Sipi Falls Tour

The Sipi Falls tour: Sipi Falls is a series of three beautiful waterfalls in the Eastern part of Uganda. You can find them in the Kapchorwa district. You can find them at the bottom of Mt. Elgon just outside Mount Elgon National Park. Water at these falls flows down the resistant rocks to the bottom at different heights. The highest falls are at 100m high, the second at 85m, and the shortest at 75m high. The falls make a stunning site for scenic viewing and photography. Before you reach there, you’ll go through a thrilling experience of hiking. Also, the set of falls makes them one lovely, where you can spend a good time with your loved ones. The falls reward you with views of the rainbow and the misty flow of water. Also, you get to enjoy the cool breeze from the water.

Apart from the waterfalls, once you reach the top you’ll also be able to see the Karamoja lowlands. Also, you can see Lake Kyoga and the beautiful coffee plantations around the place. While here, you’ll also have great views of the nearby mountain Elgon, one of the hiking destinations in Uganda.

The falls were named after River Sipi whose name was derived from the word “sep”. Sep is the name of a banana-like plant that grows along the banks of this river. The local people around the area use it to treat fevers and measles.

Activities to do on a Sipi Falls Tour

Hiking to the falls

The highlight of visiting this place is to hike to the breathtaking falls. There are many waterfall walks to choose from for your hike. Additionally, you can as well choose to have a day hike or a full-day hike. Some trials will take you through plantations of coffee which you can find on the slopes of Mt. Elgon. This is Arabica coffee which the Bagisu who inhabit this area do cultivate. They are very hospitable people and you can as well decide to visit their plantations. Thus, this will help you learn and see how they carry on their farm activities.

Hiking to Mt. Elgon

Some people start their hikes from Sipi and hiking to Mount Elgon doesn’t require much fitness. Especially, you don’t need it on the lower slopes. Therefore, you can do short hikes where you’ll spot not many wild animals. However, there are lots of birds, forest monkeys, buffaloes, and antelopes among others.

Trout fishing

Trout fishing takes place on River Sipi. You enjoy the activity of catching fish which you later release back into the water.

Other activities to do when you visit Sipi are Bird watching and visiting the Nyero rock paintings and caves. Also, you can attend the public circumcision events of the Bagisu which take place in August and December. This event is so entertaining with the traditional dance of the Bagisu popular as Imbalu. Rock climbing is one of the safest activities you can do in the Sipi area. Meanwhile, it is guided by local guides and is enjoyed by most visitors.

The lodges close to Sipi Falls provide the best accommodation and you don’t have to worry about your stay there. There are luxury lodges, mid-range lodges, budget hotels, and campsites. The latter is for those who want to enjoy typical wilderness by spending their nights in tents. Lodges like Sipi River Lodge and others have very hospitable staff.

Abseiling/Rappelling

Abseiling at Sipi is done at Chebonet falls. A friction device is connected to your harness and you descend the rocks. There are routes of varying heights where you choose your preferred route. This is very adventurous and exciting.