Sipi Falls

Sipi falls is incredibly located in the Eastern part of Uganda in Kapchorwa district about 277 km from Kampala city, Uganda’s capital. Sipi falls is found on the foothills of Mount Elgon national park close to Uganda-Rwanda border. “Sipi” is derived from a Sabiny word “Sep” which is a name for a wild banana-like plant that grows along the river bank. This plant is used by the locals for treatment of some diseases like measles and fever. Hence the name Sipi falls. The falls originate from the hot springs that flow on Sipi River one of the rivers flowing on mount Elgon to the bottom pouring from a high cliff creating a series of rapids, flowing to lake Kyoga.

Sipi is composed of 3 different levels waterfalls each with its own altitude. The longest being at 100m high and it’s the main fall with the last biggest fall in the series, second falls at 85m and the third falls at 75m. These waterfalls are believed to be the most romantic because they give beautiful scenery. It’s at these falls trekkers on Mount Elgon start hiking, so tracking through the waterfalls gives tourists beautiful sights of slopes of Mount Elgon with coffee plantations, Lake Kyoga and lowlands of Karamoja region. The waterfalls form a nice shower that tourists where tours can enjoy after the tiring walk to the falls. There is an artificial cave created behind the waterfalls close to the bottom, the cave offers incredible experience where you can sit silently in the shadow of the poring falls more like “a curtain to the cave” enjoying the cool breeze and spectacular views while taking pictures. Visitors looking for a cool environment to spend in your holiday, Sipi falls is recommended as its climate is cool given the hilly nature of the place. The hilly are slippery during the wet season making hiking difficult but it serves as an incredible experience.

For visitors interested in staying more than a day at the falls, there are all kinds of accommodations one can choose from depending on your budget. Sipi falls lodges range from Luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels to campsites.