Sipi Falls Uganda, Eastern Region
Sipi Falls is Uganda’s treasure located in the East of the Country. Sipi Falls is the beginning of most of the hikes to Mount Elgon and the main stops to nearby destinations of Pian-Upe Game reserve, Mount Kadam, Moroto for cultural experiences and Kidepo Valley National Park In the far North East.
Sipi Falls is a Series of 3 cascading waterfalls from the same river and the same source but different heights of the falls and locations within the area. The waterfalls range from 100 meters at approximately 1,650m above the sea level found in Kaptokolo Village and the most beautiful waterfalls and also the steepest due to its landscape situated along the hanging volcanic valleys and steep cliffs bordering both sides of the waterfalls. Second highest is Chebukoch waterfalls which has a height of 85 meters at an elevation of 2,010m above the sea level and it is the first waterfalls at the top just a few kilometers from Mount Elgon National Park boundary and lastly but not the least, is 65m waterfalls called Chepkui waterfalls found in Chepkui Village. It lies between the two waterfalls and it’s famously known for having natural showers and just above it, is a natural swimming pool for enthusiastic swimmers looking for a relaxing and refreshing spot after a long day of hiking though it’s mainly safe during dry seasons when the water levels is low.
WHAT DOES THE NAME SIPI MEAN.
Despite Sipi Falls being the most famous name, these waterfalls had an indigenous name called by the natives as “SEP” waterfalls. “sep” is a certain wild banana specie called Abyssinian Banana or “Sosurwet” in Kalenjin language spoken by the Sabiny. These wild bananas grew along the Sipi River and part of the waterfalls. The local community used these bananas as a local medicine for treating different illnesses like Pneumonia, measles, Fever and Sexually transmitted diseases like Syphilis and Gonorrhea.
“SEP” also means in the local language as “walk slowly”. There was a period in Mount Elgon and around Sipi Falls where there was a lot of famine and drought around the area and the means of survival for the Locals was hunting. The natives developed an idea of hiding near the thick bushes and tree trunks around the river with an expectation of waiting for an animal to come and drink water around the river and they had to walk slowly “Sep” expecting a hunt.
Currently these bananas are left by the locals to grow as a way of promoting conservation and they have gotten better medical options from the scientific supplies rather than depending on the locally made medicine from the “SEP” roots.
“Sep” banana at Sipi Falls
TRIBES AROUND SIPI FALLS.
Sipi Falls is found around the foothills of mount Elgon in the Eastern region of Uganda. Sipi Falls is located in ‘’Kapchorwa District”. Kapchorwa means “Home of Friends” in Sabiny dialect.
Sipi is surrounded by the indigenous tribe called Sabiny (Sebei) whose origin is traced back about 1500 CE ago from Ethiopian Highlands. The Sebei tribe were warriors, nomads and hunters whose lives used to be more in the high mountains and hills for security reasons. The Sabiny are among the “Kalenjin Community” who are sub-Nilotic community with the same traditions, dialect, religions, cultures like male and female circumcisions and child naming ceremonies practiced by them. “Kalenjin” simply means “I tell you”.
Sebei ladies during Cultural marriage Ceremony.
It’s believed that the ancestors of the Kalenjin originated from the River Nile area of South Sudan and the Western part of Ethiopia. There migration took them through the Southern part of Ethiopia bordered by Kenya. They lived and settled around the Western rift valley of Kenya making it their homeland.
There are 11 tribes that makes up Kalenjin namely: The Kipsigis, Nandi, Pokots, Sebei, Sabaot, Keiyo, Tugen, Marakwet, Ogiek, Terik, and Sengwer.
Today the kalenjins are found in both Uganda, Kenya and part Of Tanzania. In Uganda we the Sabinys and Pokots as the Kalenjin community found in the East of Uganda in the districts of Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo and the Pokots are in Nakapirpirit and Amudat district.
Kalenjins are known for a long distance running and they have won several medals in many international competitions due to their lungs highly exposed to high altitude. We have famous runners like Cheptegei, Kiplimo from Uganda and Kipchoge, Kipyegon from Kenya among other prominent athletes.
Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo, Famous Kalenjin long distance runners.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN SIPI FALLS.
The natives are more conservative in their traditions and they speak “KUPSABINY” as their local dialect and “KISWAHILI” languages as the most common and prominent languages though since Uganda is was a British Colony, they also speak English as a national language in Uganda.
DISTANCES FROM MAJOR TOWNS AROUND UGANDA TO SIPI FALLS.
