How difficult are the Sipi Falls hikes?

At 1,785m elevation, we offer routes for all fitness levels. From gentle 1-hour walks to the full 3-waterfall challenge. We always go at your pace to ensure your comfort.

How much does it cost to visit Sipi Falls?

Hiking the three falls costs $15 USD (UGX 35,000) for community and guide fees. Abseiling alongside the main 100m waterfall is $50 USD per person.

Where should I stay in Sipi Falls?

Options range from luxury (Sipi Heritage Lodge) and mid-range (Lacam Lodge, Rafiki Lodge) to budget-friendly value stays like Home of Friends in nearby Kapchorwa.

Are there ATMs in Sipi Falls?

There are no ATMs in Sipi. The nearest banks are 15km away in Kapchorwa. We accept Wire Transfers and Mobile Money to help guests minimize the cash they need to carry.

Discover Sipi Falls
Guided Hikes & Local Adventures with Sipi Sam

Q: What is the best time to visit Sipi Falls?

Sipi is beautiful year-round. The dry seasons (Dec–Feb and June–Aug) offer the best hiking conditions and sunsets. The rainy season makes the waterfalls truly powerful and the landscape incredibly green.

Q: How do I get to Sipi from Kampala or Jinja?

It is a 5-6 hour drive from Kampala and roughly 3 hours from Jinja. We can arrange private transfers for our guests directly to their lodge.

Explore the legendary Sipi Falls on Mt. Elgon with the region’s most recommended local guides. Professional service, authentic culture, and breathtaking views.

Sipi Falls is a series of three spectacular waterfalls on the slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda, near the town of Kapchorwa.

Whether you’re hiking to all three cascades, abseiling the thundering 100-metre main fall, or tracing Uganda’s famous Arabica coffee from bloom to brew, Sipi Sam and his team of native guides are here to make it unforgettable.

View Tour Packages

GET IN TOUCH

our Top Activities in Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls Hike
The tripple waterfall

A journey through local farms to all three cascades. Hear the roar of the 100m fall and feel the mist of the mountain.

Authentic Coffee Tours

From “Bloom to Brew.” Experience the scent of Arabica plantations and the tradition of Sipi coffee making.

ABSEILING SIPI FALLS

100m pure adrenaline

The ultimate thrill. Descend alongside the main fall with modern, certified equipment and professional safety guides.

Your Sipi Sanctuary:
Accommodation & Transport

We know that a great adventure starts with a good night’s sleep. While we don’t own the hotels, our experience in lodge management mean we handpick the best stays for your budget — from luxury balconies over the falls to cozy campsites.

“Need a lift? We arrange comfortable private transfers from Kampala or Jinja directly to your lodge.”

What to do
at SIPI FALLS

Where to stay
at SIPI FALLS

SIPI FALLS
Highlights TOUR PACKAGES

Contact us

Our Signature Sipi Falls Tour Packages

Handpicked Sipi Experiences
Whether you are looking for a quick mountain escape or a deep dive into Uganda’s wild East, we have packages tailored for your budget and travel style.

The Weekend Escape

Perfect for travelers coming from Kampala or Jinja. Experience the 3 waterfalls, our famous coffee tour, and a golden sunset in one perfect weekend.

The 2-Day Sipi Express

The Deep Immersion

For those who want it all. This package includes the triple-falls hike, ancient cave exploration, and the adrenaline-pumping 100m abseiling challenge.

The 3-Day Ultimate Adventure

Mountains & Savannah

Experience the ultimate contrast. Trek the lush waterfalls of Mt. Elgon and drive deep into the golden plains of Pian Upe to find cheetahs and giraffes.

The 3-day Sipi & Pian Upe Safari

Guided by a Local Legend:
Meet Sipi Sam

Born on these slopes, Sam (whose name means “born in the bush”) leads a team of native guides who treat every guest like family. Backed by 110+ “Excellent” TripAdvisor reviews, Sam combines deep local roots with a professional commitment to your safety and enjoyment.

“I’m Sam, and Sipi isn’t just a destination to me—it’s my home. I specialize in taking you beyond the main trails to discover the ‘hidden gems’ of Mount Elgon. From the roar of the three falls to our local coffee farms, my goal is to show you the authentic heart of our community. Join me for a journey that goes beyond expectations.”

