Lying high at about 1775m asl along the western slopes of Mt Elgon, Sipi Falls is a prime adventure location and a major getaway for most travelers wondering in this scenic part of Uganda. Only 50km out of Mbale town, Sipi Falls is a set of water falls that occur on river Sipi which originates way up from the higher slopes of Mt. Elgon as it cascades over several hanging volcanic rocks on its downhill voyage creating spectacular waterfalls.
Of the series of waterfalls on Sipi river, the most spectacular is the main 100m drop water fall as the river makes its final plunge onto the Teso plains down hill. The local Sebei people who cultivate these fertile slopes call these falls Kaptogolo. Sipi river is named after an indigenous local banana-like plants that grows on the sides of this river called “Sep”, very medicinal used to treat malaria and measles by the local Bagisu, Sabiny and the Sebei.
5-Things to do while at Sipi Falls
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Hike the Triple water Falls
This popular activity follows a local community trail to access the beautiful 3 major waterfalls that lie upstream the river. The moderate walk is led by the local community guide that shares first hand local knowledge of this beautiful hill sides, gives insights about local culture and offers a chance to meet the residents.
The ascent follows the river to the first water fall at 1789m asl which the locals call Chebkoch that plunges some 85m over a hanging volcanic rock, thereafter the hike follows the river to the middle one which is locally known as Chebkui. Here a 65m curtain of water overshadows a natural cave that extends over 100m into the heart of the rock which was/is still used by the locals and holds cultural significance.
These beautiful waterfalls offer us a perfect natural shower and a short break in the cave behind the water curtain. Down river, the trail ends at the thunderous main water falls locally named Kaptogolo falls that plunge some 100m.
- Activity length and duration: 3-4hrs and stretches 7-8km
- Difficulty: Moderate hike
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Hike Mt. Elgon Peaks
8km passed Sipi Village, is the park entrance and trailhead to Mount Elgon national park popular for adventure hikes to its tallest summit of Wagagai at 4321m. Checking in at Kapkwai center, several hiking options ranging from a Full-day to a 4-Day hikes lead out through caves and ridges covered by various vegetational zones including montane forests to bamboo zones. To the enthusiast naturalist; the mountain’s rich biodiversity represented in its flora and fauna of 30 mammal species and 350 bird species will provide chances of ticking off and interacting with various species unique to these eco-zones.
- Hiking activities: Options from One-Full Day-5Days
- Difficulty: Average Fitness required
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Take a Coffee Experience
Whether one is an ardent coffee drinker or not, once you are here a visit to the local coffee farm and meeting the farmers is memorial. The volcanic fertile slopes of Mt. Elgon grow the world’s high-quality coffee variety known as Bugisu Arabic Coffee unique to other Arabic coffee widely grown on the lowlands due to its adaptability to grow on the high altitudes (1600-1900m asl).
This guided and hands-on experience is led by a local farmer guiding and teaching the visitor through ancient traditional coffee methods right from the garden to see how plants are planted and maintained for generations, to harvesting, to the washing, roasting and grinding and finally boil a cup of this fresh delicacy. Proceeds on this activity goes to support these local farmers. Local ground coffee is also available for purchase.
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Take a Cultural Tour
While here at Sipi, take a cultural experience to learn of diverse traditions and history of the Sabiny that inhabit these Mt. Elgon slopes. On tour, learn of the ancient practice of adulthood initiation by both young boys and girls, listen to ancient warrior tales and traditions that have shaped the Sabiny. Interact firsthand with the ordinary residents as you explore through humble villages, learning on the local way of life, enjoy story-telling and folklore even participating in their cultural dances. The visit ends at a local women handicraft shop to buy and appreciate the ancient skills but most importantly to support them as most are the less-privileged of this tight society.
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Abseiling
For adventures and adrenaline thrillers; scale your way down a 100m drop on the main water fall.
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Cycling and Running
While here, take a jog on the same turf as Uganda’s world champions and athletes on their high-altitude training ground. Here the local and regional athletes come to prepare for international competitions across the far world capitals. Our very own champion Kiprotich, Cheptegei and many more local talents have horned their talents on these hills of Sipi and Kapchorwa carrying our national flag on various world stages bringing home multiple gold and other accolades.
Better still challenge yourself as you cycle on the winding roads of this hilly landscape stopping only to catch on the incredible landscape characterized by hanging rocks with snow-white waterfalls, distant mountain peaks and lively townships.
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Look out for spectacular Scenery
Whether one chooses to relax from the hotel pouch or go on the adventure discovery, Sipi village offers breathtaking scenery of the close slopes and distant several peaks on Mt. Elgon. This magic scenery with conducive climate, golden sunsets and sunrises has continually wowed several travelers including Uganda’s first British Governor Cohen that he set up his home overlooking the main waterfall. The views of L. Kyoga basin and floodplains of Teso are incredible.