Sipi Falls is at a destination with blessed and most amazing passionate falls. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda within the districts of Kapchorwa, Sironko and Mbale town. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. Sipi falls are 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 border with Uganda.
Adventure lovers looking for a rush of adrenaline on their visit can abseil/rappel from the top of the 100 meters high Sipi Falls, or try climbing on the numerous high cliffs. The close proximity of the falling water and panoramic views provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Sipi Falls area is the starting point for many hikes upto Wagagai Peak on Mount Elgon. The most popular route starts in Budadiri and follows the Sasa trail to the summit and then descends down the Sipi trail back into the Sipi Falls. Hikes around the falls offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, the slopes of Mount Elgon, coffee plantations and the surrounding areas.
The name Sipi was derived from the word ‘sepu’ which is a name of a wild banana-like indigenous plant that grows along the banks of Sipi River. This plant can be used as a medicine for treating fever and measles by local people in that area.
Weather and Climate Around the Falls
With a cooler climate than most of the country, Sipi Falls is a nice place to unwind, relax and literally chill out away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities. Completing the circuit of the three fall series of the Sipi Falls will require one to take part of the journey with a 4×4 vehicle while walking for some distances of the hike. The hike will involve up and down movements on the slopes to reach from one waterfall to the other. The roads and paths will be muddy especially if your hike is on a rainy day.
Being on the foothills of Mount Elgon, Sipi offers a number of alternative activities to the mainstream river activities. These falls shall give you one of Uganda’s most beautiful sceneries. Most people say that Sipi falls are the ‘most romantic falls’ in Uganda which is evidenced by the wonderful falls. This area is majorly where most hikes to Mount Elgon are started from.
The climate in this area is so cool since it’s a hilly area and sometimes as individuals are hiking there 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. Abseil this hilly regions while enjoying in the Sipi hood. Sipi falls lie at the base or rather foothills of Mount Elgon thus, these Italian adventurers can ably take you around for that activity.
Getting to Sipi Falls in Uganda
The journey will take you about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Kampala city to Kapchorwa. You will drive towards the eastern part of Uganda along Kampala – Jinja highway, and then turn to Mbale town. From here you will drive towards Kapchorwa where the Sipi Falls are. The journey is about 268km.
One way of fulfilling your adventure while at the falls is by reaching the bottom of the falls, where the water thunders. You may be forced to take a swim and enjoy the cool water breeze. The locals will definitely be there to entertain you as they also dive into the water, some washing clothes and the rest trying to catch some fish although it’s not so much success because of the rapid water flow. This place is called Rob’s Rock, in Jinja. You will enjoy the 100-meters Sipi main falls as you hike, and also be in position to visit the local waterfalls and take hikes around the local areas.
Besides Sipi Falls, don’t miss the nearby Chebonet Falls also on Mount Elgon, the amazingly gushing Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park further west, Sezibwa falls in the central and Bwindi falls in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While in Bwindi, you can also also opt for the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience while an amazing wildlife game drive can be enjoyed in the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park.