Read Our Full Story

What others say about us on Tripadvisor

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 127 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Laith A 
 
 
 
 Verified Sipifalls
I had a wonderful Sipifalls tour with Sam today. He was friendly, welcoming and professional, and he knew some fantastic spots around the falls. I especially enjoyed the coffee experience, and as a professional photographer, Sam also took some brilliant photos for me. He even checked that I had arrived safely at my accommodation afterwards, which was a thoughtful touch. I’d happily recommend Sam to anyone looking for a great tour and a memorable experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   J K 
 
 
 
 Verified Sipi Falls Must Visit
The 1 Day Sipi Falls Experience with Sam was wonderful. The tour was informative, engaging and the scenery and local village was beautiful to see. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Uganda, Sam is a great tour guide and so knowledgeable about the local culture, wildlife and ecology. Booking the tour through Whatsapp was clear and easy.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Panna G 
 
 
 
 Verified Great weekend at Sipi Falls
I was visiting Sipi Falls for a short weekend getaway from Mbale, with a 1-night stay at Sipi Guesthouse, a coffee experience, and a half-day hike. Sam has been an excellent guide with great knowledge of both nature and culture, and very helpful with logistics and organisation as well. I had a brilliant time on the more 'off-the-beaten-path' hike where I got to see the gorgeous waterfalls and a peak into village life around Sipi as well. The coffee experience was very enjoyable, with a lovely and knowledgeable guide and some lovely cups of freshly roasted and brewed coffee. I would highly recommend Sam and his team and hope to be back soon to explore more of the beauties of Sipi.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lilly L 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful Sipi Falls experience
We had such a great experience with Sam and can definitely recommend him as a guide! The tour was a wonderful way to explore the area and get some beautiful impressions of Sipi Falls and the surroundings. Sam is very friendly, knowledgeable and made the whole experience really enjoyable. We also did the sunset experience with him, which was absolutely worth it. The view was breathtaking and everything was really nicely organized by Sam – a perfect way to end the day! His brother Joel also offers birdwatching tours, which we can highly recommend for anyone interested in discovering the local birdlife. Thank you, Sam, for such a memorable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Wegosasa J 
 
 
 
 Verified Sipi falls tour
Though we started our tour late we were able to reach all places and enjoyed the beautiful waterfalls, enjoyed ourselves to the full, it was a wonderful experience, all thanks to sipi Sam. Thank u
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mark B 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing abseiling and rock climbing
We did the abseiling off Sipi falls as a family a few days ago and my son also did a half day rock climbing. The water falls are really beautiful and the abseiling was exhilarating. The team were professional and took safety seriously.. We also did the waterfall walk and stopped for lunch at endiro coffee which was great and the accommodation there seemed the best in the area. A great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Laetitia D 
 
 
 
 Verified An Unforgettable Day at Sipi Falls with Sipi Sam!
Sipi Falls is absolutely breathtaking when it comes to nature and views, but our stay here was made truly unforgettable thanks to Sipi Sam. If you are visiting, do yourself a favor and book a tour with him: he takes care of absolutely everything from start to finish! We are a family of five and did an incredible day trip with Sipi Sam. We started with a hike to the majestic waterfalls and caves, followed by an exhilarating abseil alongside the waterfall, and wrapped it all up with a fascinating local coffee tour. Here is why Sipi Sam is the absolute best guide you could ask for: * Warm & Patient: Sipi Sam is unbelievably sweet, attentive, patient, and helpful. No question was ever too much for him, and he shared so much rich, insightful knowledge with us throughout the day. * Great Value: The price to quality ratio was absolutely perfect. * Eagle Eyes: He is an amazing chameleon spotter! We would have missed so much of the local wildlife without his incredible eye for detail. * Safety First: Abseiling down the waterfall was a major highlight, and the entire setup was top notch with a huge focus on safety. We felt completely secure the whole time. * A True Eye Opener: The coffee tour at the end was extraordinary. Honestly, the coffee we drink back home will never taste the same again! Sipi Sam gave our family an absolute dream day. We cannot recommend him highly enough! Thank you so much, Sipi Sam!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tash-cpt 
 
 
 
