Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is Located in Eastern Uganda in Kapchorwa District, northeast of Mbale and Sironko, on the slopes of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. The Sipi Falls is a wonderful place for visitors, both local and foreign, yearly. It is known as one of the most romantic places in Uganda, with a series of three renowned waterfalls, with the longest dropping at 100m. The second waterfall drops 75m below and has upper cascades before the plunge pool. The third waterfall measures 85m and is tall and columnar.
It has a vigorous flow with mist and even creates mini rainbows when the sun hits it! However, there are countless other smaller falls nearby. it is a wonderful place to bring a loved one to spend quality time together. These falls pick their water as it flows from the slopes of Mountain Elgon.
Sipi Falls is also usually the starting point for many hikers looking to scale Mountain Elgon. The falls are also popular for the cool weather, the ice-cold water is somehow described as healing when dove into, and the Bugisu Arabica coffee plantations dominate the vegetation cover in the region. Arabica coffee grows at high altitudes of about 1600m. These magnificent waterfalls get their name from the River Sipi which was also named after the local plant growing along its banks called the “sep”. This plant resembles a wild banana with translucent green fronds, and a bolt of crimson red used for medicinal purposes like treating measles and fever. Local folklore has it that British sightseers once found a lady picking wild plants in a nearby plantation and asked her the name of the falls. She thought they were asking the name of the plant so she replied, “Sep.”
ACTIVITIES AT SIPI FALLS
Hiking Sipi Falls
Hiking. Hiking is the main activity engaged in by tourists who visit Sipi Falls. You can pick from numerous popular waterfall walks. These can be as short and simple as 15 minutes or as strenuous as hikes all day. However, the cool breeze of the Sipi Falls will offer a lot of comfort.
Arabica Coffee Tour
The Arabica coffee plantations are also a marvel for many tourists who come to Sipi Falls.
The plantations are set mainly around mountain Elgon with volcanic soils and cool weather which are perfect for the growth of healthy coffee plants. The plantations are evenly distributed throughout the Bugisu region and you will have fun meeting the people in the coffee production chain like the farmers, processors, exporters, and roasters. You can even actively get involved in the roasting and sorting yourself as you prepare your cup of coffee straight from the source. This coffee is one of the best coffees on earth and steadily capturing respect worldwide. You will appreciate the process and every cup will be more enjoyable. Visit a local coffee farmer to learn about his work and the life cycle of the crop.
Mount Elgon Expeditions
Mt Elgon is one of the highest mountain continents and the second largest volcanic in the world measuring about 3000m above sea level and is imperious to the landscape. Hiking on this majestic giant can be a thrill to you as a thrill seeker. the hikers are rewarded with beautiful scenery of the montane vegetation and Birds, on on top of the Caldera on the mountain top.
Abseiling at Sipi Falls
Abseiling is the art of descending rock and slopes using a friction device attached to your harness. At Sipi Falls abseiling descents can be organized at the Chebonet Falls and are made up of 15 sport climbing routes ranging from 10m to 35m. You can enjoy the descents and also have fun climbing up. Make sure you have a climbing helmet and other gear before partaking.
The runner’s experience.
At Sipi you can visit the home of the national running legends and trek or run the routes that they run and while there, you might as well take part and enjoy some of the Sebei culture like circumcision.
Bird Watching
Sipi Falls is one of the best bird-watching sites in the Eastern Region with endemics like The Jackson’s Francolin and Black-collared Apalis. Get immersed in the beauty of the Ugandan wildlife and challenge yourself to spot as many species as you can.
Fly Fishing
On a remote section of the Sipi River above the waterfall, you can learn and take part in the art of fly fishing that requires different techniques from other types of fishing, for example luring the fish with a “fly”
Cultural encounters
Being in Kapchorwa there is a lot to see like the Sabiny who stays around Sipi. Their way of life, dress code, and traditional dances can be organized by the community. Also, this place is known for female and male circumcision, though that of females has reduced over the years since it was found to be unhealthy and risky to women, but that of men is an amazing activity to witness especially if you visit this area during the time circumcisions are done.
Mountain Biking
You can opt to travel with your bike if you are to take part in this activity; it is so adventurous and thrilling to ride your bike on the Rocky Mountains, something to remember always.
Visit the Sipi River
Apart from visiting the 3 waterfalls you could also take time and visit the Sipi River, it has nice vegetation including the ‘sep plant’ which is where the name sipi was derived. This plant is said to be a medicine for measles and fevers. Enjoy a walk along this river with its beautiful scenery.
How to Get to Sipi Falls
A journey on the road from Kampala city to Sipi takes you approximately 5 hours about 277km. here you drive to Eastern Uganda on Jinja road passing via the outskirts of Jinja town, then go through Mbale town as you head to Kapchorwa the home to the beautiful Sipi Falls. Along the way, you will be able to see the beautiful green vegetation and rocks along the slopes of Mountain Elgon. Driving to this area also adds to your unforgettable experience before you even reach
