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

It turned out that visiting all three waterfalls involved a rather difficult 7km hike that was full of steep ascents and descents, flimsy ladders, flimsy catwalks, lots of farms, and lots of mud (especially if it had been raining, which was the case on my visit).

I learned during the hike that the 2nd falls could be visited without such a difficult hike, but no matter what, I didn't see a way out of hiking in order to reach the 3rd falls. So below was my account of the big hike to take it all in.

The main tier was the tallest tier at about 100m. It was visible from numerous positions around an amphitheater with views downhill towards the valley below with Mbale in the distance. There were also a handful of lodges built around this amphitheater (including the Lacam Lodge where we stayed at).

The trail we took involved descending steeply towards the base of the main falls. It involved going down steps before the path then became slippery and muddy (especially since it was raining hard right when we made this descent). I didn't go right in front of the misty base of the waterfall as the scramble was quite steep and slippery, and I didn't feel it was worth the trouble.

Beyond the base of the falls, the trail then climbed steeply towards a small cave with a view back at the main Sipi Falls. The trail then went through a farm and back onto the tarmac road eventually reaching another property where we followed a trail uphill to a flimsy catwalk leading to views of the 2nd falls as well as the backside of it!

This second waterfall was said to be 75m tall, and it consisted of some upper cascades before making its big plunge. We were even able to walk to a tiny cave right behind this waterfall.

From there, the trail climbed some more to the top of the 2nd falls, then went through more farms up more slippery tracks ultimately reaching the base of the uppermost of the Sipi Falls. A path took us real close to the falls where we could really appreciate its 85m height as well as the vigor of its flow spewing mist all over the place.

The walk between the 2nd and 3rd falls seemed like a long way, but it was well worth the effort. And from there, we descended steeply back towards the tarmac road near the Lacam Lodge where we started.

Directions: As for specific directions, we were driven here so we can't really give specifics. However, we can say that it took us about 5 hours to drive east from Kampala to the Lacam Lodge (where we could see the main Sipi Falls). That's something to consider if you're incorporating this place into your itinerary.

[Back to top]

Descending steps

Trail and panorama leading to base of the main falls

Approaching the main falls

At the base of the main Sipi Falls

Little cave after climbing past the base of the first waterfall

Walking through a farming area

Descending towards a rickety footbridge

Behind the 2nd falls

Muddy climb on the way up to the third waterfall

Getting closer to the third waterfall

At the misty base of the 3rd falls

Almost back at the main road

Closeup of the main falls as seen from Lacam Lodge

We returned to the lodge just in time to catch this gorgeous sunset

[Back to top]


Right to left sweep starting from the main waterfall and ending towards the setting sun hidden behind the tree in the foreground

View Larger Map

TRIP REPORTS

• June 16, 2008

GUIDEBOOKS / OTHER RESOURCES

NEARBY WATERFALLS

Have You Been To This Waterfall?

Share your experience!

Click here to see visitor comments for this waterfall

Click here to see visitor comments for other waterfalls that we've visited in this region

Click here to go to the Comments Main Page