Sipi Falls Accommodation

Our TOP 10 Sipi Falls accommodation facilities,
such as lodges, hotels, resorts, homestays, and guest houses within Sipi (and Kapchorwa) which vary from budget to luxury.

Sipi Heritage Lodge: A Step into Sipi History

If you are looking for a place with deep roots, this is it. Sipi Heritage Lodge is the second-oldest accommodation in our village, and it carries a quiet, classic mountain charm. Originally known as Sipi River Lodge, its name was changed to reflect its legacy here in the foothills of Mount Elgon.

The Experience: The lodge is perched right along the Mbale-Kapchorwa road, but once you step inside, the world slows down. It is situated incredibly close to the riverbank. My favorite spot here is the wide, open veranda in the comfortable reading lounge. Because of the lodge’s location, you get a constant, cool breeze coming off the waterfalls. It’s the perfect place to sit with a cold beer or a cup of our local Arabica coffee and just listen to the water.

The View: From the bar and restaurant, you have a direct “front-row” view of the Sipi River and the second waterfall. The grounds are filled with local flora and fauna, making it a paradise for birdwatchers or anyone who wants to feel surrounded by nature.

• Accommodation: A mix of cozy rooms and private cottages.
• Price Range: $64 – $175 USD (depending on your choice of room and occupancy).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “Because this lodge is so close to the water, the ‘soundtrack’ of the falls is quite loud here. If you love falling asleep to the sound of a rushing river, you will love Sipi Heritage.”

Rafiki Lodge Sipi: The Ultimate Panorama

If you are looking for the lodge with the “Wow” factor, Rafiki is hard to beat. Positioned on a dramatic ridge, this higher mid-range lodge offers a 360-degree sensory experience. On one side, you look down into the vast, sun-drenched plains of Karamoja; on the other, you are face-to-face with the lush cliffs of the Sipi valley.

The Experience: Rafiki is perfect for those who want peace and quiet. There is no village noise here—only the sound of the wind and the distant roar of the water. It’s a very social spot, too; the bar and restaurant area is a hub for travelers, offering reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable lounge where you can swap stories after a day of hiking.

The View: This is one of the very few places in Sipi where, from certain vantage points, you can actually see all three waterfalls at once. If you are a photographer, or if you just want to see the full scale of the Mount Elgon foothills, this is the place to stand.

• Accommodation: A wide variety of rooms, from simple stays to luxury cliff-side cottages.
• Price Range: $25 – $300 USD (offering everything from budget-friendly options to high-end suites).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “The sunsets here are legendary. Because you can see all the way to the Karamoja plains, the sky turns incredible shades of orange and purple. Even if you aren’t staying here, I often bring my guests to this ridge just for the evening view.”

Mise Cave Lodge: A Hidden History

If you want an accommodation that feels like an adventure in itself, Mise Cave Lodge is a special choice. While most people have to hike for hours to find a cave or a waterfall, this beautiful mid-range lodge has both right on the property. The Experience: Mise Cave Lodge is one of the most accessible stays in Sipi, located conveniently along the Sipi-Kapchorwa road. It’s a small, intimate lodge with only 9 rooms, which means the service feels personal and the atmosphere remains quiet. After a day of exploring the main falls, you can come back, connect to the free Wi-Fi in the restaurant, and relax in a setting that feels deeply connected to the mountain.

The “Private” Adventure: What makes this lodge truly unique is the Mise Cave and the small, private waterfall located within the lodge facilities. The cave has a fascinating local history, and being able to explore it at your own pace—without the crowds—is a luxury you won’t find at many other Sipi Falls accommodations.

• Accommodation: 9 comfortable rooms, perfect for those who prefer smaller, quieter lodges.
• Price Range: $69 – $139 USD (varies by occupancy and included services).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “The cave here isn’t just a hole in the rock; it has stories that go back generations. I love this spot for guests who want to ‘touch’ the history of Sipi without a strenuous hike. It’s also a great spot for a morning coffee by their private waterfall!”

Sipi Valley Resort: Space, Sunsets, and Serenity

If you are traveling with a large group, a family, or in your own adventure vehicle, Sipi Valley Resort is the perfect base. As the largest Sipi Falls accommodation in the area, it offers a sense of space and openness that is hard to find elsewhere. It sits just far enough away from the main road to ensure your stay is quiet and private.

The Experience: This resort is a favorite for those who love a beautiful “compound” feel. The grounds are spacious and expertly landscaped, making it a great place to walk around and breathe the mountain air. Because of its size and layout, it offers the most flexible boarding options in Sipi—whether you just want Bed & Breakfast or prefer a worry-free Full Board (three meals a day) package.

