TRAVEL : Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is a series of three tall waterfalls all plunging along the lower slopes of Mt Elgon (4321m) in Eastern Uganda between the towns of Mbale and Kapchorwa on the Sipi river. The falls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, near the Kenyan border. The main waterfall is about 100m high and is visible from numerous positions. The next falls upstream is said to be 75m tall. This one consists of some upper cascades before making its plunge. You can walk to a tiny cave right behind this waterfall. The uppermost waterfall is 85m tall. It’s a long way from the 2nd falls to this one. The Sipi Falls area hosts a large number of lodges and campsites for accommodation. Is also a base for trekking on Mt Elgon, Shorter treks can be made in Sipi Falls area, where stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Mt Elgon peaks and other waterfalls of the area are on offer. The three falls can be access on a 7km hike where steep ascents and descents, flimsy ladders, flimsy catwalks, lots of farms, will be encountered. The Sipi River is named after the ‘Sep’, a plant indigenous to the banks of the River. Resembling a type of wild banana, Sep is a medicinal plant, the translucent green frond with a bolt of crimson rib is used for treating measles and fever. The Sipi Falls area is particularly famous for Bugisu Arabica Coffee produced and grown locally by farmers. Bugisu Arabica only grows at an altitude of between 1,600 and 1,900 metres. One such good area of accommodation is the Sipi River Lodge which is set amongst 17 acres of private grounds, which include the 80m Kapsururu Falls, several caves and peaceful gardens to explore. The Lodge is run with only a small number of guests at any one time making it a very ‘home away from home’ experience and we pride ourselves on the personal service we offer our guests. Sipi falls can be accessed form the Ugandan Capital Kampala easily. A five hour drive across the River Nile and into eastern Uganda will prove stuffiness. Mount Elgon, the fourth highest peak in Africa and an extinct volcano which in prehistoric times stood taller than Kilimanjaro offers the additional attractions. Sipi Falls Resort also provides a perfect backdrop to the beautiful waterfall whose thatched cottages overlooks Sipi Falls and Karamajong plains. You can view the Sipi falls from the top of a high cliff (100m) where a wonderful view of the valley below and the opportunity for an up-close view of the falls awaits. The Sipi falls area is an ideal place to relax in the warm mountain sun and to go for rambles in the small farms of the local Sebei people. It is convenient for visiting Kenya and the renowned Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda. Ends

Lifestyle

TRAVEL : Sipi Falls