By Tukundane Yonna
It all began after a successful trip to Kabale with Take A Break. The buzz of anticipation filled the air as we eagerly awaited our next adventure. The organizers had decided on Sipi Falls following the positive feedback from our Kabale excursion.
Two months before the Sipi Falls expedition, I found myself in Kapchorwa with the Tourism Prompters Club. There, I shared my smartphone storytelling skills with the remarkable tour guides of the region, including Job Soyekwo of Mulima Adventures.
My first visit to Sipi had been marked by fear, which had prevented me from attempting abseiling. I had found consolation in enjoying the cold waters of the falls, making new friends, and soaking in the vibrant Sipi nightlife. I spent quality time at the Sipi View Point. My initial plan had been to abseil down with a banner reading “Happy Birthday Awesome. Papa loves you” for my son’s upcoming birthday.
But as I gazed at the abseiling point from our accommodation, anxiety surged through me, and I abandoned the idea. Instead, for our son’s birthday, I documented my journey from home to the church where he was baptized and shared it online, sending a copy to him through his mother’s phone.
Upon returning to Kampala, I couldn’t shake off the regret of not creating an epic, adrenaline-packed video to express my love for our son. The chance for redemption arrived when Take A Break confirmed they had organized a trip to Sipi.
Should I give it another try? The question weighed heavily on my mind, considering the investment of time and money. My friend Gift had also decided not to join the trip, and some colleagues had lost interest. My work schedule didn’t make things easier.
Now, what exactly is abseiling? Abseiling, or rappelling in some regions, is a recreational activity involving descending a rope, often from a vertical or steep surface like a cliff, rock face, building, or bridge, in a controlled and safe manner using specialized equipment and techniques.
I did not confirm my reservation on the Sipi trip until 2 a.m. on the day of departure from Kampala. On arrival in Lugogo, I found a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) coach waiting with a number of fellow adventure seekers who were upbeat about the Sipi trip. Such trips bring much more than just travel and fun. You meet people who might become lifelong friends.
I reconnected with some of them as we embarked on our journey to Mbale which is 225 kms northeast of Kampala. Mbale city, home to the Gisu (or Bamasaba) people, would be our first stop. It was my first time on the UWA bus, and the night was filled with board games like cards, Otyo, and Heads Up. My table’s competitive spirit and camaraderie kept us awake until 5 a.m after which we rested and set off for Sipi at 9 a.m.
If you’ve never been to Eastern Uganda, believe me when I say you need to reconsider your travel plans. In Mbale city, you’re welcomed by the stunning Mt. Elgon ranges and local delicacies like Malewa, a dish made from bamboo shoots. The story of Malewa deserves its own tale, but the scenic landscapes are always picture-perfect and incredibly soothing.
The city lies at the foot of the Wanale ridge, the hill with jagged slopes whose imposing beauty every visitor of Mbale has gazed upon.
Eastern Uganda offers much more than its physical features and culinary delights. It is also home to internationally acclaimed athletes – three-time 10,000m world champion, Joshua Cheptegei, Olympic marathon champion, Stephen Kiprotich, steeplechase runner Peruth Chemutai, and the 2023 World Athletics Championships men’s marathon gold medalist, Victor Kiplangat.
Kapchorwa district which is 67kms northeast of Mbale, is where Sipi Falls is situated. It is also where you find the Teryet National High Altitude Training Centre, the facility where athletes go to boost their endurance for long-distance running.
After changing into comfortable shorts with my Rotary 2023 Cancer Run kit, I embarked on walks, hikes, and, eventually, abseiling as a gesture of solidarity with the Rotary 2023 Cancer Run which was happening in Kampala on the same day.
Representing the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo, I was joined by Sue and Derrick from the Rotaract Kampala South. Together, we documented our experience while supporting a cause we believed in.
After several hikes and refreshing dips in the falls, we approached the main event—the most adrenaline-pumping moment of the trip. My heart raced, and I could feel my palms sweat as I stood at the edge of the ridge. On the same edge, the water from River Sipi forms waterfalls, plunging 100 metres. It is a spectacular sight.
The abseiling course runs parallel to the water falls.
I was eager to document my abseil for my son and wife, but doubt gnawed at me.
I spoke to Job, our guide, about my ambitious goal of documenting the experience, and he suggested I go last, as everyone else was in a rush to descend. Safety was assured, and at that moment, I asked Sue to abseil with me for moral support and to capture photos and videos. I knew I might back out if I was to go at it alone.
We watched the first group descend, screams and all.
“Weren’t you scared?” you might ask.
Terrified would be an understatement, but I had to hide it. Finally, it was our turn. The weather turned windy, a chilly drizzle adding to the suspense.
As Sue entered the first triangle at the abseiling point, a shiver ran down my spine. I wanted to give up, but it was too late—I had convinced her to do this with me, and I had enlisted two cameramen. My knees trembled, and I shivered from the cold drizzle.
“I have to do this,” I told myself.
Now, I hung by the ropes over the cliff, right next to Sue. Job and his team slowly lowering us. My head felt heavy, and I questioned my choices. The coward in me was showing his head. But given the whole reason behind this trip was to accomplish what my nerves couldn’t let me attempt during the previous trip, it would be pointless to give up yet again.
About ten seconds of unimaginable fear lay ahead, but I needed to be brave for Sue. My abs burned, and my legs screamed.
As we descended, my legs turned to jelly, unable to support me from fear. But I fought to maintain composure, projecting confidence during my weakest moment. I summoned the courage to jump, releasing the rope while screaming to boost my spirits. And it worked—I was on my way down with Sue.
During the descent, I imagined what the camera captured and how I’d edit the video. I briefly considered a Spiderman-like pose but abandoned it, my knee brushing Sue’s rope. As I spun slowly, I opened my eyes to a breathtaking panorama, later obscured by the rock. Pride swelled in me. We had conquered our fears and were suspended mid-air in a stunning landscape. Eventually, we reached the ground and set off on the final hike, taking photos.
Would I recommend such an experience? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Without a doubt. At the end of the trip, I felt proud of myself and everyone who abseiled and had wonderful videos and photos to share. I had overcome my fear and couldn’t wait for the next Take A Break trip to explore Uganda.
You can watch this video and this video from my TikTok account.
See you on the next adventure, and take the time to explore Uganda and share your experiences in this pearl of Africa.