KAMPALA:
Kampala is the major Capital City of Uganda situated in the Central region of the Country. It’s Uganda’s major business Centre which has attracted many people from the whole Country, East Africa, Africa and the whole world at large due to its hospitality, Climate, Security and entertainment.
Uganda has over 54 tribes and 41 languages widely spoken among the natives as Luganda from the Baganda tribe is the second widely spoken language in Uganda after English which is the National language.
Its approximately 272kms from Kampala to Sipi Falls about 5-6 hours depending with the flow of the traffic Jam.
Uganda Either take a public bus or Taxi from Kampala to Sipi through our recommendations on the available transport means or you let us know how we can organize a privately comfortable ride for you to the Sipi Falls and plan for the activities and accommodation all customized and crafted by our experienced company inclusively.
Kampala City from above
JINJA, Uganda’s Tourism Capital.
Jinja is the busiest Cities in Uganda. Jinja is famously known for the Source of the longest river in the world, River Nile. Jinja is the most visited places for entertainment and water activities.
Nyege-Nyege is the famous party event which is organized every year in Jinja attended by thousands of travelers all over the world.
River Nile in Jinja from above.
WHAT TO DO IN JINJA.
Jinja being the tourism capital in Uganda, you can have yourself a number of options of different activities depending on your preferences like Bungee Jumping, Rafting, visit to the Source of the Nile, Sunset Boat Cruise, Water Slide, Tubing the Nile Horse Rides and Night life. Accommodations in Jinja depends on your budget and preferences with a number of options just for you during your visit to Jinja.
It takes about 3-4 hours drive from Jinja to Sipi with a distance of about 296kms via Iganga-Tirinyi – Mbale Road.
MBALE CITY.
Mbale is situated at the South East of Kapchorwa District, Sipi Falls. It’s a home of Imbalu Culture practiced by the Bagisu tribe who are part of the Bantu speaking ethnic group on the slopes Mount Elgon and closely related to the Bukusu people of western Kenya. Imbalu is an annual event where all male boys are circumcised and promoted to an adult. Although they are sometimes referred to as Bagisu, they call themselves Ba-masaba with “Masaba” referring to Mount Elgon.
While in Mbale, you can participate in different activities like Hiking Wanale Falls, Mbale Zoo, Mbale Museum, Mbale Market, Mount Elgon hike, and 1 hour drive to Nyero Rock Painting in Kumi district.
Mbale to Sipi Falls is a 1 Hour drive by private transportation or public transportation. its approximately 60kms from mbale to Sipi Falls.
MALABA (UGANDA-KENYA BORDER).
Malaba border is both Uganda and Kenya’s busiest and most trafficked border point for both inlet and outlet trucks and cars coming from both sides of the two Countries.
Uganda is a Land-locked Country with Malaba being the main border point to access Mombasa and other cargo destinations around Kenya.
Tourism in both Uganda and Kenya has thrived and developed smoothly due to the harmony and the good relationship enjoyed between the two Countries. Tourists can use both flights and road transport to travel around these Countries.
At Malaba border, you are required to have your Passport, Yellow Fever Card, and a Visa to enter and exit the border points of either Countries.
Visas can be obtained online and it costs 100$ which is valid for 90 days from the day of issue.
It takes 2-3 hours from Malaba border point to Sipi Falls via Tororo-Mbale road at the distance of 115kms.
You can access currency exchange points at either border point or in mbale via ATM branches of your preferred banks or Forex bureaus around mbale near the Republic Street in Mbale City.
SUAM BORDER POINT (KENYA-UGANDA).
Suam border is a very free and easy access point of both Uganda and Kenya due to its less traffic congestions. The Roads are free open and tarmacked suitable for safe and comfortable drives with stunning view points below the flat plains of Karamoja regions.
Suam border is approximately 2 hours’ drive at approximately 90kms to Sipi Falls Via Bukwo-Kween-Kapchorwa Road.
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK (KARENGA DISTRICT)
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the far extreme of the North Eastern Uganda near South Sudan. The park is one the remotest destinations in Uganda for wildlife safaris and culture. This park was named in the CNN as the most beautiful park in Africa and a true African Wilderness hidden gem.
The park is surrounded by the Ik tribe who are one of the indigenous tribes in Uganda with there high value of virgin cultures and traditions.
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the entrances and exits from Sipi -Moroto -Kotido-Kaboong road. It’s bordered by Murchison Falls National Park in the North West and Bordered by Matheniko-Bokora and Pian-Upe wildlife reserve in the South East.
