The Sipi Falls are arguably the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda. They are also one of the most visited tourism sites in Uganda. The Sipi Falls consist of 3 waterfalls (Simba, Ngasire) that are separated by steep hillsides in the District of Kapchorwa East of Uganda. The falls are found outside the boundary of Mount Elgon National Park. Rivers originating from the Mount Elgon flow over narrow cliffs before falling with force at the foot of the mountain.
How to get to the Sipi Falls in Uganda
It takes 4-5 hours of driving from Kampala to reach Sipi Falls. The major highway used is the Kampala – Jinja highway which offers opportunities to see fascinating places like the Mabira forest and the river Nile among others. After Jinja, the journey continues to Iganga town before turning off to join the Tinyiri highway leading to Mbale. Alternatively, one can continue straight up to Tororo town and then to Mbale. The Tororo route is longer but more scenic offering a chance to see baboons at Busitema forest. Public transport from Kampala to Mbale costs about 30,000 Uganda shillings.
A traveler already in Mbale can use private or public transport which comes in form of taxis, buses or even motorcycles (bodabodas). The distance from Mbale to Sipi Falls is about 50kms and costs 5,000 Uganda shillings. To avoid the inconvenience of traveling to an unknown place without proper guidance, it is recommended that one hires the services of a good tour operator. Tour operators make things easier for international travelers because all they need to do is show up at the airport and find everything arranged.
Hiking Sipi Falls in Uganda
There are several starting points and all depends on which particularly waterfall you intend on hiking. If you are intending on seeing all the three, then it is better to start with the top most to save your energies for the main waterfall downside. Choosing to start from the top-most falls involves following the route from Budadiri then joining the Sasa trail to reach the summit before descending down the Sipi trail to the waterfalls. However most people start with the first and main waterfall and it is what we shall describe for now.
The second or middle falls is known as the Simba Falls and is about 74m tall. Reaching this second cave involve hiking past the first waterfall and then continuing to a steep trail to an ancient cave. There are bats in the caves and humans are believed to have lived in these caves for hundreds of years. Hikers can stand near the entrance of the cave and watch the water from behind safely. They will enjoy the wonderful breeze and soothing atmosphere of the falls.
Other Sipi Falls activities
The area around the Sipi Falls is serene place that cannot be enjoyed n one day. Apart from the main activity of hiking to see the three Sipi falls, visitors can choose to take part in other activities within the area such as:-
Visiting Sisiyi falls: Those who are not satisfied with the Sipi Falls can stop by the Sisiyi Falls on their way to Kidepo National Park. These falls are found in Bulambuli district along the highway from Mbale to Moroto. The Sisiyi falls offer a relaxing environment and are suitable for picnics and camping.
Bugisu Arabica Coffee Tour: The Bagisu are the dominant tribe living in the area and are known for growing the Bugisu Arabica coffee. This type of coffee only thrives on altitudes between 1,550 and 1910. The slopes of Mount Elgon receive good amounts of rainfall and have fertile volcanic soils on which the Arabica Coffee thrives. Arabica coffee is therefore the major economic activity and income generator for the locals in the area.
Climbing Mount Elgon: Sipi Falls is one of the main starting points for those interested on climbing mountain Elgon. Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the fourth highest peak (Wagagai) in Africa. It is the second largest volcanic mountain in the world with the largest surface area (caldera). The mountain is shared by Uganda and Kenya although the largest part is in Uganda. The factors mentioned above make hiking the mountain a great accomplishment for hikers around the world. Climbing Mount Elgon takes between 5 – 6 days depending on the overall fitness and experience of a hiker.
Bird Watching: Uganda is one the best birding destinations in the world. The Mount Elgon area has over 274 species which is more than that recorded in 2 of Uganda’s largest national park – Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Birding tours can be arranged within the Sipi area or as a starting point for a more complete birding experience in the Mount Elgon National Park.
Fly Fishing: Fly fishing refers to a method of catching fish by attracting them with an artificial fly. Fly fishing can be done above the waterfalls.
Nature and Village walks: This can be done at the nearby Forest Exploration Center in Mount Elgon National Park. To enter the park, you will need to pay the park fee.
Cultural Walk and Visits: Two local tribes live in the area around Sipi – the Bagisu, and Sabiny. After spotting the waterfalls, visitors can opt to go for a cultural visit to experience the local culture of one of these tribes. The Sebei and Bugisu culture of circumcision attracts visitors during certain times of the year. The Bagusi (boys) and Sabiny (girls) youths are usually initiated into adulthood through cultural initiation processes that concludes with circumcision. Forced female circumcision among the Sabiny was common only 2 decades ago but due to intense campaigns against the practice by female activists, the practice is virtually eliminated.
Apart from the circumcision ceremonies, an arrangement can be made to visit the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.
Visiting Wildlife Reserves: The Pian upe and Matheniko Game reserves are found in the plains of Karamoja. These game reserves have some interesting species like ostriches, the roan antelope, Kudus, gazelles and other species of antelopes. If you love wild animals, then this reserve should give you a taste of some of Uganda’s famous wild animals.
Mountain Biking and jogging: The best way to discover the local neighborhood and marvel at the scenery around is by biking or jogging. The area is not flat and hence a good mountain bike with functioning gears will help you pass through the steep areas with ease. Many of Uganda’s famous runners come from the districts near the Sipi Falls. There is a running route used by some of these legends that can be used by ordinary joggers.
Visiting the Nyero Rock Paintings: The paintings are found in Kumi, District which is about 2 hours drive from the Sipi area. These historical paintings attract tourists throughout the year and give a glimpse of how our ancestors lived thousands of years ago. The local people around the area consider the place sacred and believe that the local gods still live there.
Watching Bulls Fight in Bududa: Bull fighting in Bududa is organized in a village called Namasho. The activity first came to prominence during the colonial days but had not been taken seriously until recently. Hundreds of people gather for the event in which the toughest bulls are paired to fight for a prize. There is a referee, animal owners and the crowd who cheer the best bulls. Before the start of the event, prayers are made to the local gods and respect is accorded to the ancestors. Spectators come with local beer to take as they watch the bulls fight. The winning bulls are given names of some of the strongest world leaders while the owner can carry away a prize of up to 1,000,000 Uganda shillings.
Climbing Tororo Rock: This magnificent rock is found in Tororo town on the way back to Kampala from Mbale. The rock stands at 1,483 m high and is the main landmark in Tororo town. Climbing Tororo rock is one of the popular activities in the town. It takes about 2 hours to climb to and from the rock. There are several rocks and paintings on your way down the rock.
Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center: This center is frequented by schools who take their students to learn about forest conservation. The Center is located 13 km away from the small town of Sipi and visitors can also visit nearby caves, escarpments and lesser known waterfalls. There are several bird species and primates living in the forest that can easily be spotted.
When to visit Sipi Falls
Accommodation around the Sipi Falls
The Crow’s Nest: This budget lodge is built on the slopes of Mount Elgon. It was one of the first lodges to be built in the area. The bandas (grass thatched rooms) can accommodate 100 visitors and offer great views of the waterfalls. The lodge offers facilities that are good enough without excess luxuries. Rooms are self-contained and can be shared (dormitories and double rooms). While here, visitors can take part in activities like village walks, climbing Mount Elgon, touring the coffee plantations and rock climbing.
Sipi River Lodge: This lodge consists of luxurious rooms that offer higher quality services and decorations but at a price. The lodge has good views of the waterfalls with facilities like a reading area, dining room, verandah and a bar. Each banda has been given a special name.
Lacam lodge: Lacam lodge is a mid-range lodge consisting of bandas (grass thatched and made of local timber). Most of the rooms are self-contained with bathrooms and toilets. Those who are interested in camping will find this lodge ideal as arrangements can be made to set up tents for the night at specific points.
Noah’s ark hotel: This hotel has budget, mid-range and luxury rooms. The hotel is built on the slopes of Mount Elgon. This hotel is very popular and booking in advance is impotent especially if one is interested in the budget rooms. Camping tents can be arranged on request.