Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls found at the foothills of Mountain Elgon just at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border.[1] They are considered to be a tourist attraction by the locals, accounting for 10-20% of all tourist visit's in Uganda every year.[2] Even so, the government has chronically under-invested in the area.[3]
| Sipi Falls | |
|---|---|
 Main falls at Sipi | |
| Location | Sipi, Uganda |
| Coordinates | 1.33439°N 34.38998°E |
| Longest drop | 100m |
Location
The falls are located 2 miles northeast of the town of Sipi and 170 miles from the capital Kampala. The falls are formed by the Sipi River, flowing from the upper slopes of Mount Elgon and terminate in the Kyoga Basin.[4]
Name origin
The name Sipi probably derives from the local word sep, a name for a wild banana-like indigenous plant that grows along the banks of the river.[1] The plant has a translucent, green frond with a bolt of crimson rib that resembles a wild banana.
Economy
Tourism and agriculture are the main sources of income.
References
- "Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda - Landmarks - This is Uganda". 2021-11-19. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
- Kilama Luwa, Justine; Majaliwa, Jackson-Gilbert Mwanjalolo; Bamutaze, Yazidhi; Kabenge, Isa; Pilesjo, Petter; Oriangi, George; Bagula Mukengere, Espoir (January 2021). "Variabilities and Trends of Rainfall, Temperature, and River Flow in Sipi Sub-Catchment on the Slopes of Mt. Elgon, Uganda". Water. 13 (13): 1834. doi:10.3390/w13131834. ISSN 2073-4441.
- Wabomba, Andrew (2018-11-21). Tourism attractions, facilities and activities in the Mount Elgon sub region (Thesis thesis). Makerere University.
- Briggs, Philip (2020). Uganda: The Bradt Travel Guide. England: Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 285–286. ISBN 9781784776428.