It’s about 8-hour drive from Kidepo National Park to Sipi Falls which is approximately 435kms on both murram and tarmac roads. This makes it the longest trip you can have in for a day though it’s recommendable to have a stop overnight stay in Moroto to break from the long and hectic drive from Kidepo Valley National Park which is approximately 5 hours’ drive and 276kms
There are budget, mid-range and high-end accommodation options in Moroto suitable for all your preferences such as Kara-Tunga camps, Mount Moroto Hotel, Seven Ranges and Hotel Africa -Mount Moroto for your accommodation needs.
WHAT TO DO IN MOROTO:
While in Moroto, there are several activities you can engage yourself to do like Karamojong Cultural Experience, Bike Riding, camping at the Kraal and trekking Mount Moroto which is at 3,083m a.s.l.
Moroto having been your place of stay, your next destination is Sipi Falls via Nakapirpirit- Pian-Upe game reserve. Usually, a drive from Moroto to Sipi Falls is about 3-hour drive, having a stop Over at Pian-Upe game reserve for a morning game drive before proceeding to Sipi Falls Is an ideal adventure during your trip to the Eastern Region.
WHAT TO DO IN SIPI FALLS, EASTERN UGANDA
SIPI FALLS HIKE.
Sipi Falls is Mount Elgon’s jewelry and the starting point for the Mount Elgon Trek through Kapkwai Exploration trail. Sipi Falls is the tallest water falls in Uganda with a height of 100m standing at an elevation of 1775m a.s.l approximately 320 feet. The water falls are a series of 3 water Falls cascading on the volcanic rocks of Mount Elgon ranging from 65m, 85m and 100m heights respectively but same river and same source but different locations within Sipi community. Sipi Falls is 277kms East of Uganda’s capital Kampala. It is 60kms South of Mbale City. These water falls offers you a glimpse of African authentic nature connection with its beautiful and greenery vegetations around the waterfalls. Sipi Falls is unique in its own ways due to its thrilling and stunning sceneries. Uganda is an adventure nation with a lot of beautiful sceneries making her the Adventure Pearl of Africa offering hikers wide choices of Hiking waterfalls to trekking Mountains.
COFFEE TOUR EXPERIENCE:
A Coffee tour Experience in Sipi Falls, Uganda is a unique journey that takes you through a different vibrant coffee culture in the Country. Uganda is among the nations in Africa and the whole world whose coffee supply in the international trade market are highly consumed globally. Nestled in the lush landscapes, Uganda offers a chance to Explore coffee plantations, learn about each and every process of coffee cultivation into the cup from the tree. Coffee tour in Sipi Falls engages you and the local farmers on the trends of coffee growing, chain of distributions and consumption through Sustainable tourism and sustainable coffee growing practices. During the coffee tour experience, guests experiences a visit to the coffee farms, a hulling coffee process, to the session of coffee roasting and brewing using homemade coffee mugs, these allows you to taste distinct flavors of Ugandan Arabica Coffee grown in the Mount Elgon region to give you the coffee profile, Uganda grows two coffee varieties and that’s Robusta Coffee commonly grown in the Central, Southern, Western and Northern regions of the country While Arabica Coffee is only Concentrated along the slopes of Mount Elgon due to its fertile volcanic soils, favorable climate and topography thus Mount Elgon Arabica Coffee. Coffee tour in Sipi Falls is an enriching experience beyond just the coffee history, this tour is ideal for adventurers interested in sustainable tourism, local communities and of course to introduce you to the world of coffee culture.
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Elgon National Park is the second highest Mountain in Uganda with a height of 4,321m a.s.l after the snowcapped Mount Rwenzori with 5,109m a.s.l.
Mount Elgon is a breathtaking destination known for its biodiversity, stunning landscapes and a water catchment area for many rivers like Sipi Falls. These Mountain is located in both Uganda and Kenya at the shared geographic border points. Mount Elgon borders Uganda in the East and borders Kenya in the
West.
Mount Elgon has one of the World’s largest Mountain Calderas stretching 8km in diameter formed after volcanic eruption about million years ago.
Mount Elgon is a home to mammals like Black and white colobus monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Duikers, Jackals, forest tree squirrels and has over 300 bird species including the endangered
Lammergeyer and the Jackson’s francolin, making it a haven for the birding enthusiasts.
