The Sipi falls are located on the sidelines of Mountain Elgon National Park. The waterfalls are located in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa. They also stand majestically on the edge of Mountain Elgon. Sipi falls are accessible from a modestly small trading center known as Sipi. The waterfalls are about 55 km from Mbale City and visitors shouldn’t worry because the road is fairly good enabling a comfortable access to the waterfalls.
The origin of this waterfall’s name is interesting and has rich history around it for the locals that have lived on the foothills of Mountain Elgon for all these years. The name is derived from an indigenous plant known as “Sep,” that predominantly grows around the riverbanks of River Sipi. This plant grows in the form that is similar to bananas and therefore is easier to identify by visitors that have never seen such plants before. It acquired its name from River Sipi from which it draws its water.
Uniqueness of Sipi Falls.
Sipi falls towers at a height of 99 meters high and it’s the final waterfall among the three of the waterfalls situated along River Sipi. The river’s final destination is Lake Kyoga in which it pours its water.
The location of Sipi falls itself is unique since it’s located in an area where tourists have an opportunity to clearly view Mountain Elgon ranges, and other volcanic features like caves as a consequence of the intrinsic land formation activities.
Activities.
Hiking.
The main activity here is hiking which is done on the trails that start from any of the lodges to Sipi falls. Visitors climb the high-altitude areas trying to locate these falls. It is an interesting activity that most people undertake while they try to endure the high-altitude effects.
At the end of this 3 hours’ hike, tourists are able to view Sipi waterfalls as they roar and splash its water to the lower ground in high pressures. While it seems terrifying as visitors progress to the top of falls where it is clearly visible, the entire experience is amazing.
Below the cliff on which the waterfall pours its water, there is a pool with considerably deeper plunge formed due to the high force of water as it strikes the lower ground. The path to these waterfalls is usually slippery and therefore tourists are advised to carry strong hiking shoes on this hike.
Other attractions around the Sipi Falls.
- Cultural expeditions to the indigenous tribe around the area known as the Sabiny.
- Bird watching.
- Cave expeditions.
- Cave painting excursions.
- Climbing Mountain Elgon.
When to visit Mount. Elgon?
Kapchorwa district in which the Sipi falls are located is generally a dry area for most parts of the year. However, it is important to note that it still lies within the tropics and therefore experiences different kinds of climatic seasons in a year. The best time to visit Sipi falls is preferably in the dry months of the area – June to October and December to February.
