The Complete Guide to Sipi Falls (2024)
Are you looking for a refreshing experience in nature? Sipi Falls lies on the greener than green slopes of Mount Elgon, in Uganda.
Mainstream activities in the area are the Sipi Falls hike and the coffee tour. But most people don’t know there is much more to explore and do in the area. Enough trails and highlights for a full week of outdoor excitement.
This is our complete guide to beautiful Sipi Falls. Based on seven years of tourism & hospitality experience in this region. So, no need for ChatGPT here😉
Ready to explore the possibilities for a worthwhile trip in nature?
Let us dive right into it!
We based this blog on our own experience and on information from key stakeholders. All opinions and recommendations are completely our own.
Table of contents
General information about Sipi Falls:
Book and enjoy your Sipi Falls trip:
Sipi Falls Travel Resources
Getting there: search flights for Uganda
Supermarkets: BAM Shopping Center Mbale or Kapchorwa Superstores
ATMs: various options along Republic Street in Mbale or Stanbic in Kapchorwa Town
Guidebook: order a copy of the Bradt Guide Uganda
Maps: download our touristic map for Kapchorwa and Kween District
Outdoor gear: Sunny Outdoors in Jinja or the Decathlon in Nairobi
Sipi Tour Guides Association: Contact Juma Chebet +256(0)787767402 / +256(0)757278381
Where is Sipi Falls located?
Sipi Falls is located in Kapchorwa District, on the northern slopes of Mount Elgon, in Uganda. Sipi's village center is 55 kilometers from Mbale, the largest town in Eastern Uganda.
The altitude of Sipi Falls is approximately 1800m ASL.
Sipi has three major waterfalls. Two falls are located near the Mbale - Kapchorwa highway that bisects the village. The third waterfall is seen from the highway but located a little further up the mountain.
From Sipi, it is 90 kilometers to the border with Kenya, in Suam. Uganda’s capital Kampala is 274 kilometers away.
Sipi Falls is not far from Kapchorwa, the central town on this side of Mount Elgon. Kapchorwa is also known as Uganda’s Land of Running Champions:
Sipi Falls and Kapchorwa are located in the East of Uganda. Map credit: Daan Oxener
Let us now explore the name Sipi and a world champion from the area💪🏽
Where does the name Sipi come from?
The name Sipi comes from the local word ‘Sep’. This is a wild-banana plant that grows along Sipi’s riverbanks.
In 2012, son of the soil Stephen Kiprotich won gold in the London Olympics. Aqua Sipi included Stephen’s triumph in their famous television commercial.
A beautiful impression of Sipi Falls and Stephen’s home area close to Kapchorwa Town:
Must we Kip Siping? Why not!
Who are the people living in Sipi Falls?
The majority of people (90%) in Sipi Falls are Sebei. The Sebei people are a Southern Nilotic tribe. The Sebei consist of three subtribes: the Mbai, Sor and Sapin (Goldsmith, 1975). It is the Mbai who have always occupied the lands in and around Sipi. Apart from the Sebei, the Bagisu tribe makes up 10% of the population.
The Sebei people create lasting impressions because of:
a strong focus on farming including the growing of Arabica coffee;
being reserved and friendly! (‘Kapchorwa means ‘Home of Friends’😉)
About 10% of the population in Sipi Falls are Bagisu, a Bantu tribe. The Bagisu are known for their entrepreneurial mindset.
You can recognise the Sebei people by their ‘Che’ names. Chebet, Cheptegei, Chelangat et cetera. These names refer to when or where a person was born. Chebet means ‘born during daytime’. Cheptegei was ‘born on the veranda’. And a Chelangat is ‘born at night’.
The hard-to-learn language of the Sebei people is ‘Kupsapiiny’.
Interested to learn more about the Sebei people and their culture? Keep reading (and Siping of course:)!
Coffee farmers’ couple in Sipi Falls. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
How high are Sipi’s waterfalls?
Sipi's tallest waterfall is 95 meters high. When coming from the Mbale side, find Sipi on your left-hand side. View this waterfall from one of the lodges along the scenic escarpment.
