Sipi Falls activities 2024
The area around the Sipi Falls is serene place that cannot be enjoyed n one day. Apart from the main activity of hiking to see the three Sipi falls, visitors can choose to take part in other activities within the area such as:-
Visiting Sisiyi falls: Those who are not satisfied with the Sipi Falls can stop by the Sisiyi Falls on their way to Kidepo National Park. These falls are found in Bulambuli district along the highway from Mbale to Moroto. The Sisiyi falls offer a relaxing environment and are suitable for picnics and camping. Sipi Falls activities 2024.
Bugisu Arabica Coffee Tour: 2 Day Sipi falls tour. Sipi Falls activities 2024
The Bagisu are the dominant tribe living in the area and are known for growing the Bugisu Arabica coffee. This type of coffee only thrives on altitudes between 1,550 and 1910. The slopes of Mount Elgon receive good amounts of rainfall and have fertile volcanic soils on which the Arabica Coffee thrives. Arabica coffee is therefore the major economic activity and income generator for the locals in the area. Visiting the Sipi Falls. This coffee tour is arranged to learn from one of the local farmers how the Bugisu Arabica coffee is grown and processed. While with the farmers, you will be taken to see and pick some of the coffee berries, remove the shells, grind, roast and finally come up with fine coffee ready to be taken. This local way of processing coffee by the Bagisu has been perfected over many years and passed on from generation to generation. While touring the farms you will also learn about the entire supply chain consisting of exporters, farmers, processors and roasters. The final thing is to take the final product – a cup of locally made but tasty hot coffee. The guided coffee tour costs $6 with part of it going to community development.
Climbing Mount Elgon: Sipi Falls is one of the main starting points for those interested on climbing mountain Elgon. Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the fourth highest peak (Wagagai) in Africa. It is the second largest volcanic mountain in the world with the largest surface area (caldera). The mountain is shared by Uganda and Kenya although the largest part is in Uganda. The factors mentioned above make hiking the mountain a great accomplishment for hikers around the world. Climbing Mount Elgon takes between 5 – 6 days depending on the overall fitness and experience of a hiker.
Abseiling Sipi Falls Abseiling and Rock Climbing: Abseiling refers to the skill of climbing down steep rocks or slopes with a firm device fastened to your harness. The Sipi Falls are arguably the best place for abseiling. Chebonet Falls is the perfect area for abseiling and rock climbing. Well trained guides from Rob’s Rolling Rock arranges for abseiling on a certain section of the main Sipi Falls. You need to have the right equipment for rock climbing and Abseiling before embarking on this adventure.
Bird Watching: Uganda is one the best birding destinations in the world. The Mount Elgon area has over 274 species which is more than that recorded in 2 of Uganda’s largest national park – Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Birding tours can be arranged within the Sipi area or as a starting point for a more complete birding experience in the Mount Elgon National Park. Sipi Falls activities 2024
Fly Fishing: Fly fishing refers to a method of catching fish by attracting them with an artificial fly. Fly fishing can be done above the waterfalls.
Nature and Village walks: This can be done at the nearby Forest Exploration Center in Mount Elgon National Park. To enter the park, you will need to pay the park fee.
Cultural Walk and Visits: Two local tribes live in the area around Sipi – the Bagisu, and Sabiny. After spotting the waterfalls, visitors can opt to go for a cultural visit to experience the local culture of one of these tribes. The Sebei and Bugisu culture of circumcision attracts visitors during certain times of the year. The Bagusi (boys) and Sabiny (girls) youths are usually initiated into adulthood through cultural initiation processes that concludes with circumcision. Forced female circumcision among the Sabiny was common only 2 decades ago but due to intense campaigns against the practice by female activists, the practice is virtually eliminated.
Cultural tour of Sipi Falls Male circumcision on the other hand is more voluntary these days and still going strong. Completing the circumcision ritual is what makes one a man according to the Bagisu. A Mugisu man must stand the knife in front of a large crowd without showing any sign of fear or using a pain killer. Those who avoid it or go for clinical circumcision are not considered man enough according to the locals. The men who complete the initiation process successfully receive a lot of rewards and become darlings to the village belles. It is a very interesting cultural experience and involves following a group of dancers and drummers as they escort the male to the homes of different relatives before being circumcised at a central point with other males. The circumcision ceremony is known locally as Imbalu and the dances and fanfare leading to the final act is called Kadodi. During the Imbalu season (August and September), the entire town of Mbale is full of activity and celebration and young boys are welcomed to manhood.
Apart from the circumcision ceremonies, an arrangement can be made to visit the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.