Mount Elgon is famous for Sipi Falls — but that’s only the beginning.
Across Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo districts, dozens of waterfalls flow down escarpments, through farmland and hidden forest belts. Some are easily accessible. Others require a proper hike into the highlands.
If you’re planning time in Eastern Uganda, here are seven waterfalls worth adding to your Mount Elgon itinerary.
1. Tawut Waterfall (Kapchorwa – 1,700m ASL)
Distance from Kapchorwa Town: +/- 7 km
Access: 4x4, boda boda or guided hike
Tawut Waterfall lies on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon, surrounded by farmland and wildflowers.
The final stretch offers wide views over the Karamoja plains. You can cool off at the base or climb higher for panoramic scenery.
This waterfall fits well into:
A half-day Kapchorwa outing
A custom waterfall circuit
A combination with nearby village walks
👉 Combine with our Kapchorwa Wilderness Hike
Roos from the Netherlands at Tawut waterfall
2. Mengia Waterfall (Kween Highlands)
Access: Kapchorwa-Benet Trail or Mosopisiek Trail
Best season: April-November (stronger flow)
Mengia Waterfall is the dramatic reward at the end of two of Mount Elgon’s most scenic hiking routes.
Reaching it requires a proper mountain effort through the Benet highlands. Even during drier months, the escarpment views alone are worth the journey.
You can reach Mengia via:
Both offer immersive highland hiking.
Mengia waterfall. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
3. Kaptokwoi & Chepchebai Waterfalls (Kapchorwa Town)
Distance: +/- 40-minute walk from Home of Friends
Access: Easy walking path
“Kaptokwoi” means “the stream that never stops flowing.” And true to its name, this waterfall has been steady for years.
These two small but charming waterfalls sit in a quiet corner of town and are ideal if you:
Have limited time
Prefer light walking
Want a peaceful nature break
They’re included in our Kapchorwa Nature Walk and waterfall loop routes.
Kaptokwoi waterfall in December 2025. Photo credit: Laya Chavez
4. Sipi Falls (Kapchorwa District)
Access: Easy trail network
Highlight: 100m main waterfall
Sipi Falls is Mount Elgon’s most iconic waterfall system.
Three separate waterfalls form the Sipi cluster:
Main Falls (100m drop)
Second Falls (natural swimming pool at the top)
Third Falls (Ngasire, 87m ridge)
You can:
Abseil down the main waterfall
Combine with a Sipi Coffee Tour
Sipi is ideal as a half-day highlight or as part of a longer Elgon exploration.
Two guests enjoying the Sipi main waterfall. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
5. Kere Waterfall (Remote Kween)
Access: Mosopisiek Trail (advanced hikers)
Best viewpoint: Tuikat ancestral hill
Kere is one of the most remote waterfalls in the Elgon region.
It was discovered during the initial mapping of the Mosopisiek Trail and remains off most tourist routes.
You don’t stand directly beneath it — instead, you view it from elevated highland ridges.
For adventurous hikers seeking solitude, this is a hidden gem.
👉 Explore the Mosopisiek Trail
Kere waterfall in Kween District. Photo taken from Tuikat viewpoint
6. Chebonet Waterfall (Near Sipi)
Access: Short scenic walk
Crowd level: Low compared to Sipi
Located close to Sipi Falls but far quieter, Chebonet offers impressive views and a peaceful atmosphere.
It’s ideal for:
Photographers
Rock climbing enthusiasts
Travelers wanting a less busy alternative to Sipi
Chebonet waterfall in September 2024. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
7. Atar-Kshek Waterfall (Kapchorwa-Kween Road)
Access: Easy roadside forest path
Ideal for: Short stop or cycling route
Hidden inside a small forest patch near the Kapchorwa-Kween highway, Atar-Kshek offers a cool, shaded escape.
You can reach it:
On foot
By bike
As part of a flexible local route
It’s small but magical — especially after rain.
Eliza, our operations manager @ Atar-Kshek waterfall
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mount Elgon Waterfalls?
Water flow is strongest during the rainy seasons:
April–June
September–November
During December–March, some smaller waterfalls (like Mengia) may reduce or dry up. However, hiking conditions are generally clearer and less muddy.
How to Plan Your Waterfall Exploration
Some waterfalls are easy to reach independently. Others require:
Local guides
Transport coordination
Proper hiking preparation
If you’re staying in Kapchorwa, we’re happy to suggest:
Short waterfall walks
Full-day mountain hikes
Multi-day trail combinations
Best seasonal timing
Or explore our full range of guided hiking experiences in Kapchorwa.
Eliza & Daan @ Sipi Ngasire waterfall in January 2023
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur who is based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Daan manages Home of Friends Guesthouse, together with his wife Eliza. He is passionate about exploring Mount Elgon’s stunning nature and authentic culture. Through Run Kapchorwa he empowers youth with skilling & employment opportunities.