The Overlander’s Choice: One thing that makes Sipi Valley Resort stand out is its capacity for camping. If you are traveling with a roof-top tent or looking for a secure, beautiful place to pitch your own gear, this is the spot. There is plenty of room for vehicles and a very welcoming atmosphere for independent travelers.

• Accommodation: Uniquely built single, double, and triple rooms, plus extensive camping space.
• View: Spectacular vistas of the waterfalls and the valley, with one of the best “low belt” plains views for sunset.
• Price Range: $62 – $120 USD (depending on occupancy and meal plan).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “If you are coming to Sipi with a big group of friends or family, this is my top recommendation. The triple rooms are a great value, and because the compound is so big, children have plenty of safe space to run around and enjoy the nature.”

Casa Sipi Falls Lodge: The Governor’s View

If these walls could talk, they would tell the story of Sipi’s very beginning. Originally known as Sipi Falls Lodge, this is the oldest accommodation in Sipi, and it carries a sense of prestige you won’t find anywhere else. Today, it is also known as Casa Sipi Falls Lodge, but its soul remains tied to the history of Uganda.

The Experience: This lodge is most famous for being the chosen retreat of Governor Andrew Cohen in the 1950s. You can actually stay in the historic Governor’s Suite, a beautiful building that has been preserved to give you a taste of that classic era. The lodge is designed specifically for relaxation; the grounds are perfectly arranged so that no matter where you are sitting, the waterfall is your main view.

Nature at Your Doorstep: Because this is the oldest site, the trees and gardens are fully mature, making it a favorite playground for the local monkeys. It is very common to see them swinging through the branches while you enjoy your morning coffee. The cottages themselves are uniquely built with traditional grass-thatched roofs, keeping them cool during the day and warm at night.

• Accommodation: Historic suites and comfortable, grass-thatched cottages.
• Facilities: On-site restaurant, bar, and Wi-Fi for guests.
• Price Range: 222,000 UGX – 740,000 UGX (approx. $60 – $200 USD depending on room and occupancy).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “If you are a history buff, you have to stay in the Governor’s Suite at least once. Standing on that balcony, you are seeing the exact same view of the 100m fall that the Governor fell in love with 70 years ago. It’s a very powerful feeling.”

Lacam Lodge: Timber, Tradition, and the Perfect Brew

If you want to feel like you are living inside the mountain forest, Lacam Lodge is the place. “Lacam” means cliff in the local language, and this lodge sits right on the edge. Built almost entirely from local timber and traditional grass thatch, it is one of the most “natural” feeling lodges in the region.

The Experience: Lacam is famous for its unique wooden bandas. Walking through the lodge feels like walking through a luxury treehouse village. Because of its cliffside location and the surrounding greenery, it is a sanctuary for nature lovers. It’s very common to share your morning view with a troop of monkeys playing in the trees right outside your timber balcony.

The Taste of Sipi: One thing that sets Lacam apart is their partnership with Endiro Coffee. If you are a “foodie” or a coffee lover, you will appreciate this. They serve some of the best meals and specialty drinks in the district, ensuring that your dining experience matches the world-class view of the falls.

• Accommodation: Unique timber bandas and grass-thatched rooms.
• The Vibe: Relaxed, eco-friendly, and deeply connected to nature.
• Price Range: $35 – $120 USD (depending on room type and meal plan).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “Lacam has a very special ‘back-to-nature’ energy. I love recommending this spot for travelers who want to disconnect from the digital world and just listen to the birds and the waterfalls. And definitely try the coffee—it’s some of the best you’ll find in all of Uganda.”

Sipi Guest House: Authentic Soul on a Budget

For the traveler who wants a true taste of local life without breaking the bank, Sipi Guest House is a standout choice. This is one of the most price-friendly accommodations in the area, but it doesn’t trade away its character. It is a place that celebrates the traditions of the Sabiny people.

The Experience: What makes this guest house unique is its commitment to local craftsmanship. Instead of standard hotel furniture, you will find traditionally made beddings and “Round Houses”—classic grass-thatched huts that have been used in our region for centuries. Staying here isn’t just about a bed; it’s about experiencing the heritage of Kapchorwa.

The View: Conveniently located along the Mbale-Kapchorwa road, the guest house features a bar and restaurant area with a surprisingly vast view. Because of its position, it offers some of the most unobstructed scenery of the plains stretching toward the horizon.

