Town · Eastern Uganda
Mbale
The main gateway town for Mount Elgon and the Sipi Falls area.
How to get there
By road from Kampala, in Uganda's east near the Kenyan border.
What to find
The three-tiered Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon's lower trails, and Arabica coffee grown on its slopes.
Overview
Mbale is eastern Uganda's main town, set beneath the Wanale Ridge on the slopes of Mount Elgon. It's the gateway to the mountain, to Sipi Falls and to the region's coffee-growing hills.
The area is home to the Bagisu people, known for their Imbalu initiation ceremonies and for growing some of Uganda's finest Arabica coffee.
Highlights
- Sipi Falls, about an hour away
- Mount Elgon's trails and caves
- Bugisu Arabica coffee tours
- The Nyero rock paintings, about an hour and a half away
Things to do
Sipi Falls day trip
Walk to the three waterfalls.
Coffee tours
Visit farms on Elgon's slopes.
Wanale Ridge
Hikes and viewpoints above the town.
Best time to visit
All year. The driest months are best for hiking.
Getting there
About 4 to 5 hours by road from Kampala, via Jinja.
Where to stay
Hotels in Mbale, or lodges around Sipi Falls.
Sipi Falls & Mount Elgon
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Uganda →
Good to know
- Combine Jinja, Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon in a 4 to 5 day eastern loop.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.
From Mbale
Places to visit from Mbale
Drive times are approximate. Look up another city.