Last updated: January 2026
Sipi Falls is Uganda’s most famous waterfall destination. But most visitors only scratch the surface.
If you are planning a trip to Sipi Falls on Mount Elgon, this guide gives you:
✔ What to expect
✔ What it costs (updated)
✔ How to avoid common mistakes
✔ Where to stay (Sipi vs Kapchorwa)
✔ How to structure your day properly
This guide is based on nearly a decade of lived experience in Kapchorwa and Sipi, working with local guides, tour operators and Community partners.
Let’s make your Sipi trip smooth, memorable and worth the journey.
QUICK NAVIGATION
Where is Sipi Falls?
Sipi Falls is located in Kapchorwa District, on the northern slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda.
55 km from Mbale
274 km from Kampala
90 km from the Kenyan border (Suam)
Altitude: +/- 1,800m above sea level
Sipi is only 25 minutes (tarmac road) from Kapchorwa Town — Uganda’s “Land of Champions”.
That proximity matters. Because where you base yourself affects your entire experience.
Sipi Falls and Kapchorwa are located on Mount Elgon, in Eastern Uganda
What to Expect at Sipi Falls
Sipi consists of three major waterfalls (plus two lesser-known ones).
1️⃣ The main waterfall
Approximately 95–100 meters high (sources vary slightly).
Visible from the escarpment lodges and used for abseiling.
2️⃣ Simba waterfall
74 meters high.
Includes a cave behind the waterfall — refreshing and photogenic.
3️⃣ Ngasire waterfall
Around 85 meters high.
Reached during the classic 3-4 hour hike.
There are also two lesser-visited waterfalls that can be explored on a separate 3-hour trail.
During rainy seasons, dozens of seasonal waterfalls appear across the escarpment.
Hiker at Sipi main waterfall. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIPI FALLS
1. The Classic Sipi Falls Hike
The most popular activity.
1-2 hour version: $10 USD
3-4 hour version (all three waterfalls): $15 USD
The longer hike gives better village insights and full waterfall coverage.
Important: Always move with a qualified guide. Roadside “self-appointed guides” are common.
Coffee farmers’ couple in Sipi Falls. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
2. Arabica Coffee Tour
Sipi is famous for high-altitude Arabica coffee.
You visit a smallholder farm and walk through the process from bean to cup.
Price for 2-3 hour coffee tour: $15 USD
Combine it with your waterfall hike for a well-paced day.
3. Abseiling the main waterfall
Organised by:
Mulima Adventures
Sipi Adventures
Rob’s Rolling Rock
Price: +/- $50 USD / 150,000UGX for Ugandan nationals
Minimum age: 6 years
It’s controlled, safe and unforgettable.
4. Chebonet waterfall & rock climbing
Less touristy than central Sipi.
Good for experienced hikers and climbers.
5. Mountain biking
Available through:
Bike Kapchorwa
Massif Montane Expedition
Trails vary from scenic village rides to serious enduro descents.
6. Relax & view
You don’t have to hike to enjoy Sipi.
Viewpoints:
Sipi Falls Lodge
Lacam / Endiro
Rafiki Lodge
Crow’s Nest
King’s viewpoint — next to Rafiki Lodge — offers beautiful sunset moments.
3 Ready-Made Sipi Day Plans
Half day (2-3 hours)
Short waterfall hike
Coffee stop at Sipi Falls Lodge or Endiro / Lacam
Perfect for tight schedules.
Visitors at the cave behind the second Simba waterfall. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
Classic Sipi day
3-4 hour waterfall hike
Coffee tour
Lunch with escarpment view
Balanced and recommended for most visitors.
Full adventure day
3-4 hour hike
Coffee tour
Abseiling
Sundown at King’s Viewpoint
High energy but worth it.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SIPI FALLS
Sipi is accessible year-round.
Dry season (December-March)
More sunshine
Clearer views
Lower water volume
Wet seasons (April-May, September-November)
Strong waterfalls
Lush scenery
More mud
Morning hours are generally clearest.
IS SIPI FALLS SAFE?
Yes. Sipi is safe for visitors.
But know this:
⚠️ Common issues
Unofficial roadside guides
Overcharging if no clear price agreed
Slippery trails in rainy season
Mudslides?
Mudslides occur on Mount Elgon, but rarely in central Sipi village. Still, always check locally during heavy rain periods.
If in doubt, message us for real-time updates.
Where to Stay: Sipi versus Kapchorwa?
Stay in Sipi if:
You want waterfall views directly from your lodge
You are staying one night only
Stay in Kapchorwa if:
You want better food options
You want calmer trails and Community interactions
You want to combine Sipi with deeper experiences
Many guests stay with us at Home of Friends Guesthouse (25 min from Sipi) and visit Sipi as a highlight day — then explore Kapchorwa’s quieter trails.
