Uganda will enthrall you with all its beauty, lure you into exploring beyond what you had perhaps planned. Nothing can possibly prepare you for all the beauty you will encounter – from snow-capped Rwenzori mountains to the placid waters of Lake Bunyoni, the silence of Bwindi national park and the exciting wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perhaps the most surprising find for me was the gorgeous, multi-tiered Sipi waterfall in Elgon National Park – close to the Kenyan border on the East. In the world of waterfalls, this one enjoys quite an envious position! Sipi is also a great route for crossing over into Kenya across the Suam river (you can hire a private car or a boda-boda i.e. motorbike ride). More on that in another post.

In the world of waterfalls, this one enjoys quite an envious position!

I arrived in Sipi village toward the end of my travels in Uganda, wanting to cross over into Kenya. The falls are a part of Elgon National Park, although a little bit outside park’s core perimeter, and there are no park formalities to deal with. Interestingly, Sipi falls and the river are named after ‘Sep’, a medicinal plant indigenous to the banks of the river.

Interestingly, Sipi falls and the river are named after ‘Sep’, a medicinal plant indigenous to the banks of the river.

Wherever you end up staying, they can arrange a local guide for you. I would highly recommend going for a hike to the base of the falls. It’s about 2-3 hrs roundtrip and you get a lot of different perspectives – if you are a photographer, you would love the hike. As you get closer to the waterfalls, it gets incredibly muddy and slippery. Ideally, wear hiking boots, and carry something to protect your camera as the water will be spraying all over as you get closer. This hike can be done as a loop.

Where to stay near Sipi?

I recommend staying at Lacam Lodge. With comfortable wooden cabins, affordable price and the best views of the waterfalls, it is hard to beat this place. When I visited, I was the only one at the lodge, so it was nice to have the place all to myself. I am not sure if they are usually booked or not, but worth booking ahead of time if you know your dates. The best part about the stay is having your breakfast or coffee with the roaring falls as your backdrop. The lodge can also arrange for guides to take you to the base of the waterfalls.

• About Praveen
• Recent Stories

About Praveen Maloo

Praveen is currently based out of Seattle, United States. He loves coffee, conversations, micro-brews, and intimate jazz music scenes. When its not raining in Seattle, he can be seen enjoying the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific North-West.

• Wading through Oman’s incredible wadis - January 1, 2022
• 21 moments of gratitude from 21 countries I visited in 2021 - December 29, 2021
• Visit El Salvador for its sparkling lakes - July 3, 2021
• Where is Fogo Island, again? - April 11, 2021
• Discovering Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands - April 2, 2021