Sipi Falls Hiking Experience
Sipi falls hiking experience is the most adventurous activity around Mount Elgon National Park. Come and explore this remote place when you have a good time in Uganda. Sipi falls is ideal for holiday seekers, honeymooners or couples among other visitors.
Sipi Falls are found in Kapchorwa district after Burambuli district in eastern Uganda, and from the falls to Kapchorwa town is about 13km. Sipi was previously called ‘Sepu’, which means a person spreads the word of Islam in Kupsabiny language. Sipi falls are located in Sembei region which is made up of three districts including Bukwo, Kween and Kapchorwa itself where the falls are located.
The falls were discovered by a white man from Denmark called Albert who failed to pronounce the word Sepu because it was hard for him and then named the place Sipi for easy pronunciation of the word. These happened during the time of exploring Africa and Uganda at large, which makes Sipi falls to be one of highly visited places in the whole Elgon region in eastern Uganda.
Sipi Falls Hiking Experience Duration
Hiking Sipi Falls takes about 3 to 4hrs, depending on the fitness and flexibility of the hikers, and the weather during that day. Because hiking Sipi tends to be slippery during rainy seasons, this makes it a little difficult, however, this does not stop climbers to come and have fun around the place.
Before hiking Sipi Falls, you should bear in mind that are three main waterfalls. The first one is 63m high with an elevation of 1,650m above the sea level, while the second waterfall is 85m high with an elevation of about 1,765m above the sea level. The third and the last falls which is the longest waterfall is 100m high with an elevation of about 1,960 above the sea level.
There is also an extended nature walk to Chebonet waterfall and Sisiyi waterfall, and this comes when you’re done with hiking these three waterfalls, that make up Sipi falls. When you feel that you have more energy you can extend your hiking experience, but there is an additional hiking fee to pay.
Requirements needed while Hiking Sipi falls.
While on your day of hiking you should not forget to be having a hiking shoe or boots, a camera or a smart phone for taking photos. Don’t miss packed water, snacks, walking sticks and a guide whom you will meet at your lodge, office or at a place of appointment where you would have agreed to meet from. The guide will also be in charge of your safety during the hike.
Other activities that can take place around Sipi Falls include a coffee tour experience where a local guide will also take you around and explain for you how the process is done. From nursery beds to the stage of being ready to harvest right from the garden.
Another activity is a community walk, cultural dance and drama where the community will showcase and provide more information about their culture and way of life. They will show how boys are initiated into manhood through circumcision and you will also learn about how and why they used to do female genital mutilations to the girls.
Visitor’s fees to Hike Sipi Falls
For each different category of clients the charge is different. A Ugandan citizens pays UGX 30,000, while East African residents pay UGX 40,000. East African foreign residents pay US$30, while foreign non-residents pay US$40. Students on a tour pay UGX 15,000 who must have their student’s ID.
Accommodation Around Sipi Falls
Around Sipi falls there are luxury, mid-range and budget lodges for your accommodation. This will depend on where you like to stay. Among other available facilities include; Sipi Valley Resort, Sipi River Lodge, Noah’s Ark hotel, Home of Friends’ hotel, Rafiki lodge and Kingo Cottage. While at one of these facilities, you will feel at home when you reach on ‘the land of champions’ and home for golden medalists like Stephen Kiprotich, Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo – Kapchorwa.
While on this journey, do not forget to make time and visit other amazing places in Uganda. To explore the best wildlife experience visit Murchison Falls National Park for game drive and a boat safari along the mighty River Nile for aquatic life. Uganda is also well known for gorilla trekking safaris, popularly done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is a must-do experience for majority of the travelers to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
