Sipi Falls

The captivating Sipi Falls are conceivably the most beautiful waterfalls in Uganda and this explains why they are the most visited waterfalls in the country. Sipi Falls is made up of three waterfalls namely Sipi and the other two Simba and Ngasire. The waterfalls are on river Sipi that runs from the ends of mountain Elgon and they are separated by steep hillsides which give it beautiful views.

The charming waterfalls are found in the Kapchorwa district in Uganda in the vicinity of Mount Elgon National Park.

A brief history of the breathtaking Sipi Falls.

The beautiful name Sipi originates from a plant called sep which is a wild banana that grows around the areas of the waterfall. A legend has it that a long time ago, British explorers on their exciting adventures encountered this anxiety-free waterfall and with the desire to know more about the waterfall, they asked a woman around for its name.

The woman did not have a clue about what they were asking, remember there was no education back in the day and since the explorers were speaking English the woman couldn’t understand what exactly they were asking. In her mind, she understood that they were asking to know what the wild banana plants were called in the local language and she told them that it was called Sep.

The British explorers understood that the waterfalls were called sep and so they named it Sipi in their literature. The name has been in place up to today.

Uniqueness and attractions at Sipi Falls.

The spectacular falls have cheerful and unworried caves that surround them. These caves attract explorers from various places in the world who come and have their adventures in the place.

Rare species of birds. The waterfalls, due to their attractiveness, are often visited by beautiful and rare species of birds that come and chill at the waterfalls and in the plants in its vicinity.

Diverse cultures. The waterfall has welcoming tribes that live in its vicinity and these provide exciting cultural encounters and entertainment to visitors to the falls.

Activities done at Sipi falls.

Hiking. This is one of the exciting activities that are possible at the waterfalls and it normally includes a hike to the top of the falls that gives picturesque views to visitors.

Rock climbing and abseiling. This is also possible and it entails travelers wrapping themselves with rock climbing and abseiling gear that are rope-like which helps them enjoy the activity with no worries of any interruptions.

Bird watching is also possible at Sipi Falls. Bird enthusiasts get to watch beautiful birds such as; handsome francolins, African finfoot, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African jacana, Doherty’s bush shrike, great blue turacos, black bee eaters, standard winged nightjar, Marabou stocks, African darter, hadada ibis, African paradise, African spoonbill, eastern plantain eater, African open bill, grauer’s broadbill and secretary birds.

Coffee tours.  A visit to the coffee plantations in the area is also possible.  Visitors get first-hand information on how coffee is planted and grown. Explanation of thorough processes of manufacturing is also offered by the tourist guides.

Cave explorations. These are possible because of the caves that are within the areas of the waterfalls. Each of the caves gives its own spectacular experiences.

Mountain biking. It is important to note that the area in the vicinity of the falls is a mountainous one. This offers the possibility for exciting mountain biking adventures through the peaceful villages near the falls and a ride to the top of the hills gives breathtaking views of the distant areas in the Mount Elgon National Park.

When to visit Sipi Falls.

The best time to visit the captivating Sipi Falls is the long dry seasons that run from June all the way up to August but also the short dry seasons which run from December up to early March give uninterrupted experiences to visitors. The falls though can be visited throughout the year.