Learn How Coffee Is Made on Mount Elgon

Why you should go on the Sipi Falls coffee tour

You can drink coffee anywhere. But here, you get to understand it.

On this tour, you will walk with local farmers through their local farms on the slopes of Mount Elgon. You will see the coffee plants, learn how the beans are harvested, and help with the traditional process of sorting, peeling, and drying.

Then, you get to roast the beans yourself over a small fire. The guide will show you how to grind and brew it the local way. The taste is completely different from what you buy in a store.

It’s fresh, rich, and you helped make it. And of course, you are surrounded by the incredible local homestays of the Sipi community.

It’s a quiet and authentic experience that connects you to the place and the people who grow this coffee.

What to bring on the Sipi Falls Coffee Tour

To ensure your tour is comfortable, please bring the following items.

The coffee farms are in nature, on uneven terrain and can have insects.

What to wear:

● Long-sleeved shirt and pants: This protects your skin from plants and insects.
● Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are best for walking on the trails. Boots or sneakers are ideal for this purpose.
● Sunscreen: You will be outside for a few hours.
What to bring:
● A bottle of water: It’s important to stay hydrated during the walk.
● A hat (optional): For extra sun protection.
● A camera (optional): The views of the farms and waterfalls are worth capturing.

About Arabica Coffee

Arabica coffee needs specific conditions to develop its best flavour.

The slopes of Mount Elgon provide exactly what it needs: high altitude, volcanic soil, and a cool climate. Here, the coffee plants grow slowly. This slow growth concentrates the flavours in the bean, resulting in a smoother, more complex cup.

You might taste notes of chocolate or citrus, with very little bitterness.

But the geography is only part of the story. Local farmers use knowledge passed down through generations to cultivate these plants. They work with the land, not against it.

This Sipi Falls Coffee Tour shows you the direct connