Sipi Falls Uganda tours – Coffee tours and Hiking – Mountain biking
Sipi falls Uganda tours. Sipi falls is located in the East of Uganda approximately 277km from Kampala Uganda’s capital in Kapchorwa district. These falls are found on the foothills of Mountain Elgon just at the edge of Mount Elgon National park nearing the Kenyan border to Uganda. The name Sipi was derived from the word ‘sep’ which is a name of a wild banana-like indigenous plant that grows along the banks of the Sipi River, this plant can be used as medicine for treating fevers and measles by local people in that area.
The Sipi falls Uganda tours is comprised of 3 waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude. The highest fall drops from an altitude of 100m referred to as the main fall since it is the last fall in the series, this fall is a little bigger than the other two falls, but all give Uganda a beautiful scenery. In fact most people say that Sipi falls are the ‘most romantic falls’ in Uganda which is evidenced by the wonderful falls. This area is majorly where most hikes to Mt. Elgon are started from. Hiking up to these falls gives a beautiful scenic view, like Lake Kyoga, the karamoja low lands, coffee plantations and other surrounding areas.
The climate in this area is cool since it’s a hilly area and sometimes as individuals are hiking there are rains, which makes hiking a bit hard but it is also an experience of its own, generally it is a place available for chilling, loosening up and relaxing from the congestion around cities.
The nearby communities have hospitable people and majorly the Sabiny and Bagishu live around this area and do farming such as growing of Arabica coffee which is the major cash crop in this land, this coffee is grown on altitudes between 1600metres and 1900metres above sea level. While there individuals can engage in visiting these plantations, these visits can be organized by local guides in the area.
There are no worries of where to stay or how much to pay and all other things because all types of accommodation are available for you while in Sipi such as the luxurious lodges, mid-range hotels and budget hotels and also campsites are available for those interested in camping.
THINGS TO DO AROUND SIPI FALLS
- Hiking
Since all the waterfalls are located in different areas of Mt. Elgon, it is impossible to see them at the same time but they can be seen in one day. The paths to these falls are approximately 7km to 8km as you walk and it takes around 3 hours to visit all the falls, but it is dependent on individual fitness and pace. As you hike you will need walking sticks to give you support since you go through some steep spots and in case it rains the paths get slippery and muddy.
There are different starting points for the hike depending on which waterfall to visit first. Though if you have lesser time you are advised to start with the main waterfall and continue with others later. But in cases where you have enough time it’s better to first hike to the first and second water fall, take a break may be have lunch or relax as you continue to the last water fall.
Cars cannot reach all these spots because the terrain is steep, this is why you go for a hike, it is an amazing experience, and you will be having local guides who are informed about the historical and geographical back ground of the area.
- Abseiling & Rock climbing
You need to do abseiling in Uganda; sipi is the place to go. This activity is done at the main water fall and is most enjoyed by adventurous travelers. Equipments also known as rappels to be used are availed and also there are skilled guides to guide you through this exciting adventure.
- Coffee plantation visit
The coffee plantations are on the lower slopes of Mt. Elgon; while at sipi add on your experience by visiting these plantations. The coffee is majorly Arabica coffee and grows within altitudes 1600m and 1900m, it is the cash crop to the Bagishu and Sabiny in this area, during this visit you will learn also how coffee is harvested, processed, roasted and other things, you will also be able to see how people live in these communities.
- Cultural encounters
Being in Kapchorwa there is a lot to see like the Sabiny who basically stay around Sipi. There way of life, dress code, traditional dances that can be organized by the community. Also this place is known for female and male circumcision, though that of females has reduced over the years since it was found to be unhealthy and risky to women, but that of men is an amazing activity to witness especially if you visit thus area during the time circumcisions are done.
- Bird watching
You are a birder, you can miss out on visiting Sipi while on a safari in Uganda, in fact mountain elgon national park has around 275 bird species so you will see most of them while in this area, you can also see some birds while seated in the gardens of Sipi River lodge if that is the accommodation you have opted for.
- Mountain Biking
You can opt to travel with your bike if you are to take part in this activity; it is so adventurous and thrilling to ride your bike on the Rocky Mountains, something to remember always.
