Situated in Sipi Village Kapchorwa Mbale district, sipi falls is a lesser-known gem worth visiting. Sipi falls is a set of three separate falls formed at different altitudes with the first one forms at 85 meters, the second one at 65 meters and the main fall at 100 meters above the sea level both on the foot hills of Mt Elgon. To some who have visited the place before, Sipi fall sis a natural treasure well worth the trek. Sipi falls are well known as the most beautiful falls in Uganda, which attract large number of travelers to the area Sipi falls improving the livelihoods of local people. The three separate waterfalls are believed to flow from the hot springs at the summit of Mt Elgon, which bounces off from high cliffs with sharp rocks to form the might falls. Though the falls are mistakenly to be one fall, each of the falls is clearly seen from the separate directions. A hike to the top of Sipi falls is an awesome experience hiking through local farms and coffee plantations, which end up at the bottom of the falls. On reaching the top of the falls you will have a magnificent overview of the landscapes as well as a variety of local activities taking place.

The first water fall plunges 85meters from the main river. The waterfall is the scariest with the thunderous roar especially is seen from the bottom. After splashing, river continues with its flows via farmlands and coffee plantation and then plunges at 65 meters above the cliffs to form another waterfall. This is the smallest and less strong of the three Sipi falls in that it forms a natural shower where people can stand and enjoy the pouring of the fresh waters. The strongest waterfall is at 100 meters and is the last formed as the river flows through bushes and local community farms. The fall is formed after the river hits a massive cliff and this is the main waterfall, which most people have seen. Travelers are blessed with breath taking views of the rainbow, which cuts through the splashing white falls.

Hiking to the top of sipi falls
To see all the water falls at different levels, travelers have to hike top to where the first water fall at 85 meters splashes from the main river. The entire trail is approximately 8 to 9 kilometers hiking upward. Hiking s through steep slopes and sharp rocks, which make it quite strenuous especially in the rainy season. However, the trail meanders via local farms, villages and banana plantations, which make the hike a bit easy. The hike rewards you with excellent views of the massive wall like cliffs, flat grounds and green slopes of mount Elgon.

Hiking time
This depends on the speed of hiking and physical fitness of the travelers. Roughly it takes 3 to 4 hours to hike up to the highest water fall (85 meters), which require travelers to be prepared for this hike. Interestingly, there are various stops on each waterfall and the starting point depends of which fall you want to start with. For these who have limited time, you are reminded to start with the main waterfall.

Hiking shoes
Though a short, a hike to the top of Sipi falls is not a walk away. The climb is so steep, which is in most cases slippery behind the waterfall. Flowing water covers up the tracks making it muddy and slippery hence a need for hiking shoes. The shoes help you in hiking to the top as well as descending back,

Walking sticks and porters
You are reminded to carry with you a walking stick for support in the slippery grounds. Similarly, you will need to hire porters for as low as 2000ugs to help you carry baggage. Porters are natives of Sipi village who have indigenous knowledge about the history of the three falls help you to understand more about these unique features. More still hiring a porter of a local guide is an indirect support to the local communities earning them a living hence improved standards of living.

Other activities along Sipi falls include:
Rock climbing/ abseiling
Sipi falls is the best place for rock climbing in Uganda and abseiling in Uganda. Travelers climb the rocks to the top of the falls and nearby crags are arranged o ensure safety of all participants. In the same way, trails abseil from top to the bottom of the falls, which is surely a memorable experience. Rock climbing is the most adventurous activity that is only done at Sipi falls and is most interesting. Physical fitness is very important and a high level of commitment since it not for the faint hearted.

Bird watching
Sipi falls is a paradise for birders sheltering a variety of bird species some of which are endemic to the area. In general, Mt Elgon is believed to be host over 299 bird species which include Black-Collared Apalis, Red-throated wryneck, alpine chat, weyn’s weaver, Hunters Cisticola, Moorland francolin, Jackson’s francolin, alpine chat and Moustached green tinker bird among others. Travelers are reminded to carry binoculars and experienced guides help in spotting and explaining in details the unique characters of each spotted bird specie.

Conclusively therefore, travel to Sipi falls, hike to the top of the falls and enjoy a memorable lifetime experience.