Birding on Lake Bisina — Sipi falls and Pian-Upe game reserve

Birding on Lake Bisina – Sipi falls and Pian Upe game Reserve

Birding on Lake Bisina – Lakes Bisina is the eastern extensions of the Lake Kyoga and are some of the few places in Uganda to spot different endemic bird species found in Uganda like the fox’s weaver. Much there are no tourist facilities at the site; they can be explored by tourists traveling to or from eastern Uganda

Lake Bisina is more accessible of the two places along a nice dirt road which turns north off the Mbale-Soroti main road at Kapiri, at approximately 20 kilometers south-east of Soroti Town. You will then continue along the road up to the edge of Lake Bisina and there are local fishermen who take tourists across to the north-western side where several Fox’s weavers. These birds are usually many during the rainy season especially in March and April much as there are few that are spotted throughout the year. The lesser water areas with lilies are home to the lesser jacana as well as the African Pygmy Goose. Additionally, the elusive shoebills are frequently spotted at the edge of the vast papyrus vegetation.

Birding on Lake Bisina – The dense thorn and savannah vegetation near the T-junction along Mbale road 11 kilometers from Town are known habitat to exceptional bird species such as the handsome silver bird, Jackson’s Hornbill, Brubru and Eastern Vilet-backed Sunbird, Fawn-colored Lark, White-bellied Go-away Bird, African Grey Flycatcher, Pygmy Batis, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Mouse-colored Penduline Tit and many others. When you continue south from the junction for approximately 5 kilometers, you will find the Dark Chanting Goshawk, beautiful Black-headed plovers, Yellow-necked Spur fowl and the Crested Bustard while the Temminck’s Courser, D’Arnaud’s Barbets and the Grey Wren Warbler are commonly spotted at the airstrip near Town.

Best Time to visit Lakes Bisina.

Much as the birds can be spotted all year round, the best birding time within the area is the rainy season from March to May as well as October to November because there are high chances of spotting many Fox’s weavers, African Pygmy goose and Lesser Jacana among others

Also visit Sipi falls and things to do

Visit sipi falls. The Sipi falls are a phenomenon to many tourists both local and foreign all year round. Regarded as one of the most romantic and amazing places in Uganda, the falls are a series of three prominent Waterfalls with the longest drops as high as 100metres. The second Waterfall drops 75metres below and has upper cascades before the plunge. The third Water fall measures 85metres and is tall and columnar and it has a vigorous flow with mist which creates mini rainbows when the sun hits it. However, there are countless other less prominent falls nearby which make it a wonderful place to visit with your loved ones and family to spend some time together.

The Falls get their water as it flows from the slopes of Mountain Elgon which is located in Eastern Uganda in Kapchorwa District North-East of Mbale and Sironko Districts. These Falls are situated at the edge of Mountain Elgon National Park near the Uganda-Kenya border. Sipi Falls is as well the starting point for many hikers looking to scale Mountain Elgon and also popular for the cool weather, the ice cold water which some people describe as healing when you dive into and the Bagishu Arabica coffee plantations nearby known to be grown at altitudes of about 1600mtres above sea level.

The breathtaking Waterfalls derive their name from the Sipi River which in turn was named after the local plant growing along the River banks called the “Sep”. This plant resembles a type of wild banana with translucent green fronds with a bolt of crimson red used for medicinal purposes like treating diseases like measles and fever. Local folklore has it that British sightseers once found a lady picking wild plants in a nearby plantation and asked her the name of the fall; she thought they were asking the name of the plant so she replied “Sep”.

Things to do around Sipi Falls

Hiking

Hiking is the best activity for many tourists who visit the Sipi Falls. You can select one of the numerous popular waterfall walks either a short one or a longer one as the shortest takes 15 minutes and strenuous hike can take three quarters of the day or the whole day depending on your interests. The cool breeze of the amazing Sipi Falls will offer you comfort on any walk of your choice.

Sipi Arabica Coffee

Sipi Arabica Coffee plantations are also marvel for many tourists who visit and take time at Sipi Falls. These plantations are set mainly around Mountain Elgon which has volcanic soils which are fertile and perfect for this type of coffee couple with cool weather to ensure healthy coffee plants. Sipi Arabica Coffee plantations are found in the Bugisu region and you will have fun hanging out and interacting with the local people in the coffee plantation chain like the farmers, processors, exporters and roasters among others. You can take part in some activities here and even prepare and serve yourself with a cup of coffee straight from the source. The Sipi Arabica Coffee is some of the best coffee on earth and is daily winning respect World over. Appreciate the process and every cup of coffee here as you visit a local farmer to learn about his day to day work and life cycle of the coffee plants.

Mountain Elgon Adventure

Mountain Elgon is one of the highest mountain continental and the second largest volcanic in the World measuring about 3000metres above sea level and is imperious to the landscape. Hiking on this majestic giant can be a thrill to you as a thrill seeker.

Abseiling

This the Art of descending rock and slopes using a friction device attached to your harness. Abseiling descents at Sipi Falls can be organized at Chebonet Falls and are made up of 15 sport climbing routes ranging from 10-35metres and you can enjoy the descent and also have fun climbing all the way up. You always have to make sure you have a climbing helmet and other gear before.

Bird Watching

Get immersed in the beauty of the Uganda Wildlife and challenge yourself to spot as many bird species as you can. It will be both soothing and fun. This World renowned activity can be enjoyed at the Sipi Falls.

Fly Fishing

Participate in the Fly Fishing on the remote section of the Sipi River above the waterfall, and learn the art of fly fishing which requires different techniques from other kind of fishing, for example luring the fish with a “Fly”.

Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve

Take a game as you look out for some of Uganda’s Wildlife in Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve and enjoy the diversity in the countryside. This reserve has got some intriguing animals including the biggest birds known as the Ostrich.

Mountain Biking

For the thrill chasers, mountain biking can be a great way to get the Sipi winds rushing through your hair. Enjoy the scenic view as you wish past with speed and enjoy the time of your life.

Nyero Rock Paintings

The Nyero Rock Paintings in Kumi are two hours’ drive from Sipi Falls and are some of the most historical rock art in Uganda. They are revered as a sacred place for the gods and now hold a lot of Uganda’s and even the heritage of mankind. Immerse yourself in history and tour how the ancient people used to live through their art. Marvel at their advanced and artistic way of interpreting life.Great Adventure Safaris has been a local tour operator arranging safaris to sipis falls in Uganda and Rwanda safaris, it can be combined with Gorilla trekking safaris. Contact Great Adventure Safaris to book a birding safari on Lake Bisina Uganda.