Sipi falls is a series of three waterfalls located in north eastern Uganda. The falls are located in the north western slopes of Mount Elgon. The falls are situated to the north east of Sironko and Mbale. Sipi falls accounts for about 10% to 20% of all tourists who visit Uganda every year.
At its highest point, the largest of the three waterfalls, known as Sipi Falls, stands at 95 meters (312 feet) high. The middle waterfall – known as Simba Falls, lies further upstream to the east. This waterfall has a drop of 74 m. Further uphill is the third waterfall, known as Ngasire Falls, with a drop of approximately 85 m.
The falls are located two miles northeast of the town of Sipi, 273.6 km northeast of the Ugandan capital of Kampala. The falls were formed by the Sipi River flowing from the upper slopes of Mount Elgon, and terminate in the Lake kyoga basin.
The term "Sipi" is thought to have its origins in the local word sep, which denotes an indigenous plant resembling a wild banana after the Sipi River. This plant is commonly found along the Sipi riverbank and is characterized by its translucent, green fronds featuring a crimson rib, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a wild banana. The plant is also used as a medicine for treating fever and measles by the local people in the area. There are many activities to do when at Sipi falls, these are;
hiking;
Abseiling;
coffee tour;
Cultural experience;