But if you’re into hiking, you can also take a steep walk down to the bottom of the fall. This waterfall is also used for abseiling.
The second waterfall is 74 meters high and named ‘Simba’. Simba lies on the property of Sipi Heritage Lodge. Via a short but steep climb you reach a cave behind the waterfall. A refreshing and relaxing spot.
The name of the third waterfall is Ngasire. This waterfall is approximately 85 meters tall. It takes a little longer to reach here. If you book the 3 to 4 hours Sipi Falls hike, Ngasire is part of the experience. On your way to Ngasire waterfall you get good insights into the local village life. This is why we always recommend doing this longer hike.
Sipi has a less visited fourth and a fifth waterfall. These waterfalls can be explored during a separate 3-hour hike.
Visitors at the cave behind the second Simba waterfall. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
Are there more waterfalls in the Sipi Falls area?
The number of waterfalls in the wider Sipi Falls area are countless. Especially during the rainy season, waterfalls pop up around every corner! The higher you climb, the more waterfalls you will find.
Atar. Kaptokwoi. Mengia. Yatui. Chepchebai. We mapped various attractive waterfalls and included them in our hikes.
What is the best season to visit Sipi Falls?
Sipi Falls can be visited all-year long.
Do you love to experience the volume of the waterfalls? And can you live with some rain? Then visit Sipi Falls in the wet seasons of April - May or September - November.
Do you like sunshine? The best season to visit Sipi Falls is in the dry months of December to March. There is only one problem here. During the time of writing this blog (February / March 2024) it is raining much more than usual! This shows how climate change also affects Sipi Falls and its surroundings.
Tip 1: Morning hours tend to be most sunny in the Sipi Falls area. So go out early when nature is at its most beautiful. And have a fresh and best start of the day:)
Tip 2: Make your Sipi experience more refreshing by taking a dive on top of the second waterfall:
What is the TrAVEL distance and time to Sipi Falls?
Learn about the travel distance and time to Sipi Falls from various places in Uganda. We have included some practical tips for your journey too:
Travel to Sipi Falls from kenya
Kitale is the Kenyan town nearest to Sipi Falls. The Kitale - Suam - Kapchorwa highway is now tarmacked. Including an improved border crossing, this makes the travel time not more than 4 hours. Via the same highway, it is 210 km / 5 hours from Eldoret to Sipi Falls.
Is Sipi Falls touristy?
It is not the Niagara waterfalls nor the Kilimanjaro. But still, Sipi Falls is quite touristy.
Often youth try to stop tourists along the roadside. Our sincere warning: be careful not to get cheated. A too smooth talk is never a good sign:)
Like many things in Uganda, it is a bit double. There is a small group of passionate and highly professional tour operators in Sipi Falls (later more about them!). And also, quite a large group of disorganised individuals.
Do you want to be sure of a reliable and qualified guide?
Then book:
at one of the other established lodges in the Sipi Falls area;
via the Sipi Tour Guides Association (see contact above, under ‘Sipi Falls Travel Resources’).
Adventure travelers at the bottom of Sipi’s first 95 meter waterfall. Photo credit Juma Chebet
IS SIPI FALLS A SAFE PLACE TO VISIT?
Yes, the Sipi Falls area is safe to visit.
CHANCES OF MUDSLIDES IN SIPI FALLS
Mount Elgon covers a large area. In case you hear about Elgon mudslides on the news, there is no immediate reason to panic. Mudslides usually take place in other places on the mountain. But still, soil erosion is not uncommon in Sipi Falls and its surroundings.
Still having a doubt? Feel free to contact us for the latest updates.
SAFE PARKING SPACE IN SIPI FALLS
The parking at Sipi Heritage Lodge is safe. Other lodges where you can park your car on a secured compound are:
Lacam Lodge / Endiro;
Rafiki Lodge;
Crows Nest.
Now that we are talking about safety and cars. Be sure your brakes are in good shape when driving through the Sipi Falls hills.
