Sipi Falls lies at an altitude of 1,775 metres. The hikes can be difficult and muddy, but they’re deserving of your energy.

When you stop to look at the beauty of the falls, you’ll forget about your aching feet and mud-stained trousers. To hike all three falls, it’ll take you roughly 3 hours.

For the majority of this hike, you follow a river, making it easy to stay on track. It’ll take you through farmlands, and local communities.

The second-highest of the waterfalls comes first. It plunges 85 metres before concluding in a spectacular splash. The next fall is the smallest, at 65 metres. When it’s dry, you should be able to stand under it. If it’s been raining, you can stand in the cave behind the falls, and watch as the water crashes in front of you.

The last fall is the tallest at 100 metres. Make sure to pack a swimming costume, as the plunge at the bottom is large enough to swim in.

As well as Sipi Falls, there are numerous trails you can follow leading you to Mount Elgon.

Visiting all the three waterfalls takes between 3 to 4 hours depending on overall fitness. The hike to the top of the falls is about 7 km long and involves steep ascents, climbing ladders and passing through local farms. The Mount Elgon area receives a lot of rain and the trails can be slippery because of the mud. It is advisable to acquire good sturdy hiking boots that have a firm grip on the ground. A walking stick should be provided by your chosen guide.

There are several starting points and all depends on which particularly waterfall you intend on hiking. If you are intending on seeing all the three, then it is better to start with the top most to save your energies for the main waterfall downside. Choosing to start from the top-most falls involves following the route from Budadiri then joining the Sasa trail to reach the summit before descending down the Sipi trail to the waterfalls. However most people start with the first and main waterfall and it is what we shall describe for now.

The first (main) Sipi falls drops at about 95m (the highest) and is where most people end their hike. Most of the accommodation facilities are found within the fast fall.  Although this main drop is the most beautiful and attracts most people, hiking to also see the other two higher falls is more adventurous. The upper two provides great better views of Karamoja’s plains, Mount Elgon and beyond

The second or middle falls is known as the Simba Falls and is about 74m tall. Reaching this second cave involve hiking past the first waterfall and then continuing to a steep trail to an ancient cave. There are bats in the caves and humans are believed to have lived in these caves for hundreds of years. Hikers can stand near the entrance of the cave and watch the water from behind safely. They will enjoy the wonderful breeze and soothing atmosphere of the falls.

The third falls involves hiking further up more steep areas before reaching the top-most falls known as Ngasire. The distance between the second and third falls is more challenging to hike although the reward is greater. Nsagire is the tallest Waterfall at about 85 meters and you will begin seeing them at a far distance. The height, force of the flow and the mist covering the place is amazing. The mist is so strong that it reaches most of the forests surrounding the place making them unusually dark green in color. The sun and mist combine to form mild rainbows which look very spectacular. Hikers will also have opportunities to take great photos of Mount Elgon, Lake Kyoga and the Karamoja plains. After taking enough photos, the descent back to the starting point of lodge pretty simple and less demanding. If there is still time to spare, hikers can stop by a lodge midway for lunch or relaxation.

Our rates

(Prices per person)
East African Residents: 40,000 UGX
Foreigners : 15$

Why You Should Go for a Sipi Falls Hike

The Sipi Falls hike is a great starting point for hikers looking to scale Mount Elgon. This moderately challenging hike prepares hikers for the harder hikes in mountains like Elgon, and Rwenzori in Western Uganda. Sipi is mountainous with a series of clifftops that will need to be conquered as the hike progresses therefore making your body get used to high altitude.

The breathtaking landscape. Sipi Falls has lush vegetation, rugged hills and cliffs, valleys, and other scenic features. These create a beautiful landscape that’s a feast for the eyes and adventurous mind. As you hike up to the Sipi Falls, you’re greeted with panoramic views, especially on top of the cliffs. View the valleys and the Sipi plateau as you hike to the top.

It’s a popular attraction. Sipi Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Uganda. Find out why everyone is obsessed with Sipi Falls by visiting it. Enjoy a wonderful experience as you hike to the bottom of the falls and feel the rush of thunderous water.

Photogenic moments. The Sipi Falls are magnificent, especially during the rainy season. The crystal clear water flows over dark rock on the hillside, surrounded by dense greenery. This creates a great backdrop for pictures. Because of this, you can take amazing pictures at the top or bottom of the waterfalls. At Sipi Falls Uganda Tours, we have great cameras and skilled guides who will take the best pictures of you as you hike towards Sipi Falls.

Also, listen to interesting stories and learn something new. During the Sipi Falls hike, our knowledgeable guides will tell you stories about Sipi, its people, and the surrounding areas. Discover historical facts, visit historical sites like Mise Cave, and explore the relationship between the people of Sipi and their natural surroundings.

What to bring for the Sipi Falls Hike

• Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
• Bring your bathing clothes and a towel if you’d like to swim in the various pools in the Sipi River.
• Bring enough drinking water and warm clothes to cover yourself in case it gets cold.
• We recommend wearing a hat or cap to shield you from the sun.

Tips for hiking the Sipi Falls

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you kick-start your hike!

We recommend you blend the Sipi Falls hike with your wildlife safari in Uganda.

Hike the entire enchilada. Most folks who plan to tour the Sipi Falls hope to do this. View the lower falls (main Sipi Falls) from the top hike to the upper falls (Ngasire) and then slope towards the middle falls. We believe the best view comes after a little hard climb and you’ll believe this when you visit Sipi Falls.

Visiting the lower Sipi Falls. This is a top-notch hike you will love and never want to end. Spend the day with yet another striking fall below the Sipi Gorge and its surroundings.

Ask before taking pictures of local people because some of them may not be interested. You may meet a lady carrying heavy things on her head, a child on the back, and a hoe in her hand. This might look interesting to snap, but first, ask your guide to find out from her if she is okay with the picture.

Finally, we recommend you come along with your rain gear because the weather tends to be unpredictable and it can rain at any time. Don’t let the bright sunshine in the morning fool you.

Do I Need a Guide for the Sipi Falls hike?

Yes, we recommend a local guide to come with you.

The trails leading to Sipi Falls do not have clear markings, and there are many routes connecting to different households. This makes it hard to pick out the right ones if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Some tourists decide to go by themselves. Consequently, they end up doing what is called a door-to-door visit, not the planned Sipi Falls hike. Not only will you get lost, but will also miss the ins and outs of Sipi Falls.

You definitely need a guide during the rainy seasons. Sometimes, the rain washes away the main trails/paths. In case of this, a local guide will immediately locate another path to ensure you continue the hike in a safe and relaxed manner.

Please note that in most rural areas in Uganda, the bridges and the paths can change from time to time. For this reason, you need to move with local guides.

Also, a tour guide will also help you take amazing photographs during the Sipi Falls hike, capturing the impressive features around.

Finally, a tour guide will make your hike more interesting as they’ll give you more information on the features and activities you’ll encounter on the way. Our guides at Sipi Falls Uganda Tours will ensure you don’t miss any of the things Sipi has to offer.