Sipi Falls Hike – The different Nature Walk

Hiking SIPI FALLS

When one mentions tourism in Uganda, Sipi Falls is one of those destinations that always comes up. It’s one of Uganda’s top tourist attractions. Sipi Falls are a series of three waterfalls cascading over steep drops. The first waterfall flows over an 85m cliff, while the second falls at 65m the third and longest flows over a 100m cliff. Hard rock formations and lush vegetation surround the Sipi Falls.

The name Sipi came from the word ‘Sep’ which is the name of a wild banana-like indigenous plant that grows along the banks of the Sipi River. The local people use this medicinal plant to treat measles and other ailments.

The majestic Sipi Falls are not the only beautiful things to see in Sipi. Sipi has a beautiful and unique landscape with many natural wonders that make Sipi one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uganda. Sipi draws visitors from all around the world. Although modernization has sprinkled into Sipi over the recent years, a greater part of its natural grandeur is still untouched.

At Mount Elgon Trekkers, we’ll make sure you have an interesting Sipi Falls hike and help you make the best of your stay in Sipi.

Highlights of the Sipi Falls Hike

The Sipi Falls hike is a scenic tour that takes a few hours. The major routes go over steep slopes that reward hikers with great views at the clifftops. Hiking in Sipi gives you a chance to see Sipi’s beauty in all its glory. With steep hills, deep valleys, and long winding roads, Sipi offers an unforgettable adventure experience.

The breathtaking landscape and rugged terrain will evoke a sense of adventure in Sipi. You’ll see many beautiful things and hear the beautiful sounds of birds as you go on the hike. You’ll pass by community farms and local people taking part in various activities. There are many farms and gardens in Sipi with different plants, some of which can only be found in high altitudes.

Hear interesting stories about Sipi and its people. The Sabiny people on Sipi have a rich culture and history. Find out how they’ve used the various physical features in the area over the years. There are various interesting stories about the Sipi people and their neighbors the Bagisu, Karamojong, and Ateso.

The Sipi Falls Hike takes you on a fairly steep climb, becoming higher and steeper as you go up. There are less strenuous options for travelers who want to see the Sipi Falls but are unwilling to climb the hills. However, hiking up the hills is an enjoyable experience you shouldn’t miss.

Other things to do in Sipi Falls

There are very many fun things you can do in Sipi other than the Sipi Falls hike. For a rush of adrenaline, try thrilling activities like Abseiling, Mountain Biking, and Rock Climbing. These activities will have your heart racing and leave you mentally and physically refreshed.

You can also partake in more relaxing activities like the Coffee Tour and the Sunrise/Sunset Walk. Bird watching is also another rewarding activity in Sipi. There are many birds living in the area and our guides will tell you all about them.

Caving is one of the most unexplored activities in Sipi. Sipi has several caves of varying lengths, for example, Mise Cave which is a cool, roomy cave with numerous inner sections that people can explore.

Sipi has great resorts and campsites for accommodation. You can have a good time in these resorts, some situated right by the falls. If you’re looking for a quiet destination to unwind and de-stress, come to Sipi.

The resorts and campsites in Sipi also have adequate space for camping, team-building retreats, and parties. Several organizations and companies bring their employees to Sipi for team-building sessions away from the bustle of the cities.

Taste the Ugandan cuisine in Sipi. There are several trained chefs who’ll prepare sumptuous local meals on order. Get to taste beloved Ugandan foods like matooke, maleewa, luwoombo, and others in Sipi.

The People of Sipi Falls

Sipi is inhabited by the Sebei/Sabiny people, a sub-tribe of the Kalenjin ethnolinguistic group, well known for long-distance running. The Kalenjins are found in Kenya and Uganda. The Sebei people have unique customs and values that you’ll learn about during your tour of Sipi. The Bagisu people also live in some parts of Sipi.

The people around Sipi Falls engage in a diverse range of economic activities, but the most common ones are agriculture and tourism. During the Sipi Falls hike, you’ll be able to see these people in different agricultural activities, depending on the season.

Best time to go for the Sipi Falls hike

This depends on your interests and priorities. During the rainy season, the trails are muddy and slippery, making the hike more challenging. But then again, the water volume at Sipi Falls is higher during this season, which makes it a great time to visit the falls. During the dry seasons, the trails are dry and comfortable, but the water levels at the falls will be considerably lower.

If you want a more challenging hike and to see massive amounts of water on the falls, choose the rainy season. Moreover, it won’t rain every day during the rainy season. If you’re lucky, it won’t rain when you travel and you will find the trails less muddy but still get to enjoy the best version of the Sipi Falls.

How far is Sipi Falls from Kampala?

Sipi Falls is located in Sipi, a small town in the Kapchorwa district. Sipi Falls are located approximately 277km from Kampala the Capital City of Uganda. The drive takes four to five hours from Kampala, passing through Mbale. 

Can I get accommodation in Sipi?

Sipi has several facilities for accommodation and meals of varying quality and price. There’s something for everyone. You do not have to worry about where to stay or eat if you intend to stay in Sipi for longer than a day.

The team at Mount Elgon Trekkers is ready to take you on the Sipi Falls hike. We’ll guide you every step of the way and make sure you stay safe while enjoying the good things in Sipi. Contact us for more information.