Mount Elgon is home to a breathtaking collection of waterfalls, with many streams flowing beneath the surface,. Around 90%, in fact! While the iconic Sipi Falls often take the spotlight, the regions of Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo hold many more hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Here’s our top 7 must-visit waterfalls in the Mount Elgon region:
1. Tawut WATERFALL
Nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon at 1,700 meters above sea level, Tawut Waterfall is a hidden paradise just seven kilometers from Kapchorwa Town. Surrounded by vibrant wildflowers and a charming traditional Sebei village, this waterfall offers a refreshing swim or stunning panoramic views over the Karamoja lowlands from the top. The journey there is an adventure in itself, accessible by 4x4 or motor bike (boda boda) along a steep and rocky road.
Roos from the Netherlands at Tawut waterfall (June 2018)
2. Mengia waterfall
Mengia Waterfall is the reward at the end of two of Uganda’s most remote trails: the Kapchorwa-Benet Trail and the Mosopisiek Trail. The local Mosopisiek people, once hunter-gatherers, maintain a fascinating and healthy lifestyle, adding a unique cultural experience to the hike. The waterfall can be seen from several points along the trail, offering ample opportunities for those perfect waterfall shots.
Pro tip: During the dry season, December to March, the waterfall can dry up. Fortunately, also without the waterfall, the views of the escarpment are stunning!
Mengia waterfall. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
3. Kapchorwa’s ‘Kaptokwoi’ waterfall
Just a 25-minute walk from Home of Friends Guesthouse, two beautiful waterfalls await in a quiet corner of Kapchorwa Town: Chepchebai and Kaptokwoi. “Kaptokwoi” translates to “the stream that never stops flowing,” and true to its name, it’s been a consistent sight for over seven years now. Both waterfalls are featured in our Kapchorwa Nature Walk and Run Kapchorwa Waterfall Loop, offering a tranquil escape into nature.
Kaptokwoi waterfall in July 2022. Photo credit: Poul Chemutai
4. Sipi Falls
Famed for its towering main waterfall that plunges 100 meters, Sipi Falls is a great adventure destination. You can even try abseiling down the cliff for an adrenaline-filled experience! Nearby, the second Sipi waterfall offers a natural swimming pool at its top, while the third, Ngasire, boasts an 87-meter-high ridge.
Two guests enjoying the Sipi main waterfall, December 2021, credit: Juma Chebet
5. Kere waterfall
The most remote waterfall on our list, Kere Waterfall was a discovery during our expedition to map the Mosopisiek Trail in August 2020. This secluded spot is best viewed from the Tuikat ancestral hill, offering a picturesque and off-the-beaten-path experience for true explorers.
Kere waterfall in Kween District. Photo taken from Tuikat viewpoint in August 2020
6. CHEBONET WATERFALL
Just a short distance from the busy Sipi Falls, Chebonet waterfall provides a truly peaceful experience. With breathtaking views all around, it’s an ideal spot for capturing amazing nature photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at some rock climbing in the area.
Chebonet waterfall in September 2024. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
7. Atar-Kshek WATERFALL
Just off the Kapchorwa-Kween highway, Atar-Kshek Waterfall is hidden within a small forest, providing a serene and cool atmosphere. You can easily explore the area on foot or by bike, making it an accessible yet magical stop for nature lovers.
Eliza, our operations manager @ Atar-Kshek waterfall in May 2018
Can’t Get Enough?
If these spectacular waterfalls have left you wanting more, check out the video below from our affiliate Run Kapchorwa for even more Elgon waterfall adventures! And if you’ve discovered other hidden gems in the region, especially on the southwestern side of the mountain, share them in the comments below.
There’s always more to explore in this untouched corner of Uganda!
Eliza & Daan @ Sipi Ngasire waterfall in January 2023
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur who is based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Daan manages Home of Friends Guesthouse, together with his wife Eliza. He is passionate about exploring Mount Elgon’s stunning nature and authentic culture. Through Run Kapchorwa he empowers youth with skilling & employment opportunities.