Chebonet Falls

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a waterfall that is so remote and stunning that it feels like a secret paradise? If so, you might want to add Chebonet Falls to your bucket list. Chebonet Falls is a waterfall in Uganda, located on the north edge of Mount Elgon, along the highway of Mbale in Kapchorwa district. It is the second highest waterfall in the region, after the famous Sipi Falls, with a drop of about 100 meters. But unlike Sipi Falls, which attracts many tourists and visitors, Chebonet Falls is relatively unknown and unexplored. In this blog post, I will tell you more about this amazing natural wonder and why you should visit it.

The Beauty of Chebonet Falls

Chebonet Falls is not just one waterfall, but a series of five waterfalls that cascade down the slopes of Mount Elgon. The water originates from the mountain and forms a river that flows through the lush green valleys and forests. The first waterfall is inside Mount Elgon National Park, and the rest are outside the park boundaries. The waterfalls vary in size and shape, creating different levels of beauty and excitement. Some are narrow and steep, while others are wide and gentle. Some are surrounded by rocks and cliffs, while others are framed by trees and flowers. The sound of the water crashing and splashing is soothing and exhilarating at the same time.

The best way to enjoy Chebonet Falls is to hike along the trails that connect the different waterfalls. The hike takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your speed and fitness level. Along the way, you will pass through the local community, where you can interact with the friendly farmers and villagers. You will also see various crops and plants, such as coffee and banana, that grow in the fertile soil. The hike is not very difficult, but it does require some stamina and caution, as the trails can be slippery and steep at some points. You will need a guide to show you the way and provide you with information and safety tips. The guides are usually from the nearby Sipi Valley Resort, which is the best place to stay if you want to visit Chebonet Falls.

The Benefits of Visiting Chebonet Falls

One of the main benefits of visiting Chebonet Falls is that you will have a unique and authentic experience that most tourists miss. Chebonet Falls is not very popular or crowded, so you will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty without any distractions or interruptions. You will also have the chance to learn more about the culture and history of the people who live in the area, and support their livelihoods by hiring their services and buying their products. You will also contribute to the conservation and protection of the environment, as the waterfalls are part of the Mount Elgon ecosystem, which is home to many wildlife species, such as monkeys, antelopes, and birds.

Another benefit of visiting Chebonet Falls is that you will have a lot of fun and adventure. You can do various activities, such as sightseeing, photography, and abseiling. Abseiling is a thrilling activity that involves descending down a rope from the top of a waterfall to the bottom. It is a great way to challenge yourself and overcome your fears, while enjoying the spectacular views and sensations. You will need to wear a harness and a helmet, and follow the instructions of a professional instructor. Abseiling is suitable for anyone who is physically fit and mentally prepared, and it is an unforgettable experience that you will remember for a long time.

Activities and Attractions near Chebonet Falls

Chebonet Falls is not the only attraction in the area, as there are many other things to see and do nearby. One of the most popular and famous attractions is Sipi Falls, a series of three waterfalls that are located about 10 kilometers away from Chebonet Falls. Sipi Falls are equally impressive and beautiful, and offer different hiking trails and viewpoints. You can also try some adrenaline-pumping activities, such as abseiling, zip-lining, and bungee jumping, at Sipi Falls, if you are looking for some more excitement and fun.

Another attraction that you should not miss is the Sipi Valley, a lush and fertile valley that stretches along the slopes of Mount Elgon. The valley is home to many coffee plantations, where you can learn about the process and history of coffee production, and taste some of the finest and freshest coffee in the world. You can also visit some of the local communities and projects, such as schools, health centers, and women’s groups, and support their development and empowerment.

If you are a nature and wildlife enthusiast, you will also love the variety and abundance of flora and fauna that can be found in the area. You can go for a birdwatching tour, where you can spot some of the over 300 species of birds that inhabit the region, such as the turaco, the sunbird, the hornbill, and the eagle. You can also explore some of the caves that are scattered around the area, where you can see some fascinating rock formations and ancient paintings. Some of the caves are also home to some bats, which can be seen flying out at dusk.

Photography Tips for Chebonet Falls

Chebonet Falls is a photographer’s dream, as it offers endless opportunities and angles to capture its beauty and splendor. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help you take better and more stunning photos of the falls, and make the most of your visit. Here are some of them:

• The best time to photograph Chebonet Falls is in the morning or evening, when the light is softer and more golden, and the shadows are less harsh. You can also catch some amazing sunrises and sunsets, and create some dramatic and colorful effects.

• The best viewpoint to photograph Chebonet Falls is from the Chebonet Viewpoint, where you can get a wide and clear shot of the entire waterfall and the valley. You can also experiment with different zoom levels and compositions, such as including some foreground elements, such as trees, flowers, or rocks, to create some depth and contrast.

• Another great viewpoint to photograph Chebonet Falls is from the base of the falls, where you can get a close-up and dynamic shot of the water and the spray. You can also use a slow shutter speed to create a silky and smooth effect, or a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion and capture the details and textures. You will need to protect your camera and lens from the water and the mist, and use a tripod to stabilize your shots.

• If you are feeling adventurous, you can also photograph Chebonet Falls from the top of the falls, where you can get a unique and dramatic shot of the edge and the drop. You can also use a wide-angle lens to capture the curve and the perspective of the falls, or a fisheye lens to create a distorted and artistic effect. You will need to be careful and cautious, and follow the instructions and guidance of your guide.

Responsible Tourism at Chebonet Falls

Chebonet Falls is a natural and cultural treasure that deserves to be preserved and respected. As a visitor, you have a responsibility to minimize your impact and maximize your contribution to the local environment and community. Here are some ways that you can practice responsible tourism at Chebonet Falls:

• Dispose of your waste properly, and avoid littering or dumping any trash or plastic in the area. You can also bring your own reusable water bottle and bag, and reduce your consumption and waste.

• Support the local economy and people, and buy some souvenirs, products, or services from the local shops, markets, or vendors. You can also tip your guides, drivers, or hosts generously, and show your appreciation and gratitude.

• Respect the local culture and customs, and dress and behave appropriately and modestly. You can also learn some basic words and phrases in the local language, such as hello, thank you, and please, and greet and communicate with the locals politely and respectfully.

• Participate in the local activities and initiatives, and join some of the community projects, such as planting trees, cleaning the area, or teaching the children. You can also donate some money, materials, or equipment to the local organizations, such as schools, health centers, or women’s groups, and support their development and empowerment.

The Conclusion

Chebonet Falls is a hidden gem of Uganda that deserves more attention and appreciation. It is a waterfall that offers beauty, adventure, and culture, and it is a perfect destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and discover a new and exciting side of Uganda, you should definitely visit Chebonet Falls. You will not regret it.