Uganda Safari Sipi Falls – 3 Days
3 Day Uganda Safari Sipi Falls – This tour provides a breathtaking atmosphere to you especially when you enjoy the splendid views of Sipi Falls. A hike to Mountain Elgon makes your safari even better as you view nature from a distance.
Sipi falls is located in the East of Uganda approximately 277km from Kampala Uganda’s capital in Kapchorwa district. These falls are found on the foothills of Mountain Elgon just at the edge of Mount Elgon National park nearing the Kenyan border to Uganda. The name sipi was derived from the word ‘sep’ which is a name of a wild banana-like indigenous plant that grows along the banks of the Sipi River, this plant can be used as medicine for treating fevers and measles by local people in that area.
The sipi falls is comprised of 3 waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude. The highest fall drops from an altitude of 100m referred to as the main fall since it is the last fall in the series, this fall is a little bigger than the other two falls, but all give Uganda a beautiful scenery. In fact most people say that sipi falls are the ‘most romantic falls’ in Uganda which is evidenced by the wonderful falls. This area is majorly where most hikes to Mt. Elgon are started from. Hiking up to these falls gives a beautiful scenic view, like Lake Kyoga, the karamoja low lands, coffee plantations and other surrounding areas.
The climate in this area is cool since it’s a hilly area and sometimes as individuals are hiking there are rains, which makes hiking a bit hard but it is also an experience of its own, generally it is a place available for chilling, loosening up and relaxing from the congestion around cities. Uganda Safari Sipi Falls
The nearby communities have hospitable people and majorly the Sabiny and Bagishu live around this area and do farming such as growing of Arabica coffee which is the major cash crop in this land, this coffee is grown on altitudes between 1600metres and 1900metres above sea level. While there individuals can engage in visiting these plantations, these visits can be organized by local guides in the area.
There are no worries of where to stay or how much to pay and all other things because all types of accommodation are available for you while in Sipi such as the luxurious lodges, mid range hotels and budget hotels and also campsites are available for those interested in camping.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Travel to Sipi Falls at Mt Elgon
Day 2: Another day at Mt. Elgon visiting caves
Day 3: Travel back to Kampala, en route at the source of the Nile and Sezibwa falls
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Sipi Falls at Mt Elgon
Today, you will meet and greet with our professional guides and then be briefed about the Sipi falls tours. The river at Sipi rises on the foothills of Mountain Elgon and the place is very popular as it forms the beautiful waterfalls. Dinner and overnight at the lodge: Lacam Lodge, Sipi Falls
Location: Sipi Falls
Accommodations Optional
Budget: Lacam Lodge
Mid-Range: Rafiki Lodge Sipi
Luxury: Sipi River Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Another day at Mt. Elgon visiting caves
Today, after early morning breakfast at the lodge you will go to Mountain Elgon, with a ranger who will take a short hike to explore the 100 meters deep caves. The caves are very rich in salt and mineral deposits. The guide will take further to hike further to the smaller falls for another breathtaking view and lots of exploration including scenic viewing and sightseeing. You can also participate in Topography. In the afternoon after lunch, you will take go for a community walk visiting different local communities in the area. You will visit Arabic coffee plantations and you have shown how to process coffee. Dinner and Overnight at Lacam Lodge
Location: Sipi Falls
Accommodations Optional
Budget: Lacam Lodge
Mid-Range: Rafiki Lodge Sipi
Luxury: Sipi River Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Travel back to Kampala, en route at the source of the Nile and Sezibwa falls
Transportation from the meeting to After our last breakfast at the lodge, you be driven to Kampala. En-route at the source of the Nile in Jinja. You will take a boat trip to the source of the Nile. On your way back to Kampala you will have another stopover at Sezibwa falls for scenic viewing, photography and an exciting walk to the top of the falls. Proceed to Kampala arriving in the evening then later be driven to the airport.
Location: Kampala/Entebbe
Accommodations No accommodation
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Abseiling & Rock climbing
You need to do abseiling in Uganda; sipi is the place to go. This activity is done at the main water fall and is most enjoyed by adventurous travelers. Equipments also known as rappels to be used are availed and also there are skilled guides to guide you through this exciting adventure.
Coffee plantation visit
The coffee plantations are on the lower slopes of Mt. Elgon; while at sipi add on your experience by visiting these plantations. The coffee is majorly Arabica coffee and grows within altitudes 1600m and 1900m, it is the cash crop to the Bagishu and Sabiny in this area, during this visit you will learn also how coffee is harvested, processed, roasted and other things, you will also be able to see how people live in these communities.
Cultural encounters
Being in Kapchorwa there is a lot to see like the Sabiny who basically stay around sipi. There way of life, dress code, traditional dances that can be organized by the community. Also this place is known for female and male circumcision, though that of females has reduced over the years since it was found to be unhealthy and risky to women, but that of men is an amazing activity to witness especially if you visit thus area during the time circumcisions are done.
Bird watching
You are a birder, you can miss out on visiting sipi while on a safari in Uganda, in fact mountain elgon national park has around 275 bird species so you will see most of them while in this area, you can also see some birds while seated in the gardens of Sipi River lodge if that is the accommodation you have opted for.
Mountain Biking
You can opt to travel with your bike if you are to take part in this activity; it is so adventurous and thrilling to ride your bike on the Rocky Mountains, something to remember always.
Visit the Sipi River
Apart from visiting the 3 waterfalls you could also take a time and visit the Sipi River, it has nice vegetation including the ‘sep plant’ which is where the name sipi was derived. This plant is said to be a medicine to measles and fevers. Enjoy a walk along this river with its beautiful scenery. Enjoy your Uganda Safari Sipi Falls