Travel to Sipi Falls from kenya
Kitale is the Kenyan town nearest to Sipi Falls. The Kitale - Suam - Kapchorwa highway is now tarmacked. Including an improved border crossing, this makes the travel time not more than 4 hours. Via the same highway, it is 210 km / 5 hours from Eldoret to Sipi Falls.
Is Sipi Falls touristy?
It is not the Niagara waterfalls nor the Kilimanjaro. But still, Sipi Falls is quite touristy.
Often youth try to stop tourists along the roadside. Our sincere warning: be careful not to get cheated. A too smooth talk is never a good sign:)
Like many things in Uganda, it is a bit double. There is a small group of passionate and highly professional tour operators in Sipi Falls (later more about them!). And also, quite a large group of disorganised individuals.
Do you want to be sure of a reliable and qualified guide?
Then book:
at one of the other established lodges in the Sipi Falls area;
via the Sipi Tour Guides Association (see contact above, under ‘Sipi Falls Travel Resources’).
Adventure travelers at the bottom of Sipi’s first 95 meter waterfall. Photo credit Juma Chebet
IS SIPI FALLS A SAFE PLACE TO VISIT?
Yes, the Sipi Falls area is safe to visit.
CHANCES OF MUDSLIDES IN SIPI FALLS
Mount Elgon covers a large area. In case you hear about Elgon mudslides on the news, there is no immediate reason to panic. Mudslides usually take place in other places on the mountain. But still, soil erosion is not uncommon in Sipi Falls and its surroundings.
Still having a doubt? Feel free to contact us for the latest updates.
SAFE PARKING SPACE IN SIPI FALLS
The parking at Sipi Heritage Lodge is safe. Other lodges where you can park your car on a secured compound are:
Lacam Lodge / Endiro;
Rafiki Lodge;
Crows Nest.
Now that we are talking about safety and cars. Be sure your brakes are in good shape when driving through the Sipi Falls hills.
We hope you have now gotten a clear picture about Sipi Falls and its surroundings.
Let us dive into Sipi’s best activities:
What are the best activities to do in Sipi Falls?
We group Sipi Falls’ best activities as follows:
Sipi’s activities for nature lovers
Sipi’s activities for culture lovers
Sipi’s activities for adventure seekers
Sipi’s activities to unwind and relax
The indicated prices below are per person. The prices are set by the Sipi Tour Guides Association and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). All for activities with experienced and qualified guides.
Are you a foreign resident or East African national? You can always try to negotiate a lower price. Especially when you are coming with a group or with (young) children.
But for all activities counts: Make sure you move with a qualified guide!
Sipi’s activities FOR nature lovers
SIPI FALLS HIKE
The Sipi Falls hike is the classic activity in the area. Apart from the waterfalls, this hike shows life in the villages. In a 3 to 4 hour hike you can see Sipi’s three major waterfalls. If you don’t want to hike for too long, you can still admire one or two waterfalls during a 1 to 2 hour hike.
Price for 1-2 hours: $ 10USD
Price for 3-4 hours: $ 15USD
Are you not into mainstream activities? Then go for one of these three options:
Visit the fourth and fifth Sipi waterfall. A hike to these waterfalls alone takes around 3 hours and costs $ 15USD.
The beautiful Kapchorwa Nature Walk is more off-the-beaten track and less touristy.
Chebonet waterfall is a few kilometers away from Sipi Falls. It has a magnificent appearance:
BIRD WATCHING IN AND NEAR SIPI FALLS
Basic bird watching in Sipi Falls takes place from Sipi Heritage Lodge. Or outside Mount Elgon National Park in Kapkwai, at a 30 minutes boda ride from Sipi Falls. Joel Kaburu is an experienced Sipi-based tour guide who can do this activity.
Are you an experienced bird watcher? Then we recommend going inside Mount Elgon National Park, via Kapkwai Exploration Center. Here you are likely to have a more worthwhile birding experience!
Price for 2 hours bird watching outside the park: $ 20USD
Price for bird watching inside the park: $ 30USD
Family hiking in Kapkwai forest. Mount Elgon National Park. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
KAPKWAI RAINFOREST WALK
If you love rainforests, this activity is a nice one! And great if you are with children because of the high chance of seeing monkeys. You can either do a 5-hours, 7-hours or 9-hours walk. Kapkwai Exploration Center is the beginning and end point of this trail.
Price: $ 30USD
Sipi’s activities for culture lovers
VISIT MISE CAVE
A worthwhile activity in Sipi is the cultural experience in Mise Cave. It gives insights into the ancestral history of the Sebei natives. It is a combination of a cave tour and storytelling.
