Mount Elgon & Sipi Falls: Hiking, Waterfalls and Coffee

Mount Elgon is a huge extinct volcano on Uganda's eastern border with Kenya. On its lower slopes, the Sipi Falls drop in three tiers, surrounded by coffee farms and walking trails. The area is a favourite for adventure travellers and a pleasant stop for anyone heading to or from Kidepo.

This page explains what to do and how to fit it in. See also our Sipi Falls abseiling guide and adventure tours.

What to Do

• Waterfall walks to the three tiers of Sipi Falls.
• Abseiling beside the falls for those who want a challenge.
• Hiking on the lower slopes or longer routes on the mountain.
• Coffee tours with local growers, including picking and roasting.
• Caves and viewpoints around the mountain.

Getting There

The area is five to six hours by road from Kampala, and often fits between Jinja and Kidepo. See Jinja and driving distances.

Best Time to Visit

The drier months give clearer views and firmer trails; the waterfalls are fullest after rain. See our season guide.

What to Do Around Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls on the northern slopes of Mount Elgon, near the town of Kapchorwa in eastern Uganda. The area is green, cool and agricultural, with coffee farms, small villages and cliff-edge viewpoints. It is a gentle contrast to the wildlife parks and works well as an overnight stop on the way to or from the north.

• Waterfall walks: guided walks take you to the base and viewpoints of the three falls. Paths can be steep and slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip.
• Coffee experience: local farmers show how Arabica coffee is picked, dried, roasted and ground, followed by tasting.
• Abseiling: available with a licensed operator for those who want adventure. Read our blog on abseiling at Sipi Falls.
• Cave and village walks: short, community-led walks for culture and scenery.

Hiking Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano straddling the Uganda-Kenya border, and Mount Elgon National Park protects its upper slopes. Hikes range from a day walk to multi-day treks toward the Wagagai summit and the caldera. Routes, permits and porter arrangements are managed by the park, so book through your operator in advance and allow enough time to acclimatise on longer routes.

The mountain is wetter and cooler than most of Uganda, so pack waterproofs and warm layers. If you prefer high-altitude hiking with a more established trekking circuit, compare it with the Rwenzori Mountains. For wider adventure ideas see Uganda adventure tours.

How It Fits an Itinerary

Sipi and Elgon are most often combined with a Jinja stop and a Kidepo trip, because the roads pass through eastern Uganda. A common pattern is Kampala to Jinja, then Sipi, then north to Kidepo Valley. Two nights at Sipi gives time for the falls, a coffee tour and a rest day.

Mount Elgon Fees at a Glance

Porter UGX 40,000 and cook UGX 30,000. Kapkwai sector entrance is free. See rock climbing and mountain biking.

About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.

More Guides in This Section

• Elgon Rock Climbing
• Elgon Mountain Biking
• Bushiyi Trail