 Verified Sipi Falls: an unforgettable walking experience with Sipi Sam
What a beautiful day in one of the most beautiful regions of Uganda! Our hike along the impressive Sipi Falls was much more than just a visit to waterfalls. Thanks to our fantastic local guide Sipi Sam, we discovered not only nature, but also the daily life, culture and traditions of the local community. The day started very special: during breakfast we enjoyed a beautiful view of one of the three waterfalls. Then we were ready for our walk with Sipi Sam at 8.30am. Because we wanted to visit all three waterfalls, we got walking sticks. Jurgen and Emma looked at each other for a moment with the look “oh no, not those walking sticks again”, but it soon turned out that they were certainly not a luxury. The walk took us through a beautiful green landscape with hills, banana and matoke plantations, coffee fields and small villages. The paths were sometimes narrow, steep, muddy and slippery, but that made the trip just adventurous. The whole time we heard the impressive sound of the falling water in the background. Sipi Sam made the walk extra special. He talked passionately about the Sebei community, their way of life, traditions and agriculture. Along the way we passed traditional mud houses, families living off what the land gives them, chickens and goats in the yard and of course the many banana trees from which the well-known Ugandan matoke is made. It was special to get so close to local life. A simple greeting in the local language (“Takwenyo”) was clearly appreciated and immediately generated warm reactions. Along the way we were introduced to local plants, coffee and the daily life of the residents. At Mama Irene we enjoyed a traditional brewed corn beer and got more explanation about local customs and stories. These kinds of encounters make a travel experience so much richer. And then of course there were the Sipi Falls themselves. The three waterfalls each have their own character: from powerful and impressive to hidden among the rocks. The highest waterfall, almost 100 meters high, creates a spectacular mist curtain. A breathtaking view! For Jurgen and Emma there was an extra challenge on the program: abseiling along the impressive waterfall. While they bravely descended the rock face, I took on the important task of being a photographer. 😉 Emma was especially relieved when she stood downstairs, while Jurgen enjoyed it immensely. After the walk we enjoyed a delicious lunch with Sipi Sam overlooking the valley. During the talks we learned even more about Uganda, life as a local guide and his dream to one day start his own guesthouse. It is precisely these personal stories that make a trip unforgettable. To conclude, we visited a local coffee plantation. Joël, Sipi Sam's brother, introduced us to the world of Bugisu Arabica coffee. We got to know the entire process: from the red coffee berry on the plant to drying, grinding and roasting the coffee on a small fire. Even as a non-coffee drinker, I found the end result surprisingly soft and tasty. After about 12 kilometers of walking we ended a fantastic day. The combination of spectacular nature, local encounters and the warm guidance of Sipi Sam made this one of the highlights of our trip. An absolute must for anyone who wants to experience Sipi Falls in an authentic way. Don't forget the waterfalls, but enjoy the people and stories along the way. Thank you Sipi Sam for this unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Teresa M 
 
 
 
 Verified Sipi Falls
Sam, well we call him Sipi Sam, is an amazing tour guide. He was patient and kind and very knowledgeable about the falls and the culture of the villages. The falls are spectacular!! On my list of favorite hikes, now!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sightseer10051097661 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Sipi Sam
We had an amazing day with Sipi Sam and honestly one of the highlights of our trip in Uganda! He is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, friendly and passionate about what he does. He has eagle eyes, he spotted two chameleons hidden in a tree that we would never have seen by ourselves! He took the time to explain everything, answer all our questions and share so much about the local wildlife and nature. We learned a lot, made incredible discoveries and felt completely looked after from start to finish. If you're visiting Sipi Falls, we highly recommend Sipi Sam as your guide. Thank you for making this day so special! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank YOU

We’re honored to have received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2026. This recognition is based solely on the ratings and reviews of real travellers from around the world, and it means more to us than any trophy — it’s your voices that made it happen.

the amazing sipi waterfalls in east uganda mount elgon

enjoying the view at the second Sipi Waterfall

FAQ

All You Need To Know About Sipi Falls Before You Go

What is the best time to visit Sipi Falls?

Sipi is beautiful year-round! The dry seasons (Dec–Feb and June–August) offer the best hiking conditions with dry, firm trails and stunning sunsets. However, the rainy season brings the “Magic of the Falls”—this is when the cascades are at their most powerful and the landscape is a vibrant green. (Pro tip: We provide walking sticks for extra grip on muddy days!)

How difficult are the hikes and what is the elevation?

Sipi sits at 1,785m above sea level. While the air is fresh, the elevation can make hiking more tiring. We offer routes for all levels, from a gentle stroll to a full 3-fall challenge. If you can walk for a few hours with breaks, you can enjoy Sipi!

How much does it cost (Entrance & Activities)?

To hike the three waterfalls, the community fee is $15 USD (or UGX 35,000 for locals), which includes guide fees and trail maintenance. Abseiling is $50 USD per person for a thrilling 1.5-hour experience alongside the main 100m fall.

Where should I stay in Sipi?

There are options for every budget. From the luxury views at Sipi Heritage Lodge and Lacam Lodge, to the mid-range comfort of Rafiki Lodge or Sipi Valley Resort. For great value just a short drive away, we recommend Home of Friends in Kapchorwa. (We can help you choose and book the best fit for you!)

How do I get to Sipi from Kampala or Jinja?

