At its highest point, the largest of the three waterfalls, known as Sipi Falls, stands at 95 meters (312 feet) high. The middle waterfall – known as Simba Falls, lies further upstream to the east. This waterfall has a drop of 74 m (243 ft). Further uphill is the third waterfall, known as Ngasire Falls, with a drop of approximately 85 m (262 ft).[8]
Location
The falls are located two miles northeast of the town of Sipi, 273.6 km (170 mi) northeast of the
Ugandan capital of
Kampala. The falls were formed by the Sipi River flowing from the upper slopes of
Mount Elgon, and terminate in the
Lake Kyoga basin.[9]
Name origin
The term "Sipi" is thought to have its origins in the local word sep, which denotes an
indigenous plant resembling a
wild banana after the Sipi River. This plant is commonly found along the Sipi riverbank and is characterized by its
translucent, green fronds featuring a crimson rib, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a wild banana.[6][10] The plant is also used as a medicine for treating
fevers and
measles by the local people in the area.[10]
Economy
The Sipi Falls area grows Bugisu Arabica coffee, which is profitable for the local people.[citation needed]
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sipi falls.
^Briggs, Philip; Roberts, Andrew (2010). Uganda. Bradt Travel Guides (6 ed.). Chalfont St. Peter: Bradt Travel Guides Ltd.
ISBN978-1-84162-309-2.
^Ham, Anthony; Atkinson, Brett; Bainbridge, James; Butler, Stuart; Carillet, Jean-Bernard; Clammer, Paul; Corne, Lucy; Filou, Emilie; Fitzpatrick, Mary; et al. (Lonely Planet, Michael Grosberg, Trent Holden, Jessica Lee, Nana Luckham, Vesna Maric, Tom Masters, Stephen Lioy, Virginia Maxwell, Helen Ranger, Brendan Sainsbury, Lorna Parkes, Caroline Sieg, Helena Smith, Regis St Louis, Paul Stiles) (2017). Lonely Planet Africa. Lonely Planet Global Limited.
ISBN9781787011472.
^Barlas, Robert; Griffin, Brett; Yong, Jui Lin (2019). Uganda. Cavendish Square. p. 136.
ISBN9781502647412.