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A 3-days safari to Sipi Falls in Uganda offers a unique opportunity to explore stunning waterfalls, hike scenic trails, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Elgon region. Sipi Falls is a waterfall found at the foothills of Mountain Elgon just at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park. The falls are one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Eastern Uganda. 3 Days 2 Nights Sipi Falls Uganda Safari will give you a great experience to able you to hike the 3 levels of the Sipi waterfalls, with the great experience of tourism the plantations around the area. More fitness is needed since you will be doing a great hike. Sipi Falls gather their waters from the mountains of Elgon and its acts as the source of water for the town of Kapchorwa as it was informed to us by the local Tour guide, we hired for the Hike of Sipi Falls.
Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located in eastern Uganda in the Sipi villages in the district of Kaprowha. The first and the highest waterfall is about 100 meters which are located deep in the Sipi villages you will drive from the main road and enter the local community to explore the waterfall’s, Parking space is available, and the locals will demand a little fee of 2 dollars to protect your car during the time you’re at the Sipi fall. When you visit the Sipi falls there is one unique thing noticed during my adventure into the sipi villages is that you won’t see the water again after the view of the falls as water runs under the bedrocks till it makes the river sipi. The surrounding area is full of lush, green hills which are great for hiking and bird watching. The town of Sipi is located within walking distance of the falls.
It is a small, one-street town with several restaurants, hotels, and campsites. The falls are located up in the hills where the weather is nice and cool. The whole surrounding area is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth a visit if you are travelling in Uganda. The climate in this area is cool since it’s a hilly area and sometimes as individuals are hiking there are rains, which makes hiking a bit hard, but it is also an experience of its own, generally, it is a place available for chilling, loosening up and relaxing from the congestion around cities. The nearby communities have hospitable people and majorly the Sabiny and Bagishu live around this area and do farming such as growing Arabica coffee, which is the major cash crop in this land, this coffee is grown at altitudes between 1600metres and 1900metres above sea level. While their individuals can engage in visiting these plantations, these visits can be organised by local guides in the area.
Activities To Do at Sipi Fall
Hiking
Since all the waterfalls are located in different areas of Mt. Elgon, it is impossible to see them at the same time, but they can be seen in one day. The paths to these falls are approximately 7km to 8km as you walk and it takes around 3 hours to visit all the falls, but it is dependent on individual fitness and pace. As you hike you will need walking sticks to give you support since you go through some steep spots and in case it rains the paths get slippery and muddy. There are different starting points for the hike depending on which waterfall to visit first. Though if you have lesser time you are advised to start with the main waterfall and continue with others later. But in cases where you have enough time it’s better to first hike to the first and second waterfall, take a break may have lunch or relax as you continue to the last waterfall. Cars cannot reach all these spots because the terrain is steep, this is why you go for a hike, it is an amazing experience, and you will be having local guides who are informed about the historical and geographical background of the area.
Abseiling And Rock Climbing
This activity is done at the main waterfall and is most enjoyed by adventurous travelers. The equipment also known as rappels to be used is availed and also there are skilled guides to guide you through this exciting adventure in the Coffee plantation visit the coffee plantations on the lower slopes of Mt. Elgon while at sipi add to your experience by visiting these plantations. The coffee is majorly Arabica coffee and grows within altitudes 1600m and 1900m, it is the cash crop to the Bagishu and Sabiny in this area, during this visit you will learn also how coffee is harvested, processed, roasted and other things, you will also be able to see how people live in these communities. Cultural encounters. Being in Kapchorwa there is a lot to see like the Sabiny who basically stays around sipi. Their way of life, dress code, and traditional dances can be organized by the community. Also, this place is known for female and male circumcision, though that of females has reduced over the years since it was found to be unhealthy and risky to women, that of men is an amazing activity to witness especially if you visit this area during the time circumcisions are done.
