Sipi Falls
The three falls of Sipi drop about 100 m, 85 m and 75 m. A guided walk through farms and villages visits all three, with chances to stand behind the main fall in its spray and to swim in the pools below the upper falls in dry weather. For more adventure, abseil about 100 m down the cliff beside the main fall. Read the Sipi Falls hike.
Coffee on the slopes of Elgon
The Bugisu region around Sipi is famous for its Arabica coffee, grown by smallholder farmers on the volcanic soils. A coffee tour with a local farmer shows the whole process, from picking ripe cherries to drying, roasting and brewing your own cup. It is a favourite with families and a great way to support the local community.
Trekking Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon offers some of the most rewarding hiking in East Africa without the crowds or extreme altitude of Kilimanjaro. The main routes are:
- The Sasa trail from Budadiri, the steepest and most direct route to Wagagai, about 3–4 days.
- The Sipi trail from Kapkwai near Sipi, the longest and most scenic route, about 4–5 days.
- The Piswa trail, a gentler route through the northern slopes.
Treks are guided by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, with porters available, and nights are spent in simple camps. Bring warm clothes: temperatures near the summit can fall close to freezing.
Things to do
- Waterfall hikes to the three Sipi Falls.
- Abseiling beside the main fall.
- Coffee tours with local farmers.
- Day hikes in the forest of Mount Elgon National Park.
- Multi-day summit treks to Wagagai.
Where to stay
Sipi has lodges with views over the falls and the plains, including Sipi River Lodge. On the mountain, trekkers stay in campsites along the trails.
Combining Sipi with your safari
Sipi pairs well with Jinja and the source of the Nile, about 3–4 hours away, and with the wild plains of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve to the north. Mountain lovers can compare it with trekking the Rwenzori Mountains.
A sample stay at Sipi
Arrive in the afternoon from Jinja and watch the sun set over the plains from your lodge. The next morning, walk to the three falls with a local guide, stopping at a coffee farm on the way to roast and taste the beans. In the afternoon, try abseiling beside the main fall, or simply relax with the view.
What to expect
Sipi sits at about 1,800 m, so days are pleasant and nights cool. Trails to the falls are steep and slippery in places, especially after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. Local guides from the village lead the walks, and their fees support the community.