We hope you have now gotten a clear picture about Sipi Falls and its surroundings.
Let us dive into Sipi’s best activities:
What are the best activities to do in Sipi Falls?
We group Sipi Falls’ best activities as follows:
Sipi’s activities for nature lovers
Sipi’s activities for culture lovers
Sipi’s activities for adventure seekers
Sipi’s activities to unwind and relax
The indicated prices below are per person. The prices are set by the Sipi Tour Guides Association and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). All for activities with experienced and qualified guides.
Are you a foreign resident or East African national? You can always try to negotiate a lower price. Especially when you are coming with a group or with (young) children.
But for all activities counts: Make sure you move with a qualified guide!
Sipi’s activities FOR nature lovers
SIPI FALLS HIKE
The Sipi Falls hike is the classic activity in the area. Apart from the waterfalls, this hike shows life in the villages. In a 3 to 4 hour hike you can see Sipi’s three major waterfalls. If you don’t want to hike for too long, you can still admire one or two waterfalls during a 1 to 2 hour hike.
Price for 1-2 hours: $ 10USD
Price for 3-4 hours: $ 15USD
Are you not into mainstream activities? Then go for one of these three options:
Visit the fourth and fifth Sipi waterfall. A hike to these waterfalls alone takes around 3 hours and costs $ 15USD.
The beautiful Kapchorwa Nature Walk is more off-the-beaten track and less touristy.
Chebonet waterfall is a few kilometers away from Sipi Falls. It has a magnificent appearance:
BIRD WATCHING IN AND NEAR SIPI FALLS
Basic bird watching in Sipi Falls takes place from Sipi Heritage Lodge. Or outside Mount Elgon National Park in Kapkwai, at a 30 minutes boda ride from Sipi Falls. Joel Kaburu is an experienced Sipi-based tour guide who can do this activity.
Are you an experienced bird watcher? Then we recommend going inside Mount Elgon National Park, via Kapkwai Exploration Center. Here you are likely to have a more worthwhile birding experience!
Price for 2 hours bird watching outside the park: $ 20USD
Price for bird watching inside the park: $ 30USD
Family hiking in Kapkwai forest. Mount Elgon National Park. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
KAPKWAI RAINFOREST WALK
If you love rainforests, this activity is a nice one! And great if you are with children because of the high chance of seeing monkeys. You can either do a 5-hours, 7-hours or 9-hours walk. Kapkwai Exploration Center is the beginning and end point of this trail.
Price: $ 30USD
Sipi’s activities for culture lovers
VISIT MISE CAVE
A worthwhile activity in Sipi is the cultural experience in Mise Cave. It gives insights into the ancestral history of the Sebei natives. It is a combination of a cave tour and storytelling.
Price: $ 6USD
A hand full of Sipi Arabica coffee. Photo credit: Peter Vlam
EXPLORE SIPI’S ARABICA COFFEE
Coffee plantations on Mount Elgon are small and owned by local farmers.
In Sipi Falls, you can do the practical and interactive coffee tour.
Do you want to see a larger washing station? Then connect with one of the exporting coffee companies in the region. Zukuka Coffee and The Coffee Gardens also empower the Community.
The aforementioned Joel Kaburu (the bird watcher) is also a specialty coffee producer:
MORE ENGAGING CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
For more engaging cultural experiences in the wider Sipi Falls area, visit our dedicated cultural tours page.
Sipi’s Activities for adventure seekers
ABSEILING ALONG SIPI’S MAIN WATERFALL
We did it in 2021. And it is true! Abseiling along Sipi’s main waterfall is a blast! There are three companies that organise this thrilling activity:
Abseiling starts from the age of 6 years.
Price: $ 50USD
Eliza (Home of Friends) and her sister abseiling from Sipi’s 95m waterfall. Photo credit: Job Soyekwo (Mulima Adventures)
ROCK CLIMBING @ CHEBONET WATERFALL
It is another thrilling activity: Rock climbing at Chebonet waterfall. Chebonet waterfall lies a few kilometers outside Sipi. Mulima Adventures and Sipi Adventures arrange this activity.
