Sipi falls Mount Elgon Uganda Hiking Safaris

This short 3 Day Uganda holiday is one of the best Kampala, Jinja, or Entebbe city breaks for couples, friends, or family. The tour combines three exciting top attractions; Sipi Falls, a series of 3 waterfalls on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park which offers stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mt. Elgon.

You will also visit Mabira Forest for a nature walk, primates viewing, and birdwatching. Before returning to Kampala you will visit the source of the Nile, for a spectacular white-water rafting adventure. Starting and ending in Kampala, the tour travels to Jinja.

You will drive through plantations of sugar and tea, and colorful roadside fruit markets to Mabira Forest situated 20 km away from Jinja and 54 km from Kampala. Mabira forest is endowed with over 300 species of trees and over 300 species of forest birds.

Birds you may see include Cassin’s hawk-eagle, dusky long-tailed cuckoo, blue-throated roller, black-shouldered nightjar, Nahan’s Francolin, Sabine’sspine tail, and African dwarf kingfisher. During our guided nature walk we may see wild animals like duikers, bush pigs, grey-cheeked Mangebay, baboons, colobus monkeys, fruit-tailed bats, and red-tailed monkeys to mention a few, there are also over 90 moth species.

We later transfer to Sipi Falls located in eastern Uganda on the lower slopes of Mt Elgon.

On Day Two in the company of a local guide/ escort, you proceed for a hiking tour to Sipi Falls where you begin at the topmost waterfall, descending to the bottom waterfalls which is also the main Sipi Waterfall. The waterfalls measure 85 meters, 75 meters, and 100 meters respectively.

The entire hike will take close to 4 hours or less depending on the level of your fitness. However, given that you are descending for most of the hike, even first-timer hikers can complete the hike within 4 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to leave out one of the waterfalls when you feel the fatigue getting to you.

During the hiking, you will be able to view the beautiful sceneries of Mount Elgon and the plains. Spend the day viewing all three of the waterfalls in the Sipi Valley, this trek can be strenuous in places but has many viewpoints to stop and rest and take in the beautiful scenery of Mount Elgon and the plains below.

If you are heading out for the full day a packed lunch will be provided. Optional activities available include trout fly fishing, Mount Elgon expeditions and day hikes, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, trekking, archery, and bird watching.

On day three depart Sipi Falls and drive to Jinja. Here we get to go for a half-day White Water Rafting Adventure on the longest river in the world – the Nile. This is a must-do activity for adrenaline junkies.

The white water rafting goes through some of the best grade five rapids with spectacular leaps and drops; enjoy the scenery of heavily forested islands and the roar of various waterfalls. Other optional activities you can partake in include bungee jumping, quad biking, horseback safari, kayaking, jet boating, and walking in the nearby communities.

You can also visit the source of the River Nile if you missed a visit on the first day of your journey to Sipi Falls in Mt Elgon. Enjoy lunch in Jinja before heading back to Kampala in the evening.

Safari Itinerary in Summary

Day 1: Kampala – Drive to Sipi Falls (En-route visit Mabira Forest or Ssezibwa falls)
Day 2: Sipi Falls Hike (on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park)
Day 3: Sipi Falls – Drive to Jinja (Enjoy half-day white water rafting) – Drive to Kampala

Safari Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Drive to Jinja Town – Mbale Town – Sipi Falls

0800 Hours: Early breakfast at your hotel then depart by road and head towards the eastern part of the country. This journey will take you through the fascinating Mabira Forest where you will get to see different tree species and animals. Alternatively, you could visit Ssezibwa Falls on the way to Jinja.

The drive is very scenic with sugar plantations around Lugazi and Kakira. You will go past the sugar cane and tea plantations of Mukono and at Jinja, you will also see the River Nile and Lake Victoria.

1230 Hours: Your lunch will be served at one of the hotels in Jinja. In Jinja, you will visit the source of the Nile and probably Bujagali Falls from where you proceed to Mbale and finally to Sipi falls.

Overnight Accommodation:
Mid-Range Accommodation: Lacam Lodge, Sipi Falls Rest Camp
Luxury Accommodation: Sipi Falls Rest Camp, Sipi River lodge, Mbale Resort
Budget Accommodation: Crow Net Lodge, Twilight Campsite, Savannah Guest House

Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}

Day 2: Explore Mount Elgon Hike Sipi Falls (Various Activities Available)

After breakfast, short hikes in and around the local area will be arranged to see the plethora of waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant birdlife. One can choose to take hikes that last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the routes taken.

Spend the day viewing all three of the waterfalls in the Sipi Valley, this trek can be strenuous in places but has many viewpoints to stop and rest and take in the beautiful scenery of Mount Elgon and the plains below. Our guides will take you through the local trails and can introduce you to the local area and Sabine customs.

Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 3: Sipi Falls – Drive to Kampala

Breakfast at your hotel then depart Sipi Falls and drive to Jinja. Here you will get to visit Bujagali Falls and get to see White Water Rafters. You may join in the fun. You can also visit the source of the River Nile if you missed a visit on the first day of your journey to Sipi Falls in Mt Elgon. Enjoy lunch in Jinja before heading back to Kampala in the evening.

Meal Plan {Breakfast & Lunch}