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| Sipi Falls Uganda |
The
Sebei region could stretch from as far as Sironko town, Buikwe, Kween, and
Kapchorwa, nearly 300 Km from the capital Kampala and 350 Km from Entebbe
airport. The main town was originally in Kapchorwa before 4 of the above
districts broke off. Do you like sports? Yes, I thought so; this is the place
that breeds nearly all the athletes in Uganda. The hilly terrains provide good
training ground for the athletes.
The
main tourist attraction here is the Sipi falls; the name Sipi comes from a word called “sep”, meaning a wild banana,
which was used for treating measles. Kapchorwa means a home of friends
(culturally, the friendliness of the natives is undoubtable, the locals are
happy to meet new people and the warm hospitality in this region is only a sign
of how friendly Uganda is as a nation.
The
Sipi Falls area is the starting point for many hikes up Mt. Elgon; a dormant
volcano, it is believed that it first erupted 24 million years ago, and the
second eruption took place 4 million years after. Although far fetched, the
locals believe that the mountain will erupt again, but like the coming of
Jesus, no one knows the time and day. This however isn't a reason for them to
live in fear. Mt. Elgon is the largest Caldera in Africa. It’s believed that Mount
Elgon was the highest mountain in Africa, however due to its continuous
eruption it was reduced to the 4th highest mountain with its peak towering at
4,321 meters above sea level at its highest peak Wagagai.
The
features formed during the eruption birthed the Sipi falls, alongside numerous
caves, rift Valleys and also slopes. Which explain the reason why subsistence farming
is very evident as a result of fertile soils
Sipi
falls is a series of 3 water falls, counted in ascending order, with the main
one stretching to 100 m high, the second 63 m high and the 3rd waterfall at 85 m
high. The water trail feeders originate from the mountain Elgon, some channeled
through a hot spring and others from underground tunnels.
The
tourist activities done around this region include guided nature walks to the waterfalls, coffee tours (Arabica coffee being the major cash crop). This first
coffee breed in Uganda will be a talk for another day, abseiling along the highest falls is one adrenaline rush activity
that is slowly gaining momentum, Rock climbing, mountain biking and so
many others.
Accommodation
options range from high end, mid-range to budget. High-end accommodation
includes Sipi river lodge with
accommodation ranging from $132 for single
onwards. Sipi falls resort, Lacam lodge and Noahs Arks resort in the town center. Each of these lodges will
spoil guests with stunning views, nothing is under lies, with wifi!!
The
mid range accommodation include crows nest,
Moses campsite, coffee land resort and labamba
in the town centre. Then budget are numerous with accommodation as low as $7 a night!!!
Getting here. Sipi Falls is a
series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa,
northeast of Sironko and Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon
National Park near the Kenyan border. It takes about 5 hours from Entebbe
International Airport. Kjong Safaris can easily design a 2 days or 3 days
package to explore the region. Please follow link to see pre designed itinerary.
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