Robs Rolling Rock offers rock climbing along Sipi’s main waterfall.
Please mind the natural climbing holds don’t offer much grip. So, if you are a beginner, you may not enjoy this activity. But for experienced climbers it offers an exciting challenge!
Price: $ 40USD
Rock climbing near Chebonet waterfall. Photo credit: Michaela Šrámková
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE WIDER SIPI FALLS AREA
There are two tour operators in the Sipi Falls area with quality mountain bikes:
Bike Kapchorwa: two Giant Talon bikes (size M and size L)
Massif Montane Expedition: two Trek bikes (size M and size L)
As it is either dusty or muddy on Mount Elgon, maintenance of mountain bikes is a challenge. Bike Kapchorwa has a trained mechanic. He can also join you on your ride through Kapchorwa’s and Sipi’s lush villages.
And for the real thrill seekers. Enduro riding on Mount Elgon is breathtaking. Get a glimpse of this bike magic here:
Sipi’s Activities to UNWIND AND Relax
Sipi Falls offers different activities that help you to unwind and relax.
VIEW THE MAIN WATERFALL FROM ONE OF THE SIPI LODGES
You don’t need to do a hike to enjoy Sipi’s main waterfall. The best and closest view is from Sipi Falls Lodge. This lodge charges 5,000UGX per person for non-residents. Sipi Falls Lodge is where people take the famous waterfall selfies.
Other places to view the main waterfall from are:
GO FOR A SUNDOWN EXPERIENCE @ KING’S VIEWPOINT
King's viewpoint is a stunning hilltop behind Crows Nest and Rafiki Lodge. During bright weather you can see the peaks of Mount Elgon from here.
The traditional activity at King’s viewpoint is the sundown experience. Some tour guides arrange a wine & dine to make the Sipi sunset even more special!
Price: $ 10USD
Sunset moment in Sipi Falls. Photo credit: William Cheptoek (Discover Sipi)
GO FOR A RELAXATION MASSAGE
There are two women in the Sipi Falls area offering relaxation massage:
Nelly, based in Sipi Falls: 0777740382
Eliza, based in Kapchorwa Town: 0703276181
Make sure you book this activity a little in advance.
Eliza giving a relaxation massage demo @ Home of Friends. Photo credit: Hope Cherotich
Where TO sleep in Sipi Falls?
Sipi Falls has accommodation options in different price ranges:
Sipi lodges with a waterfall view
Sipi lodges with an amazing waterfall view are:
Sipi Falls Lodge has the perfect view on Sipi’s main waterfall.
Lacam Lodge neighbors Sipi Falls Lodge. From the attached Endiro restaurant and the garden below, you can view the waterfall too.
Sipi Heritage Lodge is located along the Sipi - Kapchorwa highway. One of its cottages has a view of the second Sipi waterfall.
Budget accommodation & campsites in Sipi Falls
Moses Campsite is a centrally located campsite with basic facilities and low prices.
Crow’s Nest is the oldest accommodation in Sipi Falls. For the budget traveler.
Kamorok Falls View Lodge is one of the latest additions to the accommodation offer in Sipi Falls.
Homestays in Sipi Falls
Do you prefer to stay at someone’s home? You may enjoy one of these options:
Moses Masai owns Blue Star Homestay. Moses is one of the most passionate and experienced tour guides in the area. The name of his tour arm is Explore Sipi.
Alex and Precious are the owners of Rock Garden Sipi. Enjoy their delicious food around the campfire.
Sunrise Homestay has a great viewpoint and hospitality. This place is run by Yovan and Francis.
Best accommodations in the greater Sipi Falls area
Check Trip Advisor for the best rated accommodations in the greater Sipi Falls area.
Yes, Home of Friends is #1 and would love to host you:) Please mind we are located at a 25 minutes’ drive from Sipi Falls (tarmac). But close to other untouched waterfalls, and in the heart of Uganda's Land of Champions:)
The spacious and relaxing garden of Home of Friends Guesthouse. Photo credit: Hans van der Stoel
Are there GOOD restaurants in Sipi Falls?
