Sipi Falls Tour Uganda- Sipi falls are Located in the Eastern part of Uganda in Kapchorwa district and it is among the famous and visited falls in Uganda. The Sipi Falls is known by both foreigners and locals, and they have been called the most romantic places in Uganda.  Its water flows from the slopes of Elgon Mountain and it is a starting point for the hikers who climb up the Peak of Elgon Mountain.

The falls are divided into 3 waterfalls is the waterfalls have a drop of 75 meters, that one with a drop of 85 meters and an upper cascade before plunging, the longest with a drop of 100 meters.

Sipi falls provides beautiful scenery and they were named after a local plant which grows on the Riverbanks called sep.  The local guides tell how the British went to visit the falls and found a woman picking the Sep from the banks of the river and when they asked for the name of the falls, unknowingly the woman thinking that the British were asking for the name of the plant and she replied Sep and that is how the name Sipi falls begins from.

Around the falls there is cold weather and tourists are recommended to bring some heavy clothes, hiking boots to curb the coldness. The falls are known to be a healing place by the local people when one dives into the Sipi Falls

Activities in the Sipi Falls for a tour

Many activities can be done when one visits the Sipi Falls and these are some of the activities as below:

Mountain biking

Sipi has well routes that are best for mountain biking. People who love to have a thrill around Sipi is mostly done in the morning and evening and during this ride, you get to see the different type of birds.

Hiking falls

Sipi features one of the best hiking routes. It has various hike routes up to the top of Elgon Mountain and these take about 20 minutes and the beauty about the hiking is the cool weather that is around the fall and you will enjoy these hikes when you’re accompanied by an experienced tour guide.

Nature walks

Walks to the fall tend to be muddy but these local trails offer you beautiful views of the area. While on your way to the bottom of all three levels of waterfalls, you have to be accompanied by a local guide as It is possible to walk off on your own, this local guide will help you explain the flora and fauna as well as negotiate the passage through private property.

A visit to the Arabica Coffee Plantations

You can also combine coffee tours around Sipi and get to know how the all coffee process at a nearby family farm. You will pick the coffee berries, deshell, and grind them with a traditional mortar and pestle, and roast them on an open fire after do not forget to get a cup of Arabica coffee.

Spot fishing

Sportfishing is taking place above the highest of the three waterfalls at Sipi outside the park. It provides exhilarating challenges to anglers who take pride in battling with the rainbow trout because of its beautiful coloration and fighting ability. The largest can weigh 3kgs.

Fishing is limited to designated sites and places and advance booking is not necessary. Interested anglers are advised to carry their own equipment, a permit is required and you can get it from

Birding

Different types of bird species can be spotted on your safari to the Sipi Falls and these include the Lammergeyer, black-shouldered kite,  Tecazze sunbird, black collared Apalis, bush shrikes, African Blue Flycatcher, Baglafetcht weaver, Jacksons Francolin, and many more other bird species.

Hiking on Mt. Elgon National Park

Hiking mountain Elgon national park will take you 7kilometers and it is about 4 hours mountain bamboo trail to Kapkwai Cave passes through bamboo forest and tropical.  Along the trail, there are various primate species, countless bird species, rare tree species such as Elgon olive and Elgon teak.  The 11km hike to the Tutum Cave, 5km walk to the Chebonet Falls, and 3km walk to the Kapkwai caves follow the ridge view trail with the option of camping overnight beside the cave.

In Wanale, a visit to Khauka Cave will take you 3-4 hours or you can go to the viewpoint through Nabuyoga loop and see Wagagai peak and Jackson’s Summit. In Budadiri, short day hikes are available covering the Drigana lower falls, Mudagi Cliffs, and Sasa River Camp. They are best for nature walks, bird watching, and overnight camping.

Cultural visit with the locals

You can visit the local people who live around the Falls who are majorly the sebei and the Bagisu and enjoy their local food like the Malewa known as the bamboo shoots and also the circumcision days which are used to initiate the boys into adulthood.

The best time to visit Sipi falls for a tour

Sipi falls in Uganda can be visited all year round. Its environment is cooler as compared to the other areas in Uganda. While the waterfalls are used to increase during the rainy season and reduce in the dry season but still you can visit the Sipi falls any day any time.

Where to stay at Sipi falls during your tour

There are various lodges where you can spend a night and complete your safari at Sipi Falls. Accommodation around Sipi is ranging from Luxury, mid-range, these are some of them as below;

Sipi River Hotel is a luxurious cottage that features electricity, an inbuilt water system, personal bathrooms, and toilets and it has a beautiful design which relaxes your mind after a long hike on the Sipi falls.

You can spend your night in Sipi Falls Resort which is found in the mountain Elgon National Park and it has self-contained several grass thatched huts.