away in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda.
Sipi Falls is located in eastern Uganda approximately 277km from Kampala Uganda’s capital in the Kapchorwa district. These falls are found on the foothills of Mountain Elgon just at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park nearing the Kenyan-Uganda border. The name sipi was derived from the word ‘sep’ which is the name of a wild banana-like indigenous plant that grows along the banks of the Sipi River.
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 beautiful scenery. Most people say that Sipi Falls are the ‘most romantic falls’ in Uganda which is evidenced by the wonderful falls.
Following the Sipi River flow from the top, the second waterfall plunges 85 meters over a cliff into the plunge pool below. It is the second highest of the three Sipi waterfalls and gives off such a thunderous splash! Midway this cliff is a trail that cuts behind the waterfall
After the plunge, the river continues on its course through farmlands & and local communities, flowing over rocks & and small cliffs and thereby forming pools & and rapids, before it plunges 65 meters over another big cliff, forming another waterfall of the Sipi Falls. This is the smallest of the three Sipi waterfalls. The waterfall forms a nice “natural shower” that you can go under and enjoy the cold pour, especially after a tiring hike. There is also a man-made cave behind the waterfall situated near the bottom. The cave offers a wonderful behind-the-waterfall experience, where you can sit silently in the shadow of the gushing waterfalls that have created a sort of curtain to the cave. Enjoy the cool breeze, nice views, and lots of good photos!
To hike all three falls, it'll take you roughly 3 hours. For the majority of this hike, you follow a river, making it easy to stay on track. It'll take you through farmlands, and local communities. The second-highest of the waterfalls comes first.
The majority of this hike follows a river, making it very easy to keep on the right track. You will pass through different farmlands while also getting to explore some local communities. By doing this, you can take in all sorts of different sights and sounds, such as the peaceful sounds of the flowing water in the river or the birds chirping happily. This can be quite therapeutic, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. As a bonus, you could even spot some wildlife along your way – you never know what you’re going to find! Furthermore, by sticking close to the river you can be sure that finding your way back won’t be an issue whatsoever; as long as you follow the river downstream.
The climate in this area is cool since it’s a hilly area and sometimes as individuals are hiking are rains, which makes hiking a bit hard but it is also an experience of its own, generally, it is a place available for chilling, loosening up and relaxing from the congestion around cities.
The nearby communities have hospitable people and majorly the Sabiny and Bagishu live around this area and do farming such as growing Arabica coffee which is the major cash crop in this land.
Other things to do at Sipi Falls:
Abseiling & Rock Climbing:
Sipi Falls is the premier destination for Abseiling in Uganda. Rock Climbing and abseiling are done at the main waterfall. Equipment (rappels) is available as well as well-trained guides to take you through this thrilling adventure.
Local experience in coffee processing:
The lower inhabitable slopes of Mountain Elgon, such as Sipi, are popular for coffee (Arabica) farming as the key income earner for the local communities. You have the opportunity to join a household where you are taken through a learning experience of coffee farming to local coffee processing.
Birding safaris:
Mountain Elgon is one of Uganda’s richest destinations for birding tours to the effect that it recorded the highest number of bird species (275) on the Big Birding Day of 2013, beating off perennial favorites Murchison Falls & and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Sipi Falls is ideal for a short birding tour for some of Elgon’s species or even a starting point to bird Mt. Elgon National Park.
Community Visits:
Kapchorwa, and Sipi in particular is inhibited by the Sabin, an overwhelmingly welcoming and friendly tribe with rich ancient cultures. They are mostly popular for the Male and Female circumcision. Female circumcision is almost phased out now after massive worldwide campaigns against a practice viewed as very unfavorable and disadvantageous to women. The Male circumcision ritual is an interesting cultural event one can witness and take part in. Local cultural dances are also organized by the community.
Accommodation:
There are no worries about where to stay or how much to pay and all other things because all types of accommodation are available for you while in Sipi such as luxurious lodges, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels, and also campsites are available for those interested in camping.
For a more upmarket experience, try Sipi River Lodge at the foothills of Mount Elgon. Stay at one of their waterfall cottages, which offers a secluded space with exclusive views. If you’re looking for something more affordable, try The Crow’s Nest, you won’t be compromising on location!
Arrange and Book with Ultimate Wild Safaris for the Sipi Falls Hiking Tour in eastern Uganda.
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