Bird Watching
If you are a birder, you cannot miss out on visiting sipi while on a safari in Uganda, in fact, mountain Elgon national park has around 275 bird species so you will see most of them while in this area, you can also see some birds while seated in the gardens of Sipi River lodge if that is the accommodation you have opted for.
Mountain Biking
You can opt to travel with your bike if you are to take part in this activity it is so adventurous and thrilling to ride your bike in the Rocky Mountains, something to remember always.
Visit The Sipi River
Apart from visiting the 3 waterfalls you could also take the time and visit the Sipi River, it has nice vegetation including the ‘sep plant’ which is where the name sipi was derived. This plant is said to be a medicine for measles and fevers. Enjoy a walk along this river with its beautiful scenery.
Sipi Falls is a hidden gem in Uganda, offering a combination of natural beauty, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. Customize your itinerary based on your interests, as there are opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and interacting with the local community.
Please note that this is a general itinerary, and the actual duration, activities, and accommodations may vary depending on your preferences, available time, and the specific arrangements made with you. It is advisable to consult with us to customise your itinerary and make any necessary adjustments.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation
- 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel and Driver
- Professional Local english speaking Guide/Driver
- Full Board Meals Plan
- All park entry fees-Game drives, ranger and entry fees
- Hiking/Climbing And Other Board Activities
- All Local taxes
- All Local taxes
- Visa Entry Fees
- All Air fares
- Meals where not provided
- Alcoholic drinks
- Porter fees while trekking
- Personal Insurance
- Personal shopping bills
- Items of personal nature
Day 1: Drive from Kampala/Your Hotel to Mbale Travel time 4 hours’ drive
You will be picked from your hotel and drive to Mbale through Mukono with a cool breath through the Mabira forest and a beautiful view of the tea and sugar plantation as you proceed to Jinja with a stopover at the source of the Nile for a visit at the reptile park, and a boat cruise along the Nile. Thereafter have lunch in Jinja and then proceed to Mbale and check in to a located accommodation. In the evening, have an evening visit to Mbale town to have a beautiful view of the town or stay and relax at your lodge. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Hiking to the top of the falls
On your 2 days you will wake up with morning tea/coffee and head for hiking at Sipi falls in Kapchorwa. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of Sironko and Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. After the hike will have an agro tour on this tour, you will get to experience the life of a coffee grower. The main type of coffee grown in this region is the Arabica coffee which grows at 1900 meters above sea level. You will be walked through the process of picking coffee berries, shelling them, grinding them in a traditional mortar and pestle, roasting them on fire and to top it off, a fresh cup of coffee for all your hard work. This is the opportunity to be a part of the community hustle and a portion of the profits from such a tour contributes to the community development and developing of the region in general. Plus you get to make and taste your own cup of Elgon Coffee. You will also be able to experience bird watching on the walk The Mountain is home to over 300 birds including Afrotropical highland biome species most especially the Moorland Francolin, Alpine Chat and Moustached Green Tinkerbird. Be sure to see some Black-collared Apalis and Jackson’s Francolin which are only found in the Mount Elgon region, the Black-shouldered kite, Tacazze Sunbird that can only be found in Eastern Uganda as well as the endangered Lammergeyer. Quite a place for rare and unique birds. You will head for a late lunch and later return to your lodge for evening relaxation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 3 Visit the Local Community and Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe
After having an early morning breakfast, pack and live in the Local Community For those of you deeply interested in the African and Ugandan Culture, this is one thing you should do while on the trip. The people in this region are called Bagisu and are one of the immensely cultural tribes in Uganda who still practice some of their old traditions like the infamous ‘Imbalu Circumcision’ of all male members of the community who have come of age. In Public. You can be part of this colourful event of song and dance if you visit in the months of August and December although you will not be allowed to take any pictures. Use this opportunity to learn everything ‘Gisu’ from the dressing, social dynamics, try local foods and be a part of the community, it will be a refreshing feeling from what you are used to and definitely something you will talk about forever. After these activities, you will have a transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe or to your Local residence. Or you will be dropped off at your hotel/lodge or at any place of your inconvenience.