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Sipi Falls

The main drop of Sipi Falls


Sipi Falls is actually a series of three tall waterfalls all plunging along the lower slopes of Mt Elgon (the 4th highest peak in Africa shared between Eastern Uganda and Western Kenya). The name of the falls is often associated with only the main falls, but it's possible to explore the area and see the other two impressive waterfalls. The main tier is the tallest tier at about 100m. It's visible from numerous positions around an amphitheater with views downhill towards the valley below with Mbale in the distance. There are also a handful of lodges built around this amphitheater. The next falls upstream is said to be 75m tall. This one consists of some upper cascades before making its plunge. You can walk to a tiny cave right behind this waterfall. The uppermost waterfall is 85m tall. It's a long way from the 2nd falls to this one, but it's well worth the effort.

Visiting all three waterfalls involves a rather difficult 7km hike that's full of steep ascents and descents, flimsy ladders, flimsy catwalks, lots of farms, and lots of mud (especially if it has been raining). The 2nd falls can be visited without such a difficult hike, but you still have to bite the bullet for the 3rd falls.

The trail we took (you'll need to hire a local guide) involved descending steeply towards the base of the main falls before climbing steeply towards a small cave with a view back at the main falls. The trail then goes through a farm and back onto the tarmac road eventually reaching another property where you can climb up to a flimsy catwalk leading to views of the 2nd falls as well as the backside of it!

From there, the trail climbs some more to the top of the 2nd falls, then goes through more farms up more slippery tracks ultimately reaching the base of the uppermost falls. From there, you descend steeply back towards the tarmac road near the Lacam Lodge.

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At the base of the main Sipi FallsAt the base of the main Sipi Falls

Looking back at the falls from a small caveLooking back at the falls from a small cave

Closeup of the main falls as seen from Lacam LodgeCloseup of the main falls as seen from Lacam Lodge

View of the 2nd fallsView of the 2nd falls

Behind the 2nd fallsBehind the 2nd falls

Approaching the 3rd fallsApproaching the 3rd falls

At the misty base of the 3rd fallsAt the misty base of the 3rd falls

Trail and panorama leading to base of the main fallsTrail and panorama leading to base of the main falls



Tell us about your experience with this waterfall.



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