- Visit the Sipi River
Apart from visiting the 3 waterfalls you could also take a time and visit the Sipi River, it has nice vegetation including the ‘sep plant’ which is where the name Sipi was derived. This plant is said to be a medicine to measles and fevers. Enjoy a walk along this river with its beautiful scenery
WHEN TO GO FOR SIPI FALLS UGANDA TOURS?
As earlier said the weather in the Sipi area is cool all year round, so you can travel and visit this place at any time in the year, though during rainy seasons you may get challenges hiking hence advised to move with walking sticks, this is an added experience.
HOW TO GET IPI FALLS?
- From Kampala via Jinja & Mbale
A journey on road from Kampala city to Sipi takes you approximately 5 hours about 277km. here you drive to Eastern Uganda on Jinja road passing via the outskirts of Jinja town, then go through Mbale town as you head to Kapchorwa the home to the beautiful Sipi falls. Along the way you will be able to see the beautiful green vegetation and rocks along the slopes of Mountain Elgon. Driving to this area also adds to your unforgettable experience before you even reach.
- From Murchison falls national park via Lira & Soroti.
Travelers in Murchison falls wanting to visit Sipi falls don’t need to come back to Kampala you can take the 400 km road via kamudini corner to lira Soroti kumi and then sironko to Kapchorwa where Sipi falls is located.
- From kidepo valley national park via Kotido & Moroto.
Travelers in kidepo can directly drive to Sipi using the 330 km road via kaboong, Kotido, Moroto, nakapiripiriti, pian upe game reserve to Kapchorwa where sipi falls is located.
WHERE TO STAY -HOTELS & LODGES
There are a number of accommodation facilities in sipi region, and there are no worries of where to stay as long as you visit this area. The facilities are Luxurious/Up market, mid-range/moderate and those for budget travelers are also available, they include;
- Sipi River lodge
This is an up market lodge found in Sipi falls region, it has a nice view since it is near the water falls, it is safe and secure with comfortable and en suite rooms such as those that have elegant designs, those offering better views of the water falls. There are various cottages and Bandas with various names like the Chepkui cottage, Kapsurur cottage, and the Piswa and Sasa Bandas among others.
There are various facilities provided by this lodge like the stylish bar, nice veranda, a reading longue, a dining room.
- Rafiki lodge
Located right in front of the 3rd water falls in sipi will give you infinity views of the pian upe wildlife reserve and the lake kyoga and busina.
- Sipi Falls resort
This is a moderate/midrange resort located in the sipi region. This lodge has 5 comfortable thatched cottages which are equipped with private facilities. It has a very good restaurant that provides local and international cuisine and also a nice bar area where to enjoy your drink from.
Sipi falls resort is just a place to stay on your tour to sipi falls, the rooms are classified as double, single, twin, triple, family occupancy. These rooms also provide a nice view of the green vegetation and the romantic and beautiful waterfalls.
- Lacam Lodge
This is also a midrange lodge; it is an impressive lodge to stay in, it is on a certain cliff which offers you a great view of the Sipi waterfalls. It has wooden Bandas that are made of timber and grass thatched; there are toilets and bathrooms en suite but it has like 3 non-self-contained Bandas so these rooms are cheaper than the self-contained rooms.
The lodge also has space for camping where clients can pitch their tents.
- Noah’s Ark Hotels
Located on the slopes of mountain Elgon, and favors all kinds of guests such as the luxury, midrange and Budget travelers. So you can book in basing on your room preference rooms.
But in this instance someone visiting sipi falls would be advised to book accommodation in Noah’s ark sipi hotel especially if he/she is a budget traveler. This accommodation also has tents.
- Crowns Nest Rest Camp
It is a campsite for budget travelers and it overlooks the 3 amazing Sipi waterfalls and other great sceneries like Mount Elgon peaks. The local staff of this place is good and friendly.
While in this campsite you can easily go for some activities such as village walks, coffee plantation tours, hiking to the sipi falls, trekking Mount Elgon and rock climbing. Contact Great Adventure Safaris about your sipi falls Uganda tours in Eastern part of the country.
