Located in Kapchorwa district eastern Uganda, Sipi falls is a bucket list worthy adventure on your Uganda safari. A hike to the top of the three series waterfalls is an adventure that leaves you yearning for more. Viewing all the three waterfalls in one day is such an awesome experience that you ought to enjoy. The whole area is cool and breezy due to high altitude. The top of the falls offers scenic views of the green vegetation, Mt Elgon, karamoja region, Lake Kyoga, and neighboring local communities. According to those who have been there already, Sipi falls is a stunning natural beauty, a not miss for every traveler on Uganda safari to Eastern Uganda. In some cases travelers combine Sipi falls with other wildlife experiences especially gorilla safaris in Africa. The easiest route to reach Sipi Falls is the Budadiri through the Sasa trail, which later descends to the Sipi trail. Hiking through tea plantations and local gardens make the whole experience awesome.
Three Sipi Falls
Travelers hiking to sipi falls follow different trails given the threesome waterfalls. The biggest waterfall is located at 100 meters high and it’s the most visited waterfall among all the three. Actually, most people know this as the only Sipi waterfall. The second waterfall is located at 85 meters high over a sharp cliff forming a pool below. The water that flows from the second fall meets another cliff at 65 meters high forming the third waterfall. This waterfall is also referred to as the “Twin Fall”. The waterfalls form Sipi River, which flows, through local farms, bushes and forests in the area.
Best time to visit Sipi falls
Dry season is the best time to explore the mighty Sipi falls. Hiking in the rainy season is difficult since the steps get slippery and wet. During the wet season, the waterfall becomes stronger and scary for first travelers but magical for adventurers. Therefore, the waterfall can be vised all year round. Travelers advised to be physically fit in order to deal with the steep slopes.
Activities at Sipi Falls
Travelers visiting Sipi falls have a long list of things to see and do which together make a complete package. The top things to do at Sipi Falls include:
1. Hiking: This is the number one activity to do at Sipi Falls. Travelers hike to explore the three waterfalls located at different altitudes. Visiting the three falls takes roughly 3 hours but the magical feeling is worth the hike.
2. Abseiling & Rock Climbing: Do not miss out abseiling and rock climbing on your Uganda safari to Sipi Falls. The experience involves travelers descending down on the rock cliffs of the waterfall. A double rope s tied around the waist of a traveler and fixed on the highest point of the cliff. Traveler’s drop off the 100m ridges above Sipi River. The experience is undeniably scary but worn it for adventurous travelers. More so, travelers involve in climbing up and down the steep rocks at the edge of Sipi Falls.
3. Visit the Arabic Coffee Plantation: Visit the coffee plantations on the lower slopes of Mt Elgon. Coffee planting is the major source of income for local people in Mt Elgon region. Travelers are taken through different processes in which Coffee is harvested, roasted and processed into different products. Also, a visit to coffee plantations is an opportunity to meet and interact with local people and their living styles.
4. Cultural Tours: A visit to local communities around Sipi falls offers you great cultural interaction. The common people visited are the sabiny whose traditions, culture and norms will interest you. These people are known for practicing female genital mutilation, the uncommon practice in Uganda. Enjoy the traditional dances and songs, take part and enjoy the indigenous culture of these people. Another interesting activity among the Bagishu is imbalu ceremony which is the circumcision of all males above 10 years.
5. Bird watching: Birding watching is yet another interesting activity around Sipi Falls. Over 275 birds live in the forests and bushes around Sipi River. Among the birds seen at Sipi falls include Baglafetcht, Tecazze sunbird, bush shrikes, jacksons francolin, African blue flycatcher, Moorland Francolin, Black collared Apalis, Black shouldered Kite, Tacazze Sunbird, and over 87 Afrotropical highland biome species. Our experienced birding guides help you spot different species and explain unique features about each spotted bird specie.
6. Mountain Biking: You can also enjoy a ride on the Rocky Mountains at Mt Elgon along the sipi falls. Mountain biking is an adventurous activity, which is not for the faint hearted.
7. Walk to Sipi River: Join a walk down to Sipi river, enjoy the cool breezes and embrace the scenic beauty along the Sipi River. The banks of the river shelter some bird and plant species all at your disposal.
How to Book a trip to Sipi Falls
Gorilla is at your service to book and arrange a suitable short Uganda tour to Sipi Falls. Our 1-day or 2 days Sipi falls tour helps you discover this beautiful falls in the shortest time possible.
Travelers who want to spend an overnight stay at Sipi falls can sleep at Sipi River Lodge, Sipi Sunset Lodge, Rafiki Lodge Sipi and Lacam Lodge. These lodges serve excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates. African Apes Holidays help you book the accommodation services at fair prices.
In general, Sipi Falls is a must visit on your short Uganda safaris. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book now and travel to explore Uganda’s natural beauty