Price: $ 6USD
A hand full of Sipi Arabica coffee. Photo credit: Peter Vlam
EXPLORE SIPI’S ARABICA COFFEE
Coffee plantations on Mount Elgon are small and owned by local farmers.
In Sipi Falls, you can do the practical and interactive coffee tour.
Do you want to see a larger washing station? Then connect with one of the exporting coffee companies in the region. Zukuka Coffee and The Coffee Gardens also empower the Community.
The aforementioned Joel Kaburu (the bird watcher) is also a specialty coffee producer:
MORE ENGAGING CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
For more engaging cultural experiences in the wider Sipi Falls area, visit our dedicated cultural tours page.
Sipi’s Activities for adventure seekers
ABSEILING ALONG SIPI’S MAIN WATERFALL
We did it in 2021. And it is true! Abseiling along Sipi’s main waterfall is a blast! There are three companies that organise this thrilling activity:
Abseiling starts from the age of 6 years.
Price: $ 50USD
Eliza (Home of Friends) and her sister abseiling from Sipi’s 95m waterfall. Photo credit: Job Soyekwo (Mulima Adventures)
ROCK CLIMBING @ CHEBONET WATERFALL
It is another thrilling activity: Rock climbing at Chebonet waterfall. Chebonet waterfall lies a few kilometers outside Sipi. Mulima Adventures and Sipi Adventures arrange this activity.
Robs Rolling Rock offers rock climbing along Sipi’s main waterfall.
Please mind the natural climbing holds don’t offer much grip. So, if you are a beginner, you may not enjoy this activity. But for experienced climbers it offers an exciting challenge!
Price: $ 40USD
Rock climbing near Chebonet waterfall. Photo credit: Michaela Šrámková
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE WIDER SIPI FALLS AREA
There are two tour operators in the Sipi Falls area with quality mountain bikes:
Bike Kapchorwa: two Giant Talon bikes (size M and size L)
Massif Montane Expedition: two Trek bikes (size M and size L)
As it is either dusty or muddy on Mount Elgon, maintenance of mountain bikes is a challenge. Bike Kapchorwa has a trained mechanic. He can also join you on your ride through Kapchorwa’s and Sipi’s lush villages.
And for the real thrill seekers. Enduro riding on Mount Elgon is breathtaking. Get a glimpse of this bike magic here:
Sipi’s Activities to UNWIND AND Relax
Sipi Falls offers different activities that help you to unwind and relax.
VIEW THE MAIN WATERFALL FROM ONE OF THE SIPI LODGES
You don’t need to do a hike to enjoy Sipi’s main waterfall. The best and closest view is from Sipi Falls Lodge. This lodge charges 5,000UGX per person for non-residents. Sipi Falls Lodge is where people take the famous waterfall selfies.
Other places to view the main waterfall from are:
GO FOR A SUNDOWN EXPERIENCE @ KING’S VIEWPOINT
King's viewpoint is a stunning hilltop behind Crows Nest and Rafiki Lodge. During bright weather you can see the peaks of Mount Elgon from here.
The traditional activity at King’s viewpoint is the sundown experience. Some tour guides arrange a wine & dine to make the Sipi sunset even more special!
Price: $ 10USD
Sunset moment in Sipi Falls. Photo credit: William Cheptoek (Discover Sipi)
GO FOR A RELAXATION MASSAGE
There are two women in the Sipi Falls area offering relaxation massage:
Nelly, based in Sipi Falls: 0777740382
Eliza, based in Kapchorwa Town: 0703276181
Make sure you book this activity a little in advance.
Eliza giving a relaxation massage demo @ Home of Friends. Photo credit: Hope Cherotich
Where TO sleep in Sipi Falls?
Sipi Falls has accommodation options in different price ranges:
Sipi lodges with a waterfall view
Sipi lodges with an amazing waterfall view are:
Sipi Falls Lodge has the perfect view on Sipi’s main waterfall.
Lacam Lodge neighbors Sipi Falls Lodge. From the attached Endiro restaurant and the garden below, you can view the waterfall too.
Sipi Heritage Lodge is located along the Sipi - Kapchorwa highway. One of its cottages has a view of the second Sipi waterfall.
Budget accommodation & campsites in Sipi Falls
Moses Campsite is a centrally located campsite with basic facilities and low prices.
Crow’s Nest is the oldest accommodation in Sipi Falls. For the budget traveler.
Kamorok Falls View Lodge is one of the latest additions to the accommodation offer in Sipi Falls.
Homestays in Sipi Falls
Do you prefer to stay at someone’s home? You may enjoy one of these options:
Moses Masai owns Blue Star Homestay. Moses is one of the most passionate and experienced tour guides in the area. The name of his tour arm is Explore Sipi.
