The Falls at an angle
At the edge of Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda lie the Sipi Falls. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls; The Main one Sipi Falls (100m), then Ngasire/Kapsurur Falls (87m) and Simba falls (69m) which is sometimes referred to as the ‘son’; the ‘father’ being the first and the ‘mother’ being the uppermost of the three. The river is named after the ‘Sep’, an indigenous plant found on the banks of the river. ‘Sep’ resembles a wild banana/plantain plant with translucent green color. Its crimson rib is medicinal used for treating measles and fever.
The Sipi Falls which happen to be in the home town of the Olympic gold medal winner, Stephen Kiprotich is in a relaxing environment that enables one unwind and take in the fresh air and cool breeze.
The falls over a beautiful rock
In the vicinity is one of the starting points for hikes up to the summit of Mt. Elgon, The ranges of which are particularly famous for locally grown Bugisu Arabica coffee. Bugisu Arabica only grows at an altitude of between 1,600 and 1,900 meters. The trail known as the Sasa trail descends down the Sipi trail directly into the Sipi Falls, offering the tourist a stunning view of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mt. Elgon on a good sunny day. Sipi Waterfalls is listed in the world of waterfalls (http://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/africa-sipi-falls.html).
Sipi falls Resort from above
One of the Camping sites
Activities around this area include hiking, visiting the local waterfalls and a biking challenge every once a year on the 14 bolted sport routes with a range of difficulty, organized by the Sipi River Lodge.
A 20 minute trail to the trading centre will lead you to the base of the main waterfall where the falls culminate into pretty waterfalls of 99m drops at an altitude of 1,775m. Then some cluster of caves on the cliff above the river. The largest of these caves extends for about 125m into the rock. Upstream from the main fall lies a beautiful pool at base of one the falls.
Accomodation at the Resort
Camping at the Resort
You can stay at the Sipi Falls Resort, were you will find a room or enjoy the camping facilities. Other great accommodation exists in the vicinity of Kapchorwa as well as within the nearest Major Town of Mbale (60km) in Eastern Uganda.
Be careful not to select a guide from the roadside. Rather use a guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices in Mbale, the hotel you choose to stay at or the tourist company you sign up with.
