SIPI FALLS
Sipi Falls is closely known for being Uganda’s most romantic falls because of the stunning views and spots that are simply priceless. The falls are located about 280km from Kampala’s capital city on the foothills of mountain Elgon and close to the Kenya boarder. The name Sipi is derived from the word in the local language called ‘sep’ which is a wild banana-like indigenous plant that grows along the banks of the Sipi River, this plant has been by the locals as medicine for treating fevers and measles.
Occupied by very hospitable people, the sipi falls in sironko is home of two tribes that is the bagisu and Sabiny who are dominant. Sipi Falls is composed of 3 waterfalls located on different altitudes with the highest waterfall flowing from an altitude of 100m and very beautiful to encounter. The walks on these waterfalls are done concurrently whereby you start from the lowest to highest water fall. This walk can takes you through banana plantations, food farms and most excitedly coffee plantations specifically people in this are grow Arabica coffee. The climate in this area is cool since it’s a hilly area that supports all the food grown throughout the year.
Elgon’s main tourist focus is the small trading Centre of Sipi, which lies at an altitude of 1,775m on the mountain’s northeastern foot slopes, only 45km from Mbale along a good surfaced road. The village overlooks the 99m-high Sipi Falls, the last in a series of three pretty waterfalls formed by the Sipi River as it cascades downhill from the upper slopes of Mount Elgon into the Kyoga Basin through Lake Bisina and Lake Kyoga as the distributaries. Serviced by half-a-dozen resorts and lodges that collectively cater to most tastes and budgets, Sipi is a very peaceful and pretty spot, and it makes a most agreeable base for gentle day walks in the surrounding hills, which offer spectacular views to the lowlands further west and weather permitting occasional glimpses of the Elgon peaks. Sipi Falls, in the foothills of Mt.elgon is a thriller.
Things to do
Abseiling
When here, you definitely want to go abseiling or rock climbing as these are the 2 activities that can be done on the waterfall under supervision of professional. Enjoy the all time descent with the waters of the falls at a distance of 100 meters with two main systems. Rock climbing travellers are taken through a starter training lessons before climbing and there you can go through either of the bolted routes that are grouped as easy routes, medium routes and the hard routes, climbing starts from left towards the right.
Hiking
It takes you about 3 hours to hike all the three Sipi falls the trail sends you through food farms, banana and Arabic coffee plantations a rather steep route where you are provided walking sticks for support. The hike is very interesting and cosy no wonders this destination is also known to be very romantic. While here you are guided by a guide who knows his way through all the beautiful spots.
Sun Down Experience
Grabbing a blanket, wine glasses or a bottle of juice, your sun glasses and a good vibe is not a bad idea while headed for this spectacular activity. Sunset walk at Sipi Falls involves enjoying views of Sipi Falls, the walls of death and the African the Karamoja plains, after a long day of abseiling, cycling, coffee tour or even community tour it is cool to take a break and just have time by yourself in a peaceful and quiet place and you can use that time to take your thoughts to a beautiful place while enjoying the lush of sunlight on your face.
Mountain Biking
Biking has never been disappointing. With adequate trails set up from hard-core technical rocky climbs to easier downhill routes you are up for the challenge and depending on what you would like based on what is offered, while on these trails views of the waterfall, coffee plantations, local community are some of the goodies you experience so why not bike your way through the trails of Africa.
Mount Elgon National Park
Mt Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Continuous erosion has reduced its height to 4,321m, causing it to be the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th in Africa. Mount Elgon has 3 hiking trails and that is Piswa trail, Sipi/kapkwai trail and Lastly Sasa/ Budadiri trail. No matter what your goal may be, descend into the stunning vast caldera of 40km². With too much to offer mountain elgon national park will give you a way to to remarkable discoveries.34 kilometres from Sipi Falls there is amazing wildlife existing in this park like Red-tailed monkeys, leopards, forest hogs, Bush pigs, bushbucks, Defassa waterbucks, elephants, buffalos, black and white colobus, baboons, Vervet monkeys, among others, including bird watching trails that will suit the needs of any bird watcher.
Agro-tour
Go through the coffee making experience from scratch picking coffee berries to shelling them, grinding in a traditional mortar and pestle which is the traditional way of doing it, roasting them on fire and the tip on the ice bag is enjoying the coffee after brewing it of course! This is really rewarding after all the hard work taking a fresh cup of coffee imagine that as this coffee grows in a altitude of 1900m and can easily be seen while in this region in huge plantations and if you are looking for souvenir after this we are talking about coffee from the source then yes you can always buy from here and support the local community.
Community Visits
Culture is something still jealously guarded in Uganda and you will be amazing with what can be offered from all the tribes case in point the sebei people, They belong to the Kalenjin community whose origin is believed to be from Abyssinian Highlands of Ethiopia all this will be told to you by a very well trained and informed story teller something which you obviously enjoy including anything about the Imbalu that is the traditional male circumcision.
How to get to sipi falls
Where to stay
The actual amount you will need for your Pamora safaris Uganda holiday depends on the accommodation you will stay in while in on your African safari. Budget safaris are a lot cheaper in Jinja alone average cost per person per day starts from $107. We also have the midrange safaris that cost from $120 per person per day and finally the luxury safaris that are rated higher than the other accommodation but with exceptional services the rooms start from $250 per person per day. All lodges are great and provide unique beautiful travel experiences Jinja has got several accommodation facilities. They range from the lodges, hotels, campsites, guesthouses, apartments, dormitories to hostels. There is always something for everyone because the facilities range from budget to luxury hotels so do not be shy to book for an ultimate African safari.
Luxury
Sipi river lodge: This is an up market lodge that have secluded, spacious, and thoughtfully designed cottages each offering their own exclusive view of the waterfall.
Each room comprises of ensuite bathroom with a double shower, one king sized bed, one 4×6 bed, one 3×6 bed, fittings, a lounge with a sofa/daybed, and a private veranda. These beautiful cottages blend a unique design of vibrant colour, local craftsmanship that is very cosy and welcoming. Start price is $175 pp per night.
Midrange
Rafiki Lodge: Located on the cliff about 1785 meters above sea level is the rafiki lodge which guarantees you a stunning view of the Sipi falls and the valley. The lodge is built has bandas that can accommodate from one person to bigger groups. Different rooms containing single, double/twin, triple, family and even a suite for honeymooners! Start price is $100pp per night. This comes with ensuite private bathroom and shower with hot water, mosquito net and a lounge in and out the room.
Budget
Lacam lodge: Constructed out of local timber and grass thatch from the plains, the lodge has a stunning view of the water fall with each room is spacious, having beds raised so you can lie down comfortably, large verandas, Ensuite shower and loo.
They have a fully stocked bar with restaurant that offers well prepared and delicious international cuisine with local and fresh produce like vegetable that are grown on the land per night costs $80pp.
