Explore Sipi falls in Uganda
Exploring Sipi Falls in Uganda is one adventurous activity that any tourist visiting Uganda should not exclude from their travel itinerary. Uganda is no doubt a beautiful country and anyone who has visited the country will testify that indeed Uganda is the ‘Pearl of Africa.’ There is so much to see and do while in the country from exploring any of the 10 national parks, to visiting the countryside, exploring the Nile River and other sites such as Sipi Falls.
Sipi Falls derives its name from the Sipi River which is named after the ‘Sep,’ a local plant indigenous to the banks of the river. The Sep plant is a medicinal plant that resembles a wild banana plant. It can be used to treat illnesses such as measles and fever.
The Sipi Falls are a series of three waterfalls that are located in the eastern part of Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa. The falls can be accessed by visitors travelling from Sironko or Mbale towns. Sipi Falls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park which lies on the Uganda-Kenya border.
The Sipi Falls make the perfect place for visitors to unwind, relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the busy towns and cities in the country. The falls mark the starting point for many hikes on Mount Elgon.
Hiking Sipi Falls offers visitors stunning views, with lots of attractions to see such as; beautiful butterflies, aquatic birds, hippos and crocodiles in River Sipi, Sipi waterfalls, Mount Elgon, and Coffee farms.
Activities carried out at Sipi Falls.
Visitors interested in exploring the Sipi Falls area can take part in a number of activities such as;
- Hiking Sipi Falls.
Hikes at Sipi Falls are very popular and the falls mark the starting point for hikes on the Elgon Mountain. The Budadiri trail is the most popular route used by most hikers, and it takes visitors through the Sasa trail to the summit of Mount Elgon and then descends down the Sipi trail and back to the falls. Hikes around the Sipi Falls offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga and the slopes of Mount Elgon. Visitors can also hike to any of the three waterfalls at Sipi, with the highest falls at 100m followed by the second one at 85m and the last one at 75m high. Hiking is the major activity enjoyed by most visitors who love a little bit tiring adventure as it involves real walking via the terrains and muddy trails to reach the top of the tallest fall (main water fall), descend and ascend again to the second water fall and finally descend to the third waterfall while exploring every bit of beauty along the falls. During the preparations for the visit to Sipi falls, one should not forget to prepare good waterproof hiking boots, and the hiking stick before starting the hike without forgetting the camera to capture those everlasting memories that are worth watching.
- Abseiling:
Visitors can also take part in abseiling sport activities at Rob’s Rolling Rock. The activity involves rock climbing along the side of the 100 meter Sipi waterfall. This activity will challenge climbers physically and mentally as you make an effort to reach the top. It will definitely send the adrenalin rush through you and if you are the adventurous type, this is the perfect activity for you.
- Birding
Sipi falls harbors several water birds are normally seen during hiking and cultural encounters at the base of Mount Elgon where most of the birds fly from Mount Elgon national park including weaver birds, sun birds, African Blue Flycatcher, and many more making the birders dream come true.
- Visiting coffee farms
There are several coffee farms that visitors can explore at the foothill of Mount Elgon due to fertile soils that favor agriculture and most especially Arabic coffee that grow at an altitude ranging between 1600m to 1900m above the sea level. In the process, visitors have an opportunity of learning all the stages involved in production of Arabic coffee direct from planting, weeding, pruning, harvesting, drying, roasting, grinding, packing, and finally sip on a delicious cup of freshly prepared Arabia coffee to refresh your mind while interacting with the farmers on ground and even buy as much as you can to carry back home at a relatively lower prices at the farms as compared to market price.
- Sports fishing
Most sport fishing activities take place at the Sip River with possibilities of capturing some fish species but interested visitors need to come along with their own fishing equipment.
- Nature walks and Cultural encounters
These walks through the villages lead to meeting with the majority population the Sabiny and some Bagisu whose major source of income is through cultivation of Arabic coffee at the base of Mount Elgon. During the cultural encounters, interact with the local community and learn more about their traditional cultures like the female circumcision which is reducing of recent due to sensitization from different organizations and educating the public about the dangers of circumcising young girls that sometimes leads to over breeding and death. Conclude your cultural tour with entertainment of traditional dance and drama from the local community that is worth not to be missed out.
Accommodation around Sipi Falls.
There are a number of lodges and campsites around Sipi Falls where visitors can stay during your visit, and these include; Sipi River Lodge, Sasa Bandas, Piswa Bandas, Suam Bandas, Crown Nest Rest Camp, Toben Cottages, Kapsurur Cottages, Aniet Cottages, and Sipi Traveler’s Lodge among others.
Visitors who are planning to explore the majestic Sipi Falls can also include a visit to Kidepo Valley National Park where you will have the opportunity to view stunning wildlife such as Buffaloes, Hyenas, Leopards, zebras, and Ostriches among others thus Exploring Sipi Falls in Uganda.
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