Alex and Precious are the owners of Rock Garden Sipi. Enjoy their delicious food around the campfire.
Sunrise Homestay has a great viewpoint and hospitality. This place is run by Yovan and Francis.
Best accommodations in the greater Sipi Falls area
Check Trip Advisor for the best rated accommodations in the greater Sipi Falls area.
Yes, Home of Friends is #1 and would love to host you:) Please mind we are located at a 25 minutes’ drive from Sipi Falls (tarmac). But close to other untouched waterfalls, and in the heart of Uganda's Land of Champions:)
The spacious and relaxing garden of Home of Friends Guesthouse. Photo credit: Hans van der Stoel
Are there GOOD restaurants in Sipi Falls?
Good restaurants in Sipi Falls can be counted on one hand.
Endiro restaurant @ Lacam Lodge, is located on your left-hand side when entering Sipi from the Mbale side.
Other fair to good restaurants, as part of the lodges, can be found at Sipi Heritage Lodge, Rafiki Lodge and the new Mise Cave Lodge.
But for the highest passion and quality of food and drinks, drive a little higher up the mountain:)
Vegetable pizza Home of Friends restaurant (Kapchorwa Town). Photo credit: Daan Oxener
HOW TO GET TO SIPI FALLS?
You can get to Sipi Falls by public transport, via a private hire or on a mountain / motor bike. Both from the Kenyan side and the Kampala / Jinja side, roads are well tarmacked these days. Only the last couple of hundred meters to Sipi Falls' lodges are often dirt road.
TRAVEL TO SIPI FALLS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Time Keeper taxis leave every morning from Nakawa in Kampala. A seat costs between 10USD and 13USD, depending on season and fuel prices. Time Keeper taxis move straight to Kapchorwa Town and can drop you in Sipi Falls. On the way back to Jinja or Kampala, they can collect and drop you along the highway.
For bookings: +256(0)702585025 (Cossy) / +256(0)772628119 (Kaps).
Tip: Book Time Keeper the evening before🕖
TRAVEL TO SIPI FALLS BY PRIVATE HIRE
If you don’t feel like folding your legs in a taxi, go for a private hire. We are working together with trusted drivers in Jinja, Kampala and Entebbe.
Indicative prices for a private hire Entebbe - Kapchorwa:
Small car (3-seater): +/- 160USD
Medium car (4-seater): +/- 185USD
Van (10-seater): +/- 255USD
Feel free to ask us for more information. Please note we don’t earn on these private hires. Though we do hope you will sleep at our place:)
TRAVEL TO SIPI FALLS ON A MOUNTAIN OR MOTOR BIKE
Red Dirt Uganda has developed the Uganda Cycling Trail. The Uganda Cycling Trail is an amazing 1600 km route through the green ‘Pearl of Africa’. Check the Uganda Cycling Trail’s website for route descriptions and Guesthouse suggestions.
The Uganda Cycling Trail is developed for mountain bikers🚵🏾But most parts are fit for motor bikers too🏍️
Mountainbikers on a trail in Kapchorwa, near Sipi Falls. Photo credit: Collins Cheseswa
Who can arrange a Sipi Falls trip for me?
Experienced Sipi-based tour operators who can arrange your Sipi Falls trip are:
These tour operators are natives of the area. So they have the most accurate and in-depth knowledge. Your money benefits the local Community the most when booking with a local tour operator.
Sipi and Kapchorwa tour operators mapping a new trail in August 2020. From left to right: Moses Masai, David Mande, Daan Oxener, Juma Chebet and Job Soyekwo. Photo credit: William Cheptoek
The do’s and dont’s of moving around Sipi Falls
The people in Sipi Falls are generally friendly and welcoming. But please be aware of some do’s and dont’s when moving around Sipi Falls:
In the Sebei culture it is not appropriate to wear short skirts or shorts. Rule of thumb is to show no skin above the knee.
Other etiquette in and around Sipi Falls area are:
only make photos of children, not of adults (unless you have permission);
don’t litter trash on the trails;
don’t give out free money to the Community. Rather book an activity with one of the tour operators that supports the Community.
Community member in the higher belts of Kween District enjoying his ‘lakwek’ (honey wine). Photo credit: Giorgios Voursoukis
What OTHER ACTIVITIES CAN WE DO IN THE WIDER Sipi Falls area?
There is a lot to do in the wider Sipi Falls area. You can spend 7 to 10 days on the mountain. And be busy with a variety of off-the-beaten track activities. Here is selection of these other exciting activities:
We hope this blog has answered all your questions about beautiful Sipi Falls.
In case any information is missing, please leave a comment below.
And if you liked it, feel free to comment too😇