Things to do at Sipi Falls Uganda : Sipi falls are strategically situated in Kapchorwa District in eastern part of Uganda at the base of Mount Elgon which lies in the border of Uganda and Kenya next to Mount Elgon National Park. The distance from Kampala the capital city of Uganda to Sipi falls in the Far East is estimated to be 277km taking around 5-6hours’ drive The glorious falls were named after the Sipi River, which in turn was named after a locally grown plant called ‘Sep’. The plant resembles a wild banana and is used for medicinal purposes as it’s believed to treat measles and fevers.
And on a Uganda safari tour one will be able to explore all the beauty of Sipi fall and as well as have great fun at the waterfall and the nice relaxing water body.
Attractions at Sipi falls
Sipi falls is made up of three beautiful water falls positioned at the base of Mount Elgon which has several activities that visitors all over the world can engage is to have maximum sightings of the local people, mount Elgon, Sipi water falls, Sipi river coffee farms, several wildlife including mammals such as hippos, crocodiles, several including water birds, beautiful butterflies among others while on a tour to the pearl of Africa.
Activities carried out on Sipi falls
Any time of the year is the best season to visit Uganda due to its climatic conditions, however the best season to explore Sipi falls in during the dry season when the land is a bit dry for easy hiking and the chances of viewing the mammals is high as they gather on the falls to quench their thirst
Here are some of the activities that one should never miss while on a tour to Sipi falls include; Top of fall hiking, hiking three water falls, community encounters, Visiting coffee farms among others that can be enjoyed all year round as long as one visits Kapchorwa
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. Equipment’s also known as rappels to be used are availed and also there are skilled guides to guide you through this exciting adventure.
Cultural encounters: Being in Kapchorwa there is a lot to see like the Sabiny who basically stay around Sipi. Their 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.
Visit the Sipi River: Apart from visiting the 3 waterfalls you could also take 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.
Hiking to the top of Sipi falls and hiking three water falls: The best way to hike and explore all the three water falls is to first hike up to the top of the tallest water fall which offers overwhelming and very beautiful sightings of the nature including the scenic view of Lake Kyoga, several coffee farms, and homesteads of the Karamajong people from above as the hiker gets to the top of the highest fall with a breath taking cool air. Hiking is the major activity enjoyed by most visitors who love a little bit tiring adventure.
Nature walks: These walks through the villages lead to meeting with the majority population the Sabiny and some Bagisu whose major source of income is through cultivation of Arabic coffee at the base of Mount Elgon. During the cultural encounters, interact with the local community and learn more about their traditional cultures like the female circumcision which is reducing of recent due to sensitization from different organizations and educating the public about the dangers of circumcising young girls that sometimes leads to over breeding and death.
Note: For visitors interested in climbing Mount Elgon, look no further than visiting the Sipi falls as most Elgon climbing tours start at Sipi falls.
Visiting coffee farms at the foothills of Mount Elgon: There are several coffee farms at the foothill of Mount Elgon due to fertile soils that favor agriculture and most especially Arabic coffee that grow at an altitude ranging between 1600m to 1900m above the sea level. In the process, visitors have an opportunity of learning all the stages involved in production of Arabic coffee direct from planting, weeding, pruning, harvesting, drying, roasting, grinding, packing, and finally sip on a delicious cup of freshly prepared Arabia coffee to refresh your mind while interacting with the farmers on ground and even buy as much as you can to carry back home at a relatively lower prices at the farms as compared to market price
Rock climbing: Rock climbing is yet another Enchanting activity that involves around routes ranging between 15m to 35m. These routes require scaling techniques and experiments. The rock at 15m is easily climbed as compared to the rock at 35 m which is the toughest of all but all in all they offer a clear view of the main waterfalls , coffee farms and the surrounding communities
Birding: Sipi falls harbors several water birds are normally seen during hiking and cultural encounters at the base of Mount Elgon where most of the birds fly from Mount Elgon national park including weaver birds, sun birds, African Blue Flycatcher, and many more making the birders dream come true
Sports fishing : Take part in sport fishing on the sip river with possibilities of capturing some fish species but interested visitors need to come along with their own fishing equipment
Accommodations around Sipi falls
There are several beautiful accommodations with in close Vicinity with the Sipi falls ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury lodges. These include; Sipi River lodge which is situated near River Si pi offering the crystal clear view of the falls and Mount Elgon at large.
Sasa Bandas, Piswa Bandas, Crown Nest Rest camp, Suam Bandas, Noah’s Ark hotel, Aniet Cottages, Kapsurur cottages, Toben Cottages, Sipi River Lodge, Sipi traveler’s lodge, and many more with nice amenities
