National park
Waterfalls
Sipi Falls
Three waterfalls on the green slopes of Mount Elgon.
- Eastern Uganda
- Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
Overview
- Waterfalls
- 3
- Main drop
- About 100 m
- District
- Kapchorwa
- Nearest city
- Mbale, about 1 hour
Sipi Falls is a set of three waterfalls on the Sipi River on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon, in Kapchorwa District. The main falls drops about 100 m over a basalt cliff.
The area is one of eastern Uganda's favourite getaways: lodges and campsites sit on the escarpment edge with views across the Karamoja plains. It is also a starting point for the Sipi trail up Mount Elgon.
Farming families on the slopes grow Arabica coffee, and many offer tours from bean to cup.
- Three-falls hike
A half-day guided walk to all three waterfalls.
- Abseiling
Descend beside the main falls with local operators.
- Coffee tours
Pick, roast and taste Bugisu Arabica with farmers.
Things to do
- Guided falls hike
Local guides; about 3–4 hours.
- Abseiling and rock climbing
Run by local operators.
- Coffee tour
With farming families.
When to go
The falls are fullest in the rainy months but trails are slippery; June to August and December to February are easiest for hiking.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Good
- May: Good
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Best
Costs
Sipi Falls lies outside the national park, so no UWA entry fee applies. Guides, abseiling and coffee tours are priced by local operators; agree the price before you set out.
Getting there
- By roadFrom KampalaAbout 5–6 hours
Via Jinja and Mbale, then about an hour up the Kapchorwa road.
- By roadFrom MbaleAbout 1 hour
Taxis and boda-bodas run up the tarmac road to Sipi.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Use registered local guides; paths cross private farms.
- Trails to the base of the falls are steep and slippery after rain.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide to see Sipi Falls?
You can see the main falls from viewpoints, but a local guide is recommended for the full three-falls hike across farmland.
How long should I stay at Sipi?
One or two nights is enough for the falls hike, a coffee tour and the views.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
Report a mistake on this pageCombine your trip
Places to pair with Sipi Falls
National park
City destinationEastern Uganda
Jinja & the Source of the Nile
Where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria, and Uganda's adventure capital.
National parkNortheastern Uganda (Karamoja)
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda's most remote and dramatic wilderness.