The Sipi Falls: The Unforgettable Awe-inspiring Adventure

Activities To do in Sipi Falls.

A visit to the Sipi Falls is one of top things to do while on a Uganda safari trip. And there are a number of activities to do during your visit to Sipi Falls that include.

Mount Elgon Hiking

Sipi Falls is one of the main starting points for hikers and mountain climbers who are interested in hiking mountain Elgon. Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano in the Eastern region of Uganda with its highest peak known as Wagagai.

Mount Elgon is the second largest volcanic mountain in the world, with the largest surface area is shared by Uganda and Kenya. Enjoy the scenic views on the high altitudes of Mount Elgon.

Abseiling and Rock Climbing

Abseiling is a thrilling activity of climbing down steep rocks or slopes with a firm device fastened around your lower body. The Sipi Falls is the best place for abseiling and rock climbing.

Abseiling is an awe-inspiring activity that holds unforgettable experiences on the heart.

Abseiling at the Sipi Falls

Coffee plantation tours

The Bagisu is the dominant tribe living in the area and they are well known for growing the Bugisu Arabica coffee. The Bugisu Arabica coffee only thrives in higher altitudes and its highly favoured by the slopes of Mount Elgon which receive adequate amounts of rainfall and have fertile volcanic soils.

Arabica coffee is the major economic activity and also the major income generator for the local people in the area.
This coffee tour is arranged to learn from one of the local farmers how the Bugisu Arabica coffee is grown and processed.

While with the farmers, you will be taken to see and pick some of the coffee berries, remove the shells, grind, roast and finally come up with fine coffee ready to be taken.

While touring the coffee farms you get to learn about the entire supply chain including farmers, processors, roasters and exporters.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is another thrilling activity to do during a Sipi Falls tour where you get to discover the local neighbourhood while stunning at the awe-inspiring scenery around on mountain bikes.

The area is challengingly hilly and hence a mountain bike with functioning gears can facilitate you through the steep areas with ease.

Mountain Biking at Sipi Falls

Bird watching

Uganda is one the best birding destinations in the world and the Mount Elgon region habors over 274 species. Bird watching tours can be arranged within the Sipi area and it can also be set as a starting point for a more remarkable birding safari experience in the Mount Elgon National Park.

Get to encounter different bird species including the black-collared Apalis, Jacksons Francolin, Lammergeyer, Black-shouldered Kite, and Tacazze sunbird among others.

Cultural Visits

The Sipi Falls also offer close encounters with the two local tribes that live in the area namely the Bagisu and Sabiny. During your Sipi Falls tour, you can also partake in cultural visits to experience the local indigenous culture of one of these tribes.

The Sebei and Bugisu culture of circumcision is one of the cultural traditions to encounter in the region during certain times of the year.

Sipi River Encounter

The Sipi Falls encounter is not the only thrilling activity to do in the area, but also from visiting the Sipi River is another lifetime scenic encounter to view lush vegetation including the ‘Sep plant’ which is where the name “Sipi” was derived from.

This ‘Sep’ plant is however said to be a medicine to diseases such as measles and fevers. Partake in a walk along the Sipi river which is characterised with beautiful scenery.

Sipi Falls

Best time to visit.

Uganda has a tropical climate with 2 seasons (dry & wet) and uniquely, climatic temperatures are relatively steady and warm throughout the year meaning the Sipi Falls can therefore be visited throughout the whole year.

However, visiting the waterfalls during the dry seasons is the most popular time with tourists who wish to experience the cool weather in the area and also the dry season is best time for a visit because the hiking trails to the top of the waterfalls are less slippery.

But also note that the waterfalls flow with more intensity and great power during the rainy season while showcasing their full force.

The full force of these waterfalls is an unforgettable encounter to witness therefore you are encouraged to visit even during the rainy season.

How to get there

By road, Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa is a 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala along the Kampala-Jinja highway which is the most commonly preferred route because it offers a number of scenic stopovers like in the Mabira forest, the river Nile among others.

And by air transport means, you book a flight from Entebbe airport to Soroti airfield near Mount Elgon. From the airfield, you are to travel by road for a 1-hr drive before reaching Mbale town or Kapchorwa.

Where to stay

There are a variety of hotels and lodges around the Sipi falls area offering comfortable living as well as the clear waterfall views, cool and peaceful environment surroundings. The accommodation facilities in the area range from luxury to moderate and also budget.

Hotels that offer outstanding accommodation facilities around the area include the Crow’s Nest, Sipi Falls Resort, Sipi River Lodge, Lacam lodge, Noah’s ark hotel.

Sipi River Lodge

There you have it, Sipi falls is a natural enchantment haven which offers abundant thrilling activities like mountain climbing, hiking, abseiling, nature walks, mountain biking among others and also the Sipi falls stand as a remembrance for the conservation efforts in Uganda the pearl of Africa.

Book your safari to Uganda’s Sipi Falls with Friendly Gorillas Safaris today.