• Accommodation: Basic, clean rooms and traditional grass-thatched round houses.
• The Highlight: Incredible sunset views as the sun drops below the horizon of the lower plains.
• Price Range: 80,000 UGX – 282,000 UGX (Approx. $22 – $75 USD).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “This is my top pick for travelers who want to save money but still want a ‘real’ Sipi experience. The round houses are surprisingly cool and comfortable, and the sunset from their terrace is just as beautiful as the one you’d see at the luxury lodges!”

Home of Friends Guesthouse: The Land of Champions

If you want to experience the true spirit of the Kapchorwa District, this is your home. While most people stay right at the falls, Home of Friends is located just outside Kapchorwa town (about 14km from Sipi). It serves as the perfect bridge between the waterfalls and the high-altitude training grounds that produce Uganda’s world-record runners.

The Experience: This guesthouse is more than just a place to sleep; it is a gateway to the local culture. It is one of the best places to interact with the hospitable Sabiny people. Kapchorwa is famous for being the “Home of Champions,” and while staying here, you are in the heart of the region that produced legends like Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo. You might even see the “Run Kapchorwa” team in action!

Adventure Beyond the Falls: Because of its location, Home of Friends is the ideal base for those who want to see the “Big Picture.” From here, you can easily explore not just Sipi, but also the hidden Benet and Chebonet Falls, the wild landscapes of the Kween and Bukwo Districts, and the deep caves of Mount Elgon.

• Accommodation: Clean, self-contained single, double, and family rooms.
• Facilities: A spacious garden, a cozy campfire place for cool mountain nights, and a restaurant known for some of the tastiest food in the region.
• Price Range: $55 – $85 USD.
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “If you are a fan of athletics or want a quieter, more ‘town-suburb’ feel away from the main tourist trail, this is the spot. The atmosphere is very social, and the campfire is the best place to meet people who are passionate about trekking Mount Elgon.”

Fredsons Homestay: A Family Welcome in Namisuri

For those who want to skip the hotels and step directly into a local home, Fredsons is a hidden gem. Located in the quiet area of Namisuri, this isn’t just a business—it’s a family home headed by Fred. It is a “purely local” experience that offers a level of warmth you simply won’t find at a larger lodge.

The Experience: Fredsons is widely considered one of the most elegant and unique homestays in all of Eastern Uganda. The architecture is truly special; the rooms are “open-fronted,” meaning they are designed to bring the mountain right into your living space. The building is cleverly designed to incorporate the natural features of the hillside, making you feel like you are part of the landscape.

Ideal for Families: Because of the spectacular setting and the open, spacious layout, this is an ideal spot for families or small groups who want privacy and a peaceful environment. You’ll wake up to the sounds of the farm and the village, enjoying a spectacular setting that most tourists never get to see.

• Accommodation: Beautifully appointed, open-fronted rooms with a spectacular hillside view.
• The Vibe: Authentic, elegant, and deeply personal. You are a guest of Fred’s family.
• Price Range: Starting from 135,000 UGX (Approx. $36 USD).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “If you want the ‘off-beaten-path’ experience, this is it. Fred is a great friend of mine and a wonderful host. Staying here gives you a real look at how we live in Sipi, but with a touch of elegance that makes it feel like a true holiday retreat.”

The Crow’s Nest: The Ultimate Bird’s-Eye View

True to its name, The Crow’s Nest sits high above the village, offering a “lookout” view that is arguably the most famous in Sipi. For travelers on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice the scenery, this is a legendary destination. It’s located just a few meters off the main road, making it one of the easiest spots to reach while still feeling like you are on top of the world.

The Experience: The atmosphere here is friendly, social, and adventurous. It’s a place where hikers from all over the world gather at the bar to swap stories of their Mount Elgon treks. Whether you choose one of their simple cottages or a basic room, the focus is always on the stunning, unobstructed view of the waterfalls and the vast valley below.

A Camper’s Paradise: If you are traveling with your own tent, The Crow’s Nest offers one of the best camping spaces in the district. The camping area is wide and open, allowing you to wake up to a panoramic sunrise over the plains. It is affordable, safe, and has that classic “mountain basecamp” vibe.

• Accommodation: Budget-friendly rooms, cozy cottages, and a spacious camping ground.
• Facilities: On-site bar and restaurant with views of the sunset over the valley.
• Price Range: 20,000 UGX – 120,000 UGX (Approx. $5 – $32 USD).
• Kevin’s Local Tip: “This was one of the first places to put Sipi on the map for international travelers. It’s basic, but the view is million-dollar. I love coming here in the evening—the way the mist sits in the valley below the lodge is something you have to see to believe.”

If you would like to stay at one of these Sipi Falls accommodations, please feel free to contact us. We will make sure you will have a wonderful stay.

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