Sipi Falls in Uganda
Sipi falls are strategically situated in Kapchorwa district in the eastern part of Uganda at the base of Mount Elgon which lies in the border of Uganda and Kenya next to Mount Elgon National Park. The distance from Kampala City the capital city of Uganda to Sipi falls in the Far East is estimated to be 277km taking around 5-6hours’ drive
Attractions at Sipi falls
Sipi falls is made up of three beautiful waterfalls positioned at the base of Mount Elgon which has several activities that visitors all over the world can engage is to have maximum sightings of the local people, mount Elgon, Sipi waterfalls, Sipi river coffee farms, several wildlife species including mammals such as hippos, crocodiles, several including water birds, beautiful butterflies among others while on a tour to the pearl of Africa.
Activities carried out on Sipi falls
Any time of the year is the best season to visit Uganda due to its climatic conditions, however, the best season to explore Sipi falls in during the dry season when the land is a bit dry for easy hiking and the chances of viewing the mammals is high as they gather on the falls to quench their thirst
Here are some of the activities that one should never miss while on a tour to Sipi falls include; Top of fall hiking, hiking three waterfalls, community encounters, Visiting coffee farms among others that can be enjoyed all year round as long as one visits kapichorwa
Hiking to the top of Sipi falls and hiking three waterfalls
Sipi falls obtained the name from a plant called “SEP” that grew at the bank of River Sipi which was used by the locals in that area to cure several diseases including fever. The rate at which these three waterfalls flows is totally different with the highest at 100m high making it the major waterfall, the second one at 85m and the last one at 75m high
The best way to hike and explore all the three waterfalls is to first hike up to the top of the tallest waterfall which offers overwhelming and very beautiful sightings of the nature including the scenic view of Lake Kyoga, several coffee farms, and homesteads of the Karamojong people from above as the hiker gets to the top of the highest fall with a breath taking cool air. Hiking is the major activity enjoyed by most visitors who love a little bit tiring adventure as it involves real walking via the terrains and muddy trails to reach the top of the tallest fall (main waterfall), descend and ascend again to the second waterfall and finally descend to the third waterfall while exploring every bit of beauty along the falls. During the preparations for the visit to Sipi falls, one should not forget to prepare good waterproof hiking boots and the hiking stick before starting the hike without forgetting the camera to capture those everlasting memories that are worth watching
Nature walks and Cultural encounters
These walks through the villages lead to meeting with the majority population the Sabiny and some Bagishu whose major source of income is through the cultivation of Arabic coffee at the base of Mount Elgon. During the cultural encounters, interact with the local community and learn more about their traditional cultures like the female circumcision which is reducing recent due to sensitization from different organizations and educating the public about the dangers of circumcising young girls that sometimes leads to over breeding and death. Conclude your cultural tour with the entertainment of traditional dance and drama from the local community that is worth not to be missed out
Note: For visitors interested in climbing Mount Elgon, look no further than visiting the Sipi falls as most Elgon climbing tours start at Sipi falls
Visiting coffee farms at the foothills of Mount Elgon
There are several coffee farms at the foothill of Mount Elgon due to fertile soils that favor agriculture and most especially Arabic coffee that grow at an altitude ranging between 1600m to 1900m above the sea level. In the process, visitors have an opportunity of learning all the stages involved in production of Arabic coffee direct from planting, weeding, pruning, harvesting, drying, roasting, grinding, packing, and finally sip on a delicious cup of freshly prepared Arabia coffee to refresh your mind while interacting with the farmers on ground and even buy as much as you can to carry back home at a relatively lower prices at the farms as compared to market price
Rock climbing: Rock climbing is yet another Enchanting activity that involves around routes ranging between 15m to 35m. These routes require scaling techniques and experiments. The rock at 15m is easily climbed as compared to the rock at 35 m which is the toughest of all but all in all, they offer a clear view of the main waterfalls, coffee farms and the surrounding communities
Birding: Sipi falls harbors several water birds are normally seen during hiking and cultural encounters at the base of Mount Elgon where most of the birds fly from Mount Elgon national park including weaver birds, sun birds, African Blue Flycatcher, and many more making the birders dream come true
Sports fishing: Take part in sport fishing on the sip river with possibilities of capturing some fish species but interested visitors need to come along with their own fishing equipment.
Accommodations around Sipi falls
There are several beautiful accommodations with in close Vicinity with the Sipi falls ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury lodges. These include; Sipi River lodge which is situated near River Si pi offering the crystal clear view of the falls and Mount Elgon at large.
Sasa Bandas, Piswa Bandas, Crown Nest Rest camp, Suam Bandas, Noah’s Ark Hotel, Aniet Cottages, Kapsurur cottages, Toben Cottages, Sipi River Lodge, Sipi traveler’s lodge, and many more with nice amenities
“Visitors on a Sipi falls tour can also visit Kidepo Valley National park the birders’ paradise and mount Elgon national park which man wildlife species call their home with several sighting of mammals such as Spotted hyena, Buffalos, Duikers, Squirrels, elephants, Oribi and some primates such as Blue monkeys”.