Good restaurants in Sipi Falls can be counted on one hand.
Endiro restaurant @ Lacam Lodge, is located on your left-hand side when entering Sipi from the Mbale side.
Other fair to good restaurants, as part of the lodges, can be found at Sipi Heritage Lodge, Rafiki Lodge and the new Mise Cave Lodge.
But for the highest passion and quality of food and drinks, drive a little higher up the mountain:)
Vegetable pizza Home of Friends restaurant (Kapchorwa Town). Photo credit: Daan Oxener
HOW TO GET TO SIPI FALLS?
You can get to Sipi Falls by public transport, via a private hire or on a mountain / motor bike. Both from the Kenyan side and the Kampala / Jinja side, roads are well tarmacked these days. Only the last couple of hundred meters to Sipi Falls' lodges are often dirt road.
TRAVEL TO SIPI FALLS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Time Keeper taxis leave every morning from Nakawa in Kampala. A seat costs between 10USD and 13USD, depending on season and fuel prices. Time Keeper taxis move straight to Kapchorwa Town and can drop you in Sipi Falls. On the way back to Jinja or Kampala, they can collect and drop you along the highway.
For bookings: +256(0)702585025 (Cossy) / +256(0)772628119 (Kaps).
Tip: Book Time Keeper the evening before🕖
TRAVEL TO SIPI FALLS BY PRIVATE HIRE
If you don’t feel like folding your legs in a taxi, go for a private hire. We are working together with trusted drivers in Jinja, Kampala and Entebbe.
Indicative prices for a private hire Entebbe - Kapchorwa:
Small car (3-seater): +/- 160USD
Medium car (4-seater): +/- 185USD
Van (10-seater): +/- 255USD
Feel free to ask us for more information. Please note we don’t earn on these private hires. Though we do hope you will sleep at our place:)
TRAVEL TO SIPI FALLS ON A MOUNTAIN OR MOTOR BIKE
Red Dirt Uganda has developed the Uganda Cycling Trail. The Uganda Cycling Trail is an amazing 1600 km route through the green ‘Pearl of Africa’. Check the Uganda Cycling Trail’s website for route descriptions and Guesthouse suggestions.
The Uganda Cycling Trail is developed for mountain bikers🚵🏾But most parts are fit for motor bikers too🏍️
Mountainbikers on a trail in Kapchorwa, near Sipi Falls. Photo credit: Collins Cheseswa
Who can arrange a Sipi Falls trip for me?
Experienced Sipi-based tour operators who can arrange your Sipi Falls trip are:
These tour operators are natives of the area. So they have the most accurate and in-depth knowledge. Your money benefits the local Community the most when booking with a local tour operator.
Sipi and Kapchorwa tour operators mapping a new trail in August 2020. From left to right: Moses Masai, David Mande, Daan Oxener, Juma Chebet and Job Soyekwo. Photo credit: William Cheptoek
The do’s and dont’s of moving around Sipi Falls
The people in Sipi Falls are generally friendly and welcoming. But please be aware of some do’s and dont’s when moving around Sipi Falls:
In the Sebei culture it is not appropriate to wear short skirts or shorts. Rule of thumb is to show no skin above the knee.
Other etiquette in and around Sipi Falls area are:
only make photos of children, not of adults (unless you have permission);
don’t litter trash on the trails;
don’t give out free money to the Community. Rather book an activity with one of the tour operators that supports the Community.
Community member in the higher belts of Kween District enjoying his ‘lakwek’ (honey wine). Photo credit: Giorgios Voursoukis
What OTHER ACTIVITIES CAN WE DO IN THE WIDER Sipi Falls area?
There is a lot to do in the wider Sipi Falls area. You can spend 7 to 10 days on the mountain. And be busy with a variety of off-the-beaten track activities. Here is selection of these other exciting activities:
We hope this blog has answered all your questions about beautiful Sipi Falls.
In case any information is missing, please leave a comment below.
And if you liked it, feel free to comment too😇