After a long week of hard work and stress at work, you would wish to take the weekend off to a quiet place away from your usual boring schedules. Sipi Falls should be your next destination because this is a place where you will unwind, relax and forget about your boring and stressing work environment. The Sipi Falls is situated on the Eastern side of Uganda, in North-eastern side of Mbale and Sironko and Kapchorwa district in the North. This spectacular falls lies on the edge of Mount Elgon on the Uganda-Kenyan border, and is comprised of a series of 3 impressive waterfalls. These waterfalls all plunge from the lower slopes of Mount Elgon and tallest waterfall is about 100 meters high, the second is 85 meters high and the third being 75 meters high. River Sipi was named after an indigenous plant called “Sep” that is commonly sighted on the Banks of the River

On your safari in Eastern Uganda, you should not miss a visit to Sipi Falls. The Sipi area offers one of the most relaxing environments because the area here is always cooler throughout the year compared to the lowland areas. This makes Sipi one of the must visit places when tourists visit Mount Elgon. The tribes that surround the Sipi Falls include the Sabiny (the majority) and the Bagishu who are famous for growing Arabica coffee that thrives in areas of higher altitude and is the main cash crop in the area. This makes it interesting to combine the invigorating nature walks/hikes on the Sipi falls with unforgettable cultural encounters with these tribes.

Activities around Sipi Falls

Cave exploration

Some of the popular caves you will explore include Mude Cave and Tutum Caves perfect for night expeditions, Mise Cave, Kapkwai Cave, Hunters Cave, and Siyo Cave (near magnificent hot springs) among others. This will allow you to explore some of the Caves that have interesting bird and wildlife species.

World-class Hiking

Sipi Falls is where everyone who is interested in unforgettable hiking experience should go. It is known as the Hiker’s paradise and place to be, and offers world-class hiking. The hikes range from those that take just 15 minutes walk to those that last hours. Some of the hikes involve hiking to the main lower waterfall (short and abit strenuous but worth the experience), the upper loop that involves hiking to the top of the upper waterfall and beyond, community walks before ending to Mount Elgon National Park boundary, another hike of where tourists explore all the three waterfalls, the sundown walk where you hike to the sunset point, hike on the off-beaten  path to Chebonet falls and valley and explore the coffee plantations and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls in the steep striking gorge and the Sabiny cultural walk.

Rock climbing and abseiling

This involves climbing from the cliff wall of the nearby Chebonet gorge and falls and is conducted by trained staff. Most of the routes take about 10 to 40 meters depending on your level of physical fitness. This activity is not for the faint hearted because the moment you look down when climbing up the cliffs, you will feel like your heart will jump from your chest.

Trout fishing.

The Mountain trout is commonly sighted in the Sipi River. The policy of trout fishing here is “catch and release” for conservation purposes. The most amazing feeling of this activity is knowing you have caught the biggest fish, you feel like an Olympics winner.

The Runner’s Experience

The Sipi falls is the home to some of the world athletics champions (distance runners) and this place is known to be the trail used by those legends. Some of the Olympic winners who hail from this area include Stephen Kiprotich, Moses Kipsiro and Cheptegai among others.  These guided runs involve immersing oneself in the local Sebei culture. Besides, the physical fitness, you will enjoy the views of the surrounding areas.

Bird watching

Sipi Falls is also an important bird watching destination and a paradise because this place homes several bird species that include the Black-collared Apalis, Golden-winged sunbirds, Jackson Francolin, Turacos (Hartlaub’s Turaco), Tacazze sunbirds, the Hornbills and Lammergeyer among others. The most interesting thing here is that you will get the chance to see some of the Mount Elgon Native bird species. This Makes Sipi Falls a bird watcher’s Place to be.

Coffee tours

The slopes of Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls are famous for the locally grown Bugisu Arabica Coffer that grows at 1600-1900 meters above sea level. Tourists who visit the Sipi Falls can opt for the coffee tour that takes them through the coffee farms to learn about how coffee is grown, go through the process of harvesting (picking coffee beans), processing, washing, roasting and pounding (using local mortar and pestle) until it is ready for consumption. Here you will taste how delicious local coffee tastes.

Cultural encounter

While at Sipi Falls, you will get the chance to meet the Bagishu community where “Imbalu”-public male circumcision is carried out during even-numbered years to initiate boys into manhood. No “Mugisu” man can be allowed to marry if he is not circumcised, and during this practice women and other members of the public gather to witness some of the eligible bachelors being initiated into manhood. You should also explore the Sabiny cultural walk to explore their customs, preparation and tasting of their traditional dishes, local brew and get entertained in traditional dances and songs.

Accommodation around the Sipi falls

Accommodation facilities around Sipi Falls range from Camping/campsites to Hotels and they include Sipi River Lodge (luxury), Sipi Falls Resort (midrange), Twalight Sipi Campsite, Lacam Lodge (Midrange), The Crow’s Nest (camping), Pacific Summit Hotel, Noah’s Ark hotel (midrange), Kapkwai Forest Cottages (budget), Kapkwai Guesthouse (budget), Savannah Guesthouse, Masha Hotel, Rose’s Last Chance (budget) and Masai Backpackers (camping) among others.

How to reach the Sipi Falls

This spectacular attraction is about 276 kilometers/5 hours drive East from Kampala City. The route used is Kampala-Mukono-Jinja then to Mbale town, then drive towards Kapchorwa town which is the easiest place to reach Sipi Falls. This Falls can alternatively be accessed using Sironko and Mbale Towns.

In conclusion, the Sipi Falls is a precious jewel of Eastern Uganda because of its impressive appearance and the cool environment ideal for unwinding and relaxation from the noise of urban centers. Tourists who are interested in escaping from the stress and busy life of urban centers should make a stop by Sipi Falls and will go back home totally relaxed and satisfied.