Sipi Falls Uganda
Sipi Falls are located in the Eastern part of Uganda in Kapchorwa District North East of Sironko and Mbale close to the border of Mountain Elgon National Park. At Sipi Falls there are three waterfalls which are the starting point for various hikers to the top of Mountain Elgon with the most prominent Route starting in Budadiri then Sasa Trail and Sipi Trail.
While on your hike, you view the karamoja Plains, Slopes of Mountain Elgon and Lake Kyoga at a Distance.
The Falls offer numerous exciting adventures to all hikers from all over the globe like Abseiling along the major 100m of the Sipi Waterfall as well as hiking the 14 bolted sport routes that are challenging.
The Sipi River/ Falls were named after the ‘Sep’ a plant indigenous to the River and resembles a wild banana.
3 Sipi Waterfalls in Uganda
Sipi Falls are a prime tourist attraction in the Eastern Part of Uganda offering remarkable Hiking Adventures to all on hiking tour in Uganda.
Due to the location of the Falls at varying 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. It is a bit strenuous though, as there are some steep spots and rocks that give a bit of a challenge especially when it rains, the trail becoming all muddy and slippery. You should carry a walking stick to help you navigate the slippery trails.
The trail follows through villages, 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.
How long is it to Hike to the Falls
Averagely, the hike to the falls takes four hours depending on the physical fitness of the hikers with stops and time breaks.
Four starting points await you depending on the waterfall you prefer to 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 & probably do so some swimming in the cold plunge pool. If you have limited time, it is best you start off with the main waterfall and see if you can continue up to the other two.
The hiking trail is not properly demarcated and at some places combines with the village footpaths, increasing the possibility of getting lost. It is therefore a must to take along a local guide(s), many of whom are natives of Sipi and know the trail very well. Porters are available too if you feel the need for one, more so during the rainy season. You will find these (porters & guides) eagerly waiting for any arriving visitor to Sipi.