Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa, 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 organise 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 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 locally grown Bugisu Arabica coffee. Bugisu Arabica only grows at an altitude of between 1,600 and 1,900 metres. Coffee tours are organized through guides with knowledge of coffee farming, processing and roasting. Profits from this go towards community projects.
The Ultimate hassle free trekking experience up Africa's eighth highest mountain.
Let us take the stress out of your expedition and allow you to focus purely on the task ahead. We offer 3 main trips - depending on your needs - however if you don't see exactly what you want below then give us a call as bespoke packages are our specialty!
All our trips reach the summit at Wagagai Peak (4321m) and include, National Park entry fees, ranger fees, porters, camping fees, all food for the mountain, full board accommodation at the lodge and transport from the lodge to the trail head.
Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat hire is available at an additional cost.
You must bring your own cold / wet weather gear as well as sturdy shoes / boots for the climb. Whilst Mt. Elgon contains no technical climbing, be aware that a good level of fitness is recommended.
Please also note that as of July 1st 2011 the UWA increased their daily Park / Mountaineering fee from $50 to $90 hence the more expensive prices.
The flying visit. $560
2 nights at the lodge - 2 nights / 3 days on the mountain - 5 days total.
This trip is for those people short on time. After a night at the lodge we drive you to the trail head at Budadiri / Bumasola, and from there you start your ascent.
A strenuous first day leaves you to rest and make camp at Mude caves camp. (1770m - 3500m)
On the second day you leave the camp for the summit at Wagagai and then back to the camp. (3500m - 4321m - 3500m) There are options to climb Jacksons peak (4165m) and spend more time in the caldera, or just to head back and chill out at the camp.
On day 3 you head back to Bumasola where we will pick you up and drive you back to the lodge for a hot shower some hearty food and a well deserved drink!
The intrepid explorer. $700
2 nights at the lodge - 3 nights / 4 days on the mountain - 6 days total.
Our most popular route starts out at Budadiri and follows the Sasa trail to the summit, then loops around and follows the stunning Sipi trail back down. We'll drop you off on the morning of day 1 and 4 days later you will literally walk back in to the lodge - where we will be waiting to help you relax. Please note that day 1 of this trip is a long and strenuous day.
Day 1. Budadiri/Bumasola - Mude caves camp (1770m - 3500m)
Day 2. Mude caves - Wagagai - Mude caves. (3500m - 4321m - 3500m)
Day 3. Mude caves - Kajere camp (3500m - 3383m)
Day 4. Kajere camp - Sipi River Lodge (3383m - 1795m)
The Full Monty. $900
3 nights at the lodge, 4 nights / 5 days on the mountain - 8 days total
For those wishing to either take a slower pace - or maximise their time on the mountain. Two options are available here - either take an easier first two days (splitting day 1 of the Intrepid explorer package into 2 days), and then continuing on the same. Or push to Mude caves on day 1 and spend an extra day at the summit - spending one day visiting the peaks and a second to explore the hot springs at the entrance to the Suam gorge.
Day 1. Budadiri - Sasa River Camp (1250m - 2900m)
Day 2. Sasa River Camp - Mude Caves Camp (2900m - 3500m)
Day 3. Mude Caves Camp - Wagagai - Mude Caves Camp (3500m - 4321m - 3500m)
Day 4. Mude Caves Camp - Kajere Camp (3500m - 3383m)
Day 5. Kajere Camp - Sipi River Lodge (3383m - 1795m)
More information.
We have been running trips up Mt. Elgon for years now and as such we have a good understanding of the different options available and the best way to maximise your trip. Please do not hesitate to get in touch and find out the best option for you!
happytoursug@gmail.com
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