Explore with us the Sisiyi Waterfall

Sisiyi Falls

is one of the lesser-known falls in Uganda. Although it’s a magnificent waterfall, very few people know about it. In fact, when a person mentions it, some people think they’re talking about the falls in Sipi. Sipi Falls is one of the most popular falls in Uganda.

Just like many other waterfalls, Sisiyi Falls is located on Mount Elgon too. It’s in a village called Bukibolongoto in Buyaga Sub County, Bulambuli district. Bulambuli lies about 40km away from Mbale city. The Mbale-Kapchorwa highway offers a view of this magnificent waterfall to travelers.

Sisiyi falls cascade over a 100m drop called Sisiyi cliff. The water falls over a series of rugged rocks covered by lush green vegetation flowing powerfully onto big rocks, creating white mist, especially during the rainy season when the water volume is high.

Sisiyi Falls got the name because it’s ever-flowing and doesn’t run dry. Unlike smaller streams in the area which run dry during the dry season and flows throughout the year. The Bagisu call it ‘mezi ge lingusi’ which means the smoky waters. This is because of the sheer volume of water.

Getting to Sisiyi Falls

To get to Sisiyi Falls from Kampala, you have to first travel to Mbale and then get on the Mbale- Kapchorwa highway. You’ll then branch off the highway to a feeder road that will take you towards the falls. You can use a car, bike, or even walk if you’re up to it.

As you head towards the falls, you’ll get beautiful views of the beautiful mountainous Elgon landscape covered by a vibrant plant cover. Several permanent and semi-permanent buildings line up the side of the road and you’ll see the residents going about their business. You’ll also be able to see animals like goats, cows, chickens, and others.

The path to the falls gets smaller as you get closer to it. Meanwhile, you’ll start hearing the vibrant sounds of the water flowing down the mountain. Although the Sisiyi Falls flows throughout the year, the water is heavier during the rainy season. You’ll see more trees, plants, and shrubs as you draw closer to Sisiyi Falls.

During the dry season, you can easily get close to the waterfalls and even stand under the falling water for a shower. It’s a great place to have fun with friends and family. However, during the rainy season, getting too close to the water might be dangerous. The water flows with tremendous strength and splashes over the rocks near it, making them slippery. You’ll have to view the falls at a distance, but the view and the sound will give you great satisfaction. It’ll be worth it.

Things to do at Sisiyi Falls

Hiking

The Elgon region has rugged terrain which is ideal for hiking. Instead of using a vehicle to get to Sisiyi Falls, you can choose to hike towards it from the highway. You can also hike up the cliff the water falls over, which will give you a sense of adventure.

The area has a lot of vegetation which will protect you from harsh elements like the sun while giving you fresh air. In fact, you’ll be able to appreciate the wonderful scenery better when you hike in the area around Sisiyi Falls.

Picnics

You can sit and picnic with friends and family on the manicured lawns and lush grounds near Sisiyi Falls. You can enjoy a hearty meal surrounded by lush vegetation while hearing the roar of the water.

Events

You can organize events near Sisiyi Falls. It’s a great place for all kinds of gatherings, for example, parties, team-building retreats, and outdoor games, among other activities.

Photography

Do you want great photographs of you and the natural world? Sisiyi Falls is the place to go. Have your photographer take photos of you enjoying the falls and the surrounding nature. The Sisiyi Falls offers a great backdrop for nature photos.

Relaxation

Looking for a quiet place to relax? Visit Sisiyi Falls and enjoy peace without unnecessary interruptions. It’s a great place to cool your mind and reconnect with nature. You can do yoga, mindfulness meditation, or just have a peaceful rest at Sisiyi Falls. The thunderous sound from the falls is also highly calming.

Camping

There are very good and secure grounds near Sisiyi Falls where you can camp. You’ll not need to worry about anything because the area around the falls is very secure with hospitable people.

The people of Sisiyi Falls

The Bagisu/Bamasaaba people who speak the Lumasaaba or Gishu language inhabit the land around Sisiyi Falls. They are a Bantu tribe well known in Uganda for Imbalu, i.e. traditional male circumcision. They are sociable and kind people.

Sisiyi Falls is one of the many attractions in the Mount Elgon region. Other popular attractions in the area are Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon National Park, and Wanale Falls/Wanale Ridge. You can pass via Sisiyi Falls while visiting some of these attractions. It is a good place to stop by if you’re heading to the Karamoja region.

You can find Kidepo National Park, Mount Moroto, Mount Kadam, and Pian Upe Game Reserve in Karamoja.