Sipi Falls, on the northern side of a large extinct volcano called Mount Elgon, is one of the biggest attractions in eastern Uganda. Here, the Sipi river plunges down the Elgon escarpment in a series of three thundering waterfalls, the highest being a whopping 100 metres high. The waterfalls are in close proximity of each other, making it a fabulous day hike of roughly 10km.
Sipi, the town where hiking trips typically start and end, is perched on top of the largest of waterfalls. Although the loop (or even figure of 8) can be done in in all directions, it's probably best to head up to the higher located waterfalls first. From Sipi River Lodge, a skinny trail goes steeply up to the second very powerful waterfall. There's a cave behind it, allowing you to see the waterfall from a different (and spectacular) perspective. On top of the waterfall you can go for a dip in a small pool. The community trails lead to the "Sipi 1", the fall highest up. Equally impressive, yet quite different. When there's a lot of water you will get wet from all the vapour. Via an easy path you can head all the way down-river and hike to the biggest waterfall of them all, a 100 metre free fall. Feeling adventurous? You can also abseil down the waterfall. If you do the entire circuit, you can do the hike in 3 to 4 hours. And it's family-friendly.