TRAVEL DIARIES : SIPI FALLS, UGANDA

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This past weekend, we enjoyed total bliss (and adventure!) with our best friends here in Kampala —  in a beautiful, mountainous region of Eastern Uganda called Sipi Falls.

Sipi Falls is a series of three huge waterfalls that lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park and the border of Kenya. The drive into Sipi is stunning, with views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mount Elgon. Upon arrival, the weather was cold and wet, a welcome change from the drier, hotter weather we’ve been experiencing in Kampala.

All weekend, we enjoyed the most delicious, locally grown Arabica coffee, which is roasted over an open-fire, onsite, at the quaint lodge we stayed at. We bundled up outside to play board games after lunch, enjoyed hours and hours of hiking and fresh air during the mornings and early evenings, and then sat down for leisurely, candle-lit three-course meals with plenty of wine in the evenings. It was truly perfect, in every way.

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Most memorable, though, was when we decided to abseil down the side of the main 350 foot Sipi waterfall, a first-time activity for me, and far scarier, in my opinion, than bungee-jumping and skydiving. In this case, there’s not a quick, adrenaline-provoked decision involved, where before you know it, it’s over. Nope — in this case, you slowly repel down the face of a cliff until you’re simply free-hanging over the waterfall for several minutes before reaching the bottom. It was absolutely beautiful up there — and for a moment, I felt completely pulled from reality, at the mercy of a single rope that was literally keeping me alive. It was powerful and exhilarating, to say the least.

When we reached the bottom, we were nearly knocked off our feet by the off-spray of the waterfall, becoming completely soaked from head to toe in cold water; but giddy that we had made it. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

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I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to travel to such beautiful, untouched landscapes. Uganda, even after two years, continues to surprise me with its beauty and natural wonders.

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11 Comments

Tonny Okello

I am a Ugandan, been to both Mbale and Kapchorwa but never been close to the falls .Your pictures have inspired me to visit that place one day

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McMillan

Wow!!! Simply superb and amazing.. After looking at the photographs i am so excited to visit Uganda for this types of adventures. Thanks a lot for this wonderful post with all the lovely photographs.

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Caroline

These photos! Jaw was dropped reading this entire post and viewing these beautiful photographs. Whenever I feel the need to travel [and can’t, because life happens], I come look at your blog and pretend. Thanks for sharing your life in Uganda with us all!

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Hilde

Such beauty. I will make a note to myself: must visit Uganda soon. Might not have the guts to abseil though ;) I get tingly feet just looking at those pics…

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Alisa

Breathtaking! Your photos actually do it some justice. You’re so brave for repeling down that waterfall! I don’t think I could have done it. You always inspire me to make the most of my time in Africa by surrounding myself with beauty.

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