Sipi Falls Facts, Hiking, Activities, Location, Entrance Fee

Where is Sipi falls found in Uganda:

The Falls form 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 falls pick their water as it flows from the slopes of Mountain Elgon.

It has a vigorous flow with mist and even creates mini rainbows when the sun hits it! However, there are countless other less prominent falls nearby. They can be a wonderful place to bring a loved one to spend some quality time together. Sipi falls is also usually the starting point for many hikers looking to scale Mountain Elgon.

#Explore Sipi falls -The beauty of Kapchorwa hills

The falls are also popular for the cool weather, the ice-cold water which some describe as healing when dove into, and the Bugisu Arabica coffee plantations nearby. Arabica coffee is known to grow at altitudes of about 1600m.  The breathtaking waterfalls derive their name from the Sipi River which in turn was named after the local plant growing along the river banks called the “sep”. This plant resembles a type of wild banana with translucent green fronds with a bolt of crimson red used for medicinal purposes like treating measles and fever. Local folklore has it that British sightseers once found a lady picking wild plants in a nearby plantation and asked her the name of the falls. She thought they were asking the name of the plant so she replied, “Sep. This, therefore, was considered the basis of the present name Sipi falls.

Can you swim in Sipi falls:

Are you wondering whether you can enjoy swimming on your trip to Uganda’s Sipi falls, here is great news for you. The waterfall has a big enough plunge pool that you can dive in for a swim in the cold waters. It is commonly referred to as a “natural swimming pool”. This is considered the main waterfall and often times mistaken to be “thee” Sipi Falls without considering the two other waterfalls. The experience here is absolutely fantastic.