Sipi Falls

The Sipi Falls road runs from Mount Elgon to Suam on the border with Kenya. The route continues to Kitale in western Kenya, an increasingly attractive but rarely used crossing. The area has been safe for years.

The route to Suan leads to Mount Elgon Forest Exploration Centre and Kapkwata rest house. It’s the starting point for the Piswa Trail up Mount Elgon. From Mbale, this road will also take you to Nyero rock paintings.

Sipi Falls the waterfall

Sipi waterfall is located on Mount Elgon’s foot slopes near Sipi Trading Centre at an altitude of 1,770 meters. Additionally, numerous resorts and campsites offer picturesque views of the primary waterfall, accommodating a wide range of budgets. From these locations, you can take in the stunning views of the rolling hills surrounding Lake Kyoga and the breathtaking peaks of Mount Elgon. Therefore, it’s an absolute must-visit destination for those seeking a few days of pure relaxation and leisurely day hikes.

There’s a 20-minute hike near the Sipi post office that leads to the base of central falls for a rewarding experience. The trail continues from the bottom of the falls to the caves on the opposite side of the river.

Hike from the central falls to three smaller falls above and swim in the pools below.

To reach the central and second falls in Sipi, you can walk independently or follow Suam Road for 1km. Guides are also available for hire.

Getting there and away

Sipi trading centre lies about 60km from Mbale on Suam Road. To get to Suam from Mbale town, simply take Kumi Road and make a right turn onto Moroto Road. Keep driving for 25km until you reach a sharp right turn that leads to Suam.

This route is reliable and tested for getting you to your destination. Therefore, be sure to keep an eye out for signposts advertising waterfalls after passing the Sipi trading centre.

The Sipi Falls are comprised of three waterfalls, each flowing from a different altitude. Notably, be sure to witness the awe-inspiring primary cascade of Uganda, which boasts a remarkable height of 100 meters. Indeed, it is truly an experience not to be missed.

Moreover, Sipi Falls in Uganda is a stunningly beautiful and romantic waterfall. This area is primarily where most hikes to Mt. Elgon start. Furthermore, hiking to the falls offers stunning views of Lake Kyoga, the Karamoja lowlands, and coffee plantations. The hilly region’s tough terrain and cool climate make hiking challenging but rewarding.

Enduring the elements adds a unique dimension to the experience. Typically, however, it is a place intended for relaxation, decompression, and getting away from the fast pace of urban living.

Moreover, these communities cultivate Arabica coffee at elevations that range from 1600m to 1900m above sea level. The Sabiny and Bagishu ethnic groups are the dominant groups in the region. Additionally, local guides in the area are readily available to organize plantation visits for interested individuals.

Furthermore, Sipi has plenty of accommodations to fit any budget, ranging from luxurious lodges to campsites for camping enthusiasts.

Abseiling & Rock Climbing

If you need to do abseiling in Uganda, Sipi is the place to go. Those with a thirst for adventure often find pleasure in participating in this activity, located at the primary waterfall. Importantly, we provide the gear and experienced guides for your thrilling rappelling adventure.

Coffee Plantation Visit

For a truly immersive experience, visit the coffee plantations on Mt. Elgon’s lower slopes in Sipi to learn about Arabica coffee production. This activity is crucial to the Bagishu and Sabiny communities, and you can see the harvesting, processing, and roasting techniques firsthand. You’ll also get a glimpse into local life.

Cultural encounters

Being in Kapchorwa, there is much to see, like the Sabiny, who basically stay around Sipi. The community decides their dress code and dances. In the past, both male and female circumcision were commonly practiced. However, due to the increasingly recognized negative effects of female circumcision, it has become less prevalent. Safety and well-being should always be prioritized over tradition.

Bird watching

Visit Sipi Falls in Uganda’s Elgon National Park to see over 275 bird species. Book a stay at Sipi River Lodge for an up-close experience in their natural habitat. Don’t miss out!

Mountain Biking

Create lasting memories and embark on an exhilarating journey by exploring the Rocky Mountains on a bike. You can also enjoy Semuliki national park.

Visit the Sipi River

Visit Sipi River for stunning waterfalls and lush foliage, including the famous ‘sep plant’ waterfall. It is believed that this specific plant possesses medicinal qualities that may aid in the treatment. Joy a walk along this river with its beautiful scenery.

Coffee experience Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is a popular tourist destination in Uganda, known for its stunning waterfalls and beautiful natural surroundings. Located in the district of Kapchorwa in Eastern Uganda, Sipi Falls is part of Mount Elgon National Park. Although, primarily associated with hiking, and nature you can still enjoy a great coffee experience in the area.

Here’s what you can expect from a coffee experience at Sipi Falls:

Coffee Farm Tours: Many local coffee farms in the Sipi Falls region offer guided tours. These tours often provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the coffee cultivation process, from planting and harvesting to processing and roasting. You can also get hands-on experience by picking coffee cherries and processing them.
Coffee Tasting: All together, you’ll have the chance to taste some of the freshest and most flavorful coffee you’ve ever encountered. Local coffee farms and cafes typically offer coffee-tasting sessions where you can sample different varieties and preparations of coffee.
Stunning Scenery: The coffee farms in the Sipi Falls area are often set in picturesque landscapes with views of the waterfalls. Enjoying coffee while taking in these breathtaking views is an experience.
Local Culture: Engaging with the local communities who grow and process coffee can provide you with insight into their way of life and the cultural significance of coffee in the region. You may also get a chance to witness traditional coffee preparation methods.
Coffee Souvenirs: Basically, coffee grown in the Sipi Falls area is often available, making for a great souvenir to take home. You can buy freshly roasted coffee beans or ground coffee to enjoy the flavours of Sipi Falls long after your visit.
Relaxation: The serene environment around Sipi Falls is the perfect backdrop for enjoying a cup of coffee. Whether at a coffee farm, a café, or your accommodation, you can savour your coffee while taking in the natural beauty and sounds of the waterfalls and the surrounding nature.
Local Cafés and Restaurants: In addition to the coffee farms, there are also local cafés and restaurants in the area that serve locally sourced coffee. These establishments offer a cosy and relaxed setting to enjoy your coffee.

Sipi Falls offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of coffee production. While being surrounded by some of Uganda’s most striking natural beauty. It’s a place where you can appreciate the journey from coffee bean to cup while being in the midst of an awe-inspiring landscape.

Also, visit the Uganda Safaris.