It is a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kampala (roughly 3 hours from Jinja). We recommend a stop at Cafe Javas in Jinja for a break. If you’re coming by public transport from Mbale, taxis are roughly UGX 10,000–15,000. Safety tip: Ask the driver to drop you at the Sipi Trading Center and avoid unofficial street guides — look for Sam!

Are there ATMs and how do I pay?

There are no ATMs in Sipi. The nearest banks are in Kapchorwa (15km away). We accept Wire Transfers and Mobile Money for bookings to help you minimize the cash you need to carry on your adventure.

Contact us – we are happy to help

NOTE: Sometimes we get a lot of spam that causes emails to get lost. In case you do not receive a response to your email from me, please contact me on WhatsApp or send a second email.

Discover Sipi Falls with Us?

“At Sipi Falls Tours, we believe that travel should be more than just a photo—it should be a connection. Located at 1,785m on the edge of the Mount Elgon caldera, Sipi is a place where nature and community meet.

When you book with Sam and his team, you aren’t just hiring a guide; you are supporting local families, preserving our mountain trails, and ensuring that the tradition of Sipi coffee continues for generations. From the roar of the 100m waterfall to the quiet rustle of the Arabica trees, we invite you to discover why the East is Uganda’s hidden treasure.”

Feel the Spirit of Sipi Falls

The Sipi Falls in Uganda

The Sipi Falls is a series of waterfalls and are located in eastern Uganda on Mount Elgon. Mount Elgon was once one of the highest Mountains in the world, but due to erosion the top of the mountain collapsed and created a huge caldera. Today Mount Elgon is one of the National Parks in Uganda and offers several different activities.

Mountain trekking is one of these activities, but also lots of different hiking opportunities. The climate is moderate and it is possible to climb the mountain throughout the whole year. Even though during the rainy season it can become a wet experience.

The Sipi Waterfalls offer many interesting shorter hiking trails. You can go just for a short hike to one of the falls, or you can do the whole route with all 3 waterfalls, which can fill several hours. Once you stand on the top of the waterfalls watching down the slopes of Mount Elgon you will feel the magic of this region.

While hiking the trails, you will pass through several plantations of local farmers. You can learn a lot about the local community and the local way of life. You will have a chance to visit local farmers and learn a lot about Arabica coffee, which is grown on Mount Elgon. You will have the opportunity to do a coffee tour, where you can experience the whole process of coffee, from planting to brewing.

If you are looking for some more fun and adrenaline, you can experience abseiling the Sipi Falls. The drop is around 100 Meters with an amazing view. You will have a one-of-a-lifetime experience at this beautiful spot.

You are most welcome to join us for some activities in Sipi and enjoy a wonderful time with us. If you are looking for accommodation, feel free to reach out to us, and we will give you all information you need.

We will show you all the highlights of our beautiful region. If you have a little more time, we can show you as well the Sisiyi Falls, which are very beautiful and amazing as well.

Wildlife in the East of Uganda is as well very interesting and the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is just about 1,5 hours away from Sipi. It is a great opportunity for a photo safari.

If you wish to encounter several wild animals, like Cheetahs, Giraffes, Zebras, different Antelopes like the Roan Antelope, Elans, Jacksons, Uganda Kobs, and others, and a huge variety of birds, we will be happy to take you there and show you this beautiful place.

Pian Upe has been marketed very poorly and most tourists skip this Wildlife Reserve, not knowing what they are missing out on. It is very possible to visit Pian Upe on a day trip while you’re staying in Sipi. Once you visit the eastern part of Uganda it is a good opportunity to visit Kidepo Valley National Park for a safari. We are also happy to take you there if you wish. We can help you too with any safari to any other national park in Uganda as well, of course.

If you are planning to do a bird watching tour in Uganda, you should take into consideration visiting the eastern part as well. Mount Elgon hosts a huge variety of birds and you should give yourself the chance to spot the species which can be found in the East.

Feel free to contact us. We will make sure, you will have a wonderful time in Sipi, exploring the Sipi Falls.

Sipi Falls Waterfall the hikers vacation destination for amazing photo hikes

Discover Sipi Falls
Guided Hikes & Local Adventures with Sipi Sam

Explore the legendary Sipi Falls on Mt. Elgon with the region’s most recommended local guides. Professional service, authentic culture, and breathtaking views.

Sipi Falls is a series of three spectacular waterfalls on the slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda, near the town of Kapchorwa.

Whether you’re hiking to all three cascades, abseiling the thundering 100-metre main fall, or tracing Uganda’s famous Arabica coffee from bloom to brew, Sipi Sam and his team of native guides are here to make it unforgettable.