Sipi Falls, WW

Sipi Falls is a 7km loop that covers 2 of the 3 falls. The 3rd falls can be best viewed at Lacam Lodge. The hike can start either near Sipi Lodge or at the end of the dead end road that goes toward the first is falls. I was told that this is also the area where people start their hike up Mt. Elgon, the 4th largest mountain in Uganda, via Sassa Trail, which is a 3 to 4 day guided hike.

Sipi Falls consists of 3 falls found near the foothills of Mt. Elgon just at the edge of Mt. Elgon National Park. The highest drops at 100 meters. Each falls is at different altitudes. Views are breathtaking and big tours are common. To hike this trail, a guide is recommended, but not necessary. Guides can tell you the history of the land and about the plants and people who inhabit the area.

Where most people start there hike is at the top of the road. The hike first goes to the big falls and then circles around to the twin falls, following the river downward thru many bushes and trees. The trail can get slick and steep in some areas.

As you continue on the hike, you go thru the local village and see some of the crops that the local farmers are growing, along with some of the domestic livestock. You pass through the village and meet some of the people, who do not mind that you've entered their property. they often want to meet and talk with you and sometimes share their food. Coffee, passion fruit, bananas, and dragon fruit is grown here.

If you start at the top, the trail end at a local outdoor store, where honey, artworks, coffee, and other items are sold to foreigners who enjoyed the hike. There was a sign that stated that the cost of entering the area (as of Jan. 2019), if you go without a tour or guide, is 5000 UGX per person, which is about $1.35
I don't know if the fee was enforced, because it was not clear who was collecting the fee.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2019-01-14 gummo