Sipi Falls Hike

The Sipi falls

Welcome to the Eden of Uganda (Sipi Falls). The Sipi Falls are a series of three major waterfalls on the Sipi River. Both local and foreign tourists visit and enjoy the majestic waterfalls all year round.

On the upper waterfall, which is 85 meters tall, the water falls with powerful strength, creating mist as it lands on the rocks below. It also creates a rainbow when hit by sunlight at certain angles. At the bottom, the water disappears underground and appears after 200 meters, flowing over large rocks.

The second waterfall has cascades at the top, followed by a series of pools right before the water falls over a 65-meter cliff. One can take a bath or swim in these pools. The third and main waterfall is 100m high. It’s the longest and the easiest to reach.

Why You Should Go for a Sipi Falls Hike

The Sipi Falls hike is a great starting point for hikers looking to scale Mount Elgon. This moderately challenging hike prepares hikers for the harder hikes in mountains like Elgon, and Rwenzori in Western Uganda. Sipi is mountainous with a series of clifftops that will need to be conquered as the hike progresses therefore making your body get used to high altitude.

The breathtaking landscape. Sipi Falls has lush vegetation, rugged hills and cliffs, valleys, and other scenic features. These create a beautiful landscape that’s a feast for the eyes and adventurous mind. As you hike up to the Sipi Falls, you’re greeted with panoramic views, especially on top of the cliffs. View the valleys and the Sipi plateau as you hike to the top.

It’s a popular attraction. Sipi Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Uganda. Find out why everyone is obsessed with Sipi Falls by visiting it. Enjoy a wonderful experience as you hike to the bottom of the falls and feel the rush of thunderous water.

Photogenic moments. The Sipi Falls are magnificent, especially during the rainy season. The crystal clear water flows over dark rock on the hillside, surrounded by dense greenery. This creates a great backdrop for pictures. Because of this, you can take amazing pictures at the top or bottom of the waterfalls. At Sipi Falls Tours, we have great cameras and skilled guides who will take the best pictures of you as you hike towards Sipi Falls.

Also, listen to interesting stories and learn something new. During the Sipi Falls hike, our knowledgeable guides will tell you stories about Sipi, its people, and the surrounding areas. Discover historical facts, visit historical sites like Mise Cave, and explore the relationship between the people of Sipi and their natural surroundings.

The People of Sipi Falls

The people of Sipi are calm, friendly, and welcoming. The Sebei people who call Sipi home are generally hospitable and social. They’ll freely interact with you and answer any questions you may have about their lifestyle and customs. As you hike towards Sipi Falls, small children may wave or say hello to you.

Other things to expect during the Sipi Falls hike

On a lucky day, you’ll find monkeys at the bottom of the falls. Spend time with the primates as the thunderous sound of the water soothes your mind.

Local children may follow you during the hike and may offer to help you. Some will try to sell you crystal stones got from the caves at the bottom of the falls. Purchase if interested.

You may encounter ‘chameleon’ boys who hunt chameleons to show tourists in order to earn some money. However, we do not encourage this practice as it disturbs the animals and causes them to starve.

If you’d like to see a chameleon in Sipi, tell your guide in advance so that he can show you one if he sees it. You can watch it and take pictures. Chameleons are quite common in coffee trees. Therefore, you’ll definitely see them if you choose to go on our coffee tour.

Other features. There are many interesting things near Sipi Falls. Apart from the three major falls, you’ll see other waterfalls, caves, exotic and local birds, livestock, community farms, and locals engaged in various activities.

Background of Sipi Falls

The waterfalls are part of the Sipi River whose source is in Mount Elgon which is in the eastern part of Uganda near the Kenyan border. Sipi is located on the northwest side of Mount Elgon, about 55km north of Mbale.

The breathtaking waterfalls derive their name from the Sipi River, which is named after the local plant growing along the river banks called “Sep”.

This plant resembles a type of wild banana with translucent green fronds with a bolt of crimson red. The locals use parts of this plant to treat measles, fever, and other ailments.

According to local legends, British sightseers found a lady picking wild plants in the nearby plantation and asked her the name of the falls. She thought they were asking the name of the plant, so she replied, “Sep” hence the name.

About the Middle and Upper Waterfalls

The middle/second Sipi Falls has the best topography. It will take you through communities and a small jungle close to the falls. The highlight is the trail that wounds along the wall of the cliff by the falls and the caves beneath the rocks.

The top of the second Sipi Falls will treat you with rustic views of the Sipi area. As you approach the third falls which is off the beaten track, you’ll pass through a natural swimming pool.

At the first falls (Ngasire), you can get close and gaze at the brilliant white water as it splendidly falls over the sheer cliff. The water disappears underground for a distance of about 200m before coming out and continuing its journey to the second falls.

The upper falls are dotted with lush vegetation and fields of crops with many routes snaking their way in every direction. But no worries, because our guides will find the right way.

You can go to the bottom of the first Sipi Falls as well. To enjoy the view and beauty of this hikers’ paradise, take the journey to the upper loop trek and see the entire Sipi region from the top.

This hike offers views of Mount Elgon disappearing in the mist, and the descent will take you through the villages of Gamatui. Later, you will arrive at the Sipi center where you started your journey.

Before reaching Sipi Center, you can get a taste of some of the local beer around Sipi Falls, made of corn and yeast, only if interested. Moreover, you can learn how it’s prepared. We’ll take you to Mama Joy’s house on our way back to experience this delicious local beer.