Sipi Trading Centre is located in Eastern Uganda and it lies about 60km from Mbale town on the Kapchorwa – Suam road. Sipi Trading Centre derives its name from Sipi Falls, which are approximately 20 minutes after Sipi Trading Centre.
The most popular walking trail to Sipi falls is only 20 minutes in each direction, starting from behind the post office in Sipi Trading Centre, to the base of the main waterfall. If you choose, you can continue along this trail for another 20 to 30 minutes to reach a cluster of caves on the cliff above the river.
The largest of these caves extends for about 125m into the rock face, and contains rich mineral salt deposits. These have clearly been worked extensively at sometime in the past, because of traces of petrified wood. While walking back to the trading centre from the caves along the main road, you’ll pass the top of the main waterfall, as well as an important local shrine set within a small forest-fringed cavern.
Accommodation Facilities in and around Sipi Trading Centre
This trading centre has got a good budget accommodation facilities which offer comfort relaxation during your visit to Mountain Elgon National Park, hiking Sipi Falls or stopover on your journey to Kenya. Such accommodation includes Lacam Lodge; which is a luxuriant lodge situated near Sipi falls. That’s about 300m on your left at the signpost for Lacam Lodge, just after the police post.
Lacam lodge has a great location with magnificent view of Sipi Falls, and is a great value for money. It’s beautifully located right at the edge of the cliff and has the most amazing views of the valley near Mount Elgon National Park.
Sipi River Lodge is also located just outside of the Sipi trading centre on the long bend when proceeding to Kapchorwa town, on the foothills of Mount Elgon. The falls are famous for three spectacular waterfalls, and it is home to an incredible number of bird species. Some of the best Arabica coffee in the world, and magical sunsets views, are what to expect while here.
In Uganda, visitors who come for hiking Mount Elgon experience always compliment this with Rwenzori mountains hiking safari, one of the most exciting experiences in Uganda. You can also enjoy an amazing boat cruise on Kazinga channel for magnificent wildlife view in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Further south west of the country, you can’t afford to miss the lifetime gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.