Sipi Falls Uganda Adventures with Local Experts
Explore Sipi Falls through the eyes of a local.
My name is Kevin, and this is my home.
Welcome to the Village. Welcome to the Family.
In our local language, my name Achami means “Love.” I was born and raised right here in Sipi Village, near the spray of the second waterfall.
You might see the name Kapchorwa on your map—that’s our district town just up the road—but Sipi is where the heart of the mountain beats. In our culture, Kapchorwa means the “Home of Friends.” Even if you’ve never heard that name before today, my goal is that by the time you leave, you’ll feel like you’ve found a second home here.
Why explore with us?
- True Local Roots: We aren’t a big agency from the city. We are the sons and daughters of Sipi. We know every hidden cave and the best time of day to catch the rainbow in the falls.
- Tourism that Gives Back: Your adventure directly creates jobs. From our mountain guides to farmers like Joel who host our coffee tours, your visit helps our community grow.
- Flexible for Every Traveler: Whether you are a backpacker looking for a safe campsite or a luxury traveler wanting a high-end lodge, we handle the details so you can just enjoy the view.
The Legend of the Falls: A Story of the Land
Many people ask me where the name “Sipi” comes from. It actually comes from the “Sep” plant, a wild banana-like plant that grows along the banks of the Sipi River. For us locals, this plant isn’t just decoration; it is a traditional medicine and a deep part of our history.
Flowing from the high slopes of Mount Elgon, the Sipi River creates a series of three majestic waterfalls. When you stand at the base of the main 100-meter drop, you aren’t just looking at water—you are looking at the lifeblood of our mountain community. At an elevation of 1,779 meters above sea level, the air here is crisp, the coffee is fresh, and the views of the Kyoga Basin plains are like nowhere else in Uganda.
Exploring the Three Main Falls
A lot of visitors don’t realize that Sipi Falls is actually a series of three distinct waterfalls, each with its own personality. On our guided hiking tours, we take you to all of them:
- The Main Fall (100m): This is the “Big One” you see in all the photos. It is the tallest and most powerful. This is also where we host our famous abseiling (rappelling) adventures.
- The Middle Fall (75m): Also known as Sipi 2. It features a beautiful cave behind the curtain of water—a perfect spot for a break and some incredible photos.
- The Upper Fall (85m): The first drop the river makes. It is peaceful and offers a stunning panoramic view of the Mount Elgon National Park foothills.
Our top 4 activities in Sipi
The Triple Falls Hike
The Classic. Explore all three waterfalls, hidden caves, and the best viewpoints in the valley.
100 meter Abseiling Sipi Falls
The Adrenaline. Descend the main fall with our certified instructors, Job and Siya. It’s a rush you’ll never forget.
The “Seed to Cup” Coffee Tour
The Culture. Meet the farmers, roast your own beans over an open fire, and taste the best Arabica in Uganda.
Mount Elgon Trekking
The Big Adventure. From 1-day nature walks to 6-day expeditions to Wagagai Peak.
No Stress, Just Adventure.
We know planning a trip to Eastern Uganda can be confusing. Let’s make it easy:
- Transparency: No hidden fees. We tell you exactly what’s included (meals, transport, entry fees) before you pay.
- Getting Here: Whether you’re coming from Kampala, Jinja, or the Kenya border, we can arrange private transport or guide you through the public matatu options.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September is perfect for hiking, but Sipi is beautiful and green all year round.
Your Journey to Sipi Falls
Getting to our corner of Eastern Uganda is an adventure in itself. Sipi is approximately 277km from Kampala, which usually takes about 5 to 6 hours of driving through the beautiful Mabira Forest and across the Nile in Jinja.
If you are coming from Jinja (about 195km away), it is a shorter 3-4 hour trip. Whether you are taking a private car, a self-drive adventure, or want to experience the local “Timekeeper” or “Mikween” buses from Nakawa, we can help you coordinate your transport. We want to make sure your arrival in Sipi or Kapchorwa is as smooth as possible.
What Our Guests Say (on TripAdvisor)
Ready to start your Sipi story?
I’m usually out on the trails, but I’m always available to help you plan your perfect trip. Send me a message, and let’s get you to the falls.
Reach out to me on WhatsApp or send an email to start your adventure
Where you can find us