The vegetation varies from montane forests and Bamboo zones to heather and Moorland, showcasing diverse plant life adapted to different altitudes.
Mount Elgon has spearheaded local communities living around the near the park to ensure
sustainable tourism and conservation of the biodiversity.
Mount Elgon National Park offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure and cultural insights,
making it a must visit to explore Uganda’s diverse landscapes and heritage.
SUNSET WALKS.
The stunning sunsets in Sipi and thrilling views lie in the heart of Uganda, Sipi has a great sunset view that immerses you deep into nature’s meditation.
A million-dollar views of Mount Elgon ranges, three water falls of Sipi Falls and the hanging volcanic rocks below the valleys, the meandering Sipi river cascading down towards the plains as it disappears in the distance below the horizons spices the incredible reflection of the dusk. Watching sunsets at the 360- degree view angle makes your evening a relaxed journey as the day retires.
ABSEILING:
Abseiling / Rappelling in Uganda has been one of the adventure Experience that every adventure seeker has been daring to explore. Rappelling is done in the heart of the main Sipi Falls of 100m, this adventure involves descending down from the top of the water falls with bolted metals drilled inside the volcanic rock, Nodes, Harnesses, Carabiners and safety helmets and other safety gears involved to give you a safety guarantee.
Thrilling views are guaranteed during the up-close of the waterfalls which is the highest waterfalls in Uganda as the rope spins you through a different angle of views. Let’s take You on this adrenaline experience, it will never leave you the same again.
ROCK CLIMBING CHALLENGE
Rock climbing in Sipi Falls is Uganda’s outdoor adrenaline challenge that gets every rock climber an awe to take on this adventure. The 14 bolted routes of the climbing at one of the volcanic rock spots around the main Sipi Falls gorge is an intense outdoor Experience. The routes have different courses of the climb ranging from Easier beginnings which suits all the rock-climbing beginners, as they go for the moderate step which takes a bit of technical balance and strength as you progress for the extreme course which is challenging and many climbers take this last course as an almost-impossible climb but with your experience of rock climbing, it’s a triumph.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Uganda is an Adventure destination with great biking off-the-beaten trails. Cycling in Uganda
especially around Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls offers an exhilarating combination of adventures
and scenic beauty, making it a number choice for adventure enthusiasts and thrill seekers. From
lush greenery landscapes to the magnificent Sipi Falls. Uganda’s landscapes offer the perfect
backdrop for Mountain Biking Adventures.
Sipi Mountain Adventures is a perfect unforgettable Experience on the slopes of Mount Elgon
offering you Uganda’s adrenaline adventures combining physical challenge with cultural blend
of the community giving you an insight on the cultural diversity of the community around Sipi
Falls and Uganda as whole. The rugged trails around Sipi Falls offers challenging landscapes, allowing both beginners and experienced mountain cyclists to enjoy the physical terrain of Mount Elgon. The adventure immerses you through the coffee plantations, Communities and spectacular landscapes of Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon ranges as you have panoramic views of the flat plains where the Sipi river joints the River Nile through Lake Bisina via Lake Kyoga making the ride a unique journey through Uganda’s diverse natural richness.
Whether you are a casual rider or an experienced cyclist, Mount Elgon cycling trails promises
you an adventure, breathtaking views and a chance to connect with local heritage of Uganda’s
cultural diversity. It’s not just about the ride, it’s about discovering Uganda on two wheels, taking in the views and sharing in the cultural exchange along the way.
TRADITIONAL FOOD COOKING EXPERIENCE
Dive into the heart of Sipi’s culinary culture. This is an immersive Uganda’s cooking experience which takes you through a practical art of local cuisines, from sourcing them in the farms to mastering the traditional recipes. Perfect for food lovers looking to bring a taste of Uganda’s local foods, cook and eat with the locals of the Sipi community. Experience the unique flavors of Sipi in this guided cooking adventure. Prepare and enjoy traditional Ugandan meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients while learning the stories behind each dish, a must do for culture and food Enthusiasts!
Cooking experience in Sipi is one of unique experience you can fully engage with the community and how they live and prepare their daily local cuisines and exchanging cultures.
Culinary cooking adventure in Sipi makes you learn and appreciate the efforts and commitment to prepare Ugandan local dishes in a delicious way. This tour lets you explore Sipi’s rich culinary heritage in an interactive way.
CHEBONET WATERFALLS
Chebonet Water Falls is one of the scenic waterfalls whose source is from Mount Elgon which an extinct volcano shield mountain bordering Uganda and Kenya. Mount Elgon is one of the volcanic mountains in Uganda with unique crater lakes and beautiful water falls like Chebonet water falls which is 3 rd. highest to the main Sipi Falls of 100m. Rain waters and natural permanent crater lakes creates stunning water Falls as they cascade down the mountain side. These water Falls includes Chebonet waterfalls and Sipi Falls which is famously good hiking and sightseeing offering breathtaking views in Uganda. Chebonet Water Falls is the off-beaten tracks and less known hidden gems that offers tranquil beauty away from the crowds, Endless views down to the flat plains, the farming systems and hanging volcanic rocks. While Sipi Falls provides a more popular hiking and adventure paradise and famously known as a “hikers Paradise”. A visit to Mount Elgon can bring a blend of ecological richness and unforgettable experience of East Africa’s natural Splendor.
A visit to Chebonet Water Falls a stunner with tranquility and surrounding lush vegetation surrounding the waterfalls gives you the nature’s wanders and meditation. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers looking to enjoy the serenity of the cascading waters in its nature surroundings. Chebonet Water Falls is a good for hiking with trails leading through the local farms offering a glimpse of Ugandan rural life making it a great hotspot for those interested in cultural homestead set up.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SIPI FALLS.
Sipi Falls can be visited all year round regardless of all weather conditions. We have high seasons and low seasons of tourism visits in this area.
Sipi Falls is near Mount Elgon National Park and receives relief rainfall in the specific months of the year. We have March, April and May as the most wet Seasons and dry seasons starts in June to August and December to February and mild rains during later March.
Visitors can choose to visit Sipi Falls at any time of the year depending on their preferences and travels regardless of the weather conditions.
HOW DIFFICULT IS SIPI FALLS HIKING
Sipi Falls is the most visited destination in the East of Uganda after Jinja. Sipi Falls lies on the slopes of Mount Elgon National Park which is a dormant volcano.
Sipi Waterfalls are located at different areas around the villages and the topography varies in these places. We have extreme hike which is one of the longest hikes around the waterfalls consisting of both gentle, moderate and difficult steep trails. It’s more challenging during rainy seasons. It’s slippery, wet, and more colder during early morning hikes.
Hiking with properly hiking gears can be more enjoyable, safer and way easier.
More sporty people usually choose extreme hikes though still you can still choose moderate trails which is way accessible by car at certain points and combined with some hiking which will give you an absolute experience based on your body condition and fitness.
DO YOU PAY PARK ENTRANCE AT SIPI FALLS
Sipi Falls activities are organized around the community and outside the Mount Elgon National Park. No park entrance needed to access the waterfalls but rather you only pay for the activities you choose to do during your visit to Sipi Falls. The activities depend on one’s preferences like Hiking waterfalls, Coffee tour experience, abseiling for adrenaline junkies, Day nature walks in Mount Elgon among other packages you choose.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR YOU AT SIPI FALLS
Sipi Falls has quite a number of accommodation options of all budget ranges of every traveler seeking for an affordable place to stay. Most travelers preferably opt for accommodations having different amenities, views, services and locations accompanied by safety guaranteed for one’s stay.
HIGH END-ACCOMMODATIONS MID RANGE ACCOMMODATION BUDGET ACCOMMODATION
| Sipi Heritage Lodge | Lacam Lodge Endiro | Kamorok Falls View Lodge |
| Rafiki Lodge | Sipi Falls Lodge | Sipi Guest House |
| Home Of Friends | Crow’s Nest Camp | |
| Sipi Valley Resort | Rock Gardens Sipi Falls |
WHERE CAN I HAVE DELICIOUS MEALS IN SIPI FALLS
Most accommodations in Sipi Falls offers meals and some are mainly inclusive to the rooms ranging from Bed and Breakfast, Half board and Full board Options.
With a wide range of options and preferences most travelers prefer to have meals outside their accommodations. We half Endiro Coffee for quick English tasty wraps, burgers, pork ribs, fries and fruit salads, all vegetarian options and fresh coffee of all kinds, tea and tasty fruits juices both smoothies and milkshakes depending on your options and more recommendable during a full day activities outside the accommodation and maybe a walk-in for a quick dinner, lunch different from what your accommodation provides.
We also have local restaurants which offers local foods and street Rolex around Sipi town. This is one of the best options for those looking for a taste of local foods prepared in Sipi by the community and it’s a way of supporting them by eating like a local in this restaurants.
