Sipi Falls & Sisiyi Falls: Walking Tour, Local Lunch & Transfers

Summary

Uganda waterfalls hike with village paths and mountain views

You’ll start at Sisiyi Falls, feeling the spray and hearing the thunder of water before trekking 18km through Uganda’s lush countryside with a local guide. Pass villages and meet locals along the way before reaching Sipi Falls’ dramatic triple drop. Includes all entries, bottled water, and a hearty lunch right by the falls—a day full of real moments you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sound to hit me first—Sisiyi Falls is loud in a way that feels alive, almost like it’s talking. We started there, shoes still pretty clean, with our guide Moses pointing out some wild ginger growing along the path (he swore it helps with sore muscles, which I definitely needed later). The air had that earthy smell you only get after rain. Kids waved as we passed through the first village; one girl ran up just to touch my hand and then darted off giggling. I was already sweating but weirdly happy about it.

The walk from Sisiyi to Sipi Falls is…longer than I thought. Eighteen kilometers sounds doable until you’re halfway and realize your legs are heavier than your backpack. But the views—patches of green so bright they almost hurt your eyes, Mount Elgon’s peaks hiding behind clouds, goats chewing on whatever they find. Moses told us stories about how people here use certain plants for medicine or cooking. At one point we stopped for bottled water near a tiny shop where an old man tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Lugisu. Li laughed when I tried—probably butchered it.

Arriving at Sipi Falls felt like stumbling into another world. There are three drops here, each with its own personality. The highest one sends mist everywhere; I stood close enough to feel it on my face (and on my glasses). Lunch was simple but perfect—rice, beans, something spicy that Moses called “groundnut sauce.” We ate sitting on rocks while watching the falls crash down below us. My shoes were muddy and my legs shaky but honestly? I still think about that view sometimes when I can’t sleep.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike from Sisiyi Falls to Sipi Falls

• Explore Sisiyi Falls waterfall
• Start 18km hike to Sipi Falls
• Pass local communities and viewpoints
• View Mount Elgon National Park peaks
• Tour three drops of Sipi Falls

Top questions

How long does the walk from Sisiyi Falls to Sipi Falls take?

The walk is approximately 18 kilometers and takes around 5 hours.

Are entrance fees for Sipi Falls and Sisiyi Falls included?

Yes, entry fees for both waterfalls are included in the tour price.

Is lunch provided during the walking tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip between Sisiyi and Sipi Falls.

Do I need a high level of fitness for this hike?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; it’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide leads the entire walk from Sisiyi Falls to Sipi Falls.

What kind of scenery will I see on this hike?

You’ll pass lush green landscapes, rural villages on Mount Elgon’s slopes, viewpoints over valleys, and three distinct drops at Sipi Falls.

Is bottled water available during the walk?

Bottled water is provided as part of your tour inclusions.

What’s included

Your day includes guiding throughout by a local expert, bottled water to keep you going along the trek, entry fees for both Sipi and Sisiyi falls (so no surprises), plus a hearty lunch served right by the roaring waterfall before you finish up tired but happy.