Sipi Falls is perched in Kapchorwa district, northeast of Mbale and Sironko, and on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, just near the Kenyan border in eastern Uganda. The Sipi River was named after the local word "Sep,, which means an indigenous plant set along the banks of the river. "Sep" is a tree type that resembles a type of wild banana. It is a medicinal plant that is used by the locals to treat diseases such as fever and measles. Hiking up to Mount Elgon, the trail starts in Budadiri, following the Sasa trail that goes to the summit, which then descends down to the Sipi trail, which takes you to Sipi Falls. Hiking within Sipi Falls offers marvelous, stunning panoramic views of the Karamoja plains, the slopes of Mount Elgon, and Lake Kyoga.

 

 THE TOP TOURISM ACTIVITIES  TO DO IN SIPI FALLS 

 

 Hiking or Climbing Mount Elgon, and nature walks 

Mount Elgon is East Africa’s fourth-tallest mountain, and Mount Elgon’s best time to climb or hike of the year is during the summer months of June, July, August, and September. Hiking to the summit of Mount Elgon takes approximately 4 days, depending on your fitness level and with the help of a guide. During the activity, travelers are advised to carry a packed lunch in order to avoid inconveniences.

 

Mountain-Biking

Mountain-biking activities are done on both Mount Elgon areas and within Sipi Falls, then riders blaze down the trails that take travelers to the fourth tallest mountain in East Africa. Mountain biking is nothing that is comparable to any other tourism activity in the dry seasons each year.

 

Mount Elgon Birding

Bird watching in Sipi Falls is best done with the guide taking you along the Sipi Falls birding trails and hub, where there are many species such as the Lemon Dove, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Dusky-Turtle Dove, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, Dusky-Turtle Dove, Alpine Chat, African Hill Babbler, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Mountain Yellow Warbler, and thick-billed Honeyguide.

 

Mount Elgon Rock Climbing

Mount Elgon rock climbing is a tourism activity that is guided both in the Sipi Falls area and in Mount Elgon National Park, with exhilarating experiences along the Falls.

 

Trout-fishing at Sipi-Falls

Trout fishing is being done past Sipi Falls along the Sipi River. Trout fishing at Sipi Falls allows travelers to catch and release fish, which relates to catching and releasing Nile Perch in Murchison Falls Park. Fishing within Sipi Falls is also being done for mountain trout.

 

The Abayudaya Jews of Uganda

Abayudaya Jews is a 100-year-old community in eastern Uganda, near Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls. A traveler's participation in this community is by choice, not by ancestry. Abayudaya's Jewish community also has hospitals, schools, and the Arc Dental Department, which aids in the treatment of Jewish people.

 

Budadiri Community nature Walk

Budadiri community nature walks are based in Budadiri and offer guided coffee tours, cultural dances, and community nature walks. Budadiri community nature lovers can explore three trails: the Namugabwe Cave Trail, which takes visitors through the BaMasaba community land and massive banana plantations to reach a historical cave filled with bones; the Dirigana Loop Trail, which leads to the Dirigsana Falls; and the Gabushana Cave, which leads to the local markets and the "Walls of Death." There is also a coffee tour within Mount Elgon that is famous for showcasing Arabica coffee processing experiences and supporting local farmers. Sipi Falls Safari helps travelers discover the region’s cultural dances, customs, folklore, food preparation, and Bugusi's most famous delicacy, malewa, which is prepared from bamboo shoots.

 

The Sipi Falls area is well-known for its locally grown Bugisu Arabica coffee. Bugisu Arabica coffee can only be grown at an altitude of between 1,600 and 1,900 meters. Arabica coffee tours are done by an organized guide who is knowledgeable about coffee farming, processing, and roasting. Profits from the Arabica coffee tours go back to the community projects.

 

 Nyero Rock Paintings and Caves

Nyero rock paintings are old rock paintings thought to have been created by tribes that once lived in the Nyero rock area; locals believe that ancient cave dwellers were the first people to inhabit the Nyero rock area. Nyero rock paintings are still in good shape for travelers to discover after a thousand years.

 

Accommodation at Sipi Falls includes Noah’s Ark Hotel, Twilight Campsite, Sipi Falls Resort, Sebei Cultural Centre, Kiprotich Hotel, Lacam Lodge, and Savannah Guest House.