Trekkers have up to three main trailheads leading to the Elgon mountain peaks on their hiking Sipi falls Uganda experience. One may start from Budadiri i.e Sasa trailhead, Sipi trailhead – for forest exploration center-Kapkwai or may use the Kapkwata commonly referred to as the Piswa trailhead. Sasa trail passes through the park’s largest area of bamboo forest; it is the most direct route to the peaks though steep with rugged climbs of over 1,600m in the start and its accessible from Mbale.
The spectacular Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest is what Sipi trail has to offer, as opposed to the towering Podocarpus forest offered by the Piswa trail, an excellent place for wildlife game viewing. Contrary to the two routes, the Sipi and Piswa trails start at much higher elevations and have a more gradual climbs to the peaks. All trekking routes have camping sites with water sources plus tent pads and latrines.
In place is across border tourism between Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda and Mount Elgon Park, Kenya. The two entities hand over visitors to either team at the hot springs. Usually, the full trekking circuit to the peaks takes about 5 days to complete.
All trekking events/expeditions require a trained ranger guide to show you the way and enrich your journey by interpreting environmental aspects such as the flora and fauna and ensuring your safety. These ranger guides and porters are available at each trail head. Local porters are available for your carriage needs.
Day Hikes on Hiking Sipi Falls
Numerous hiking Sipi falls Uganda day expeditions depart from the Forest Exploration Centre near Sipi Falls, which is the most popular being a trio of short loops taking in valleys, ridges and caves. From Mbale side of the mountain, it is possible to access the Wanale Ridge where day-long hikes can be organized to pass through a variety of heath and moorland landscapes with caves along the way.
The forest exploration centre has three days’ trails ranging between 3 and 7km. These trails offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mount Elgon’s unique plants and wildlife in a shorter time period. The fourth trail has recently been opened to reach the enormous Tutum Cave, 11km from the centre. This trail also passes through a range of vegetation types and offers opportunities to see wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys and a variety of birds.
Besides Sipi Falls, don’t miss the nearby Chebonet Falls also on Mount Elgon, the amazingly gushing Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park further west, Sezibwa falls in the central and Bwindi falls in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While in Bwindi, you can also also opt for the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience while an amazing wildlife game drive can be enjoyed in the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park.