Sipi Falls
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Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchwora, northeast of Sironko and Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border.
The Sipi Falls area is the starting point for many hikes up Mt. Elgon. The most popular route starts in Budadiri and follows the Sasa trail to the summit and then descends down the Sipi trail back into the Sipi Falls. Hikes around the falls offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mt. Elgon. Individuals can organize trips through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or local private operators.
There are a number of lodges and backpackers / campsites in the area offering a range of accommodation for all budgets. With a cooler climate than most of the country Sipi Falls is a nice place to unwind, relax and literally chill out away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities. Being on the foothills of Mt. Elgon, Sipi offers a number of alternative activities to the mainstream river activities in and around Jinja. Rob’s Rolling Rock, a local outfit trained by Italian climbers offers abseiling along the side of the main 100m Sipi waterfall as well as climbing on 14 bolted sport routes with a range of difficulty. Other activities include hiking around the local area and visiting the local waterfalls.
The main Activity of Sipi being hiking and relaxing, it makes it an all-time rounder. This means you can visit this place at any time of the year although during the wet season the hiking tracks might be slippery and unbearable
The dry season of Uganda run from June to August and December to February, although June and July are the driest month. But again Uganda be at the Equator don’t get surprised when it rains. The wet season run from March to April and September to November
While in Sipi Falls slightly heavier clothing is useful. Being that it’s found on the slopes of Mountain Elgon, during wet seasons it can always be too cold.
The greatest health risks in Uganda are accidents and malaria. Much of Uganda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are recommended. Travellers should seek professional medical advice on taking anti-malarial medicines and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially between dawn and dusk.
Travellers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, following the advice of their local healthcare provider, and should consider bringing a small first aid kit. A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination and covid-19 negative certificate is required at arrival.
As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport and all land borders.
Sipi Falls can be reached by air and road. The nearest airport and link to the park is Entebbe international airport in Uganda’s capital Kampala. Uganda Airlines, RwandAir, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and KLM all have flights to Entebbe international Airport. There after you will have to use the Road through tourist towns Like Jinja best known for the source of the Nile and white water rafting, Mbale the home of the most exciting cultural practices circumcision if you visit in an even year then to Kapchwora.
For further advice on planning your Sipi Falls, simply enquire with one of our local Safari Experts.
More Information
Costs
A single entry tourist visa costs US $50 (exclusions apply for select countries and is valid for 90 days)
A multiple Tourist Visa US $100 (exclusions apply for select countries and is valid for 12 months)
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, costs US $100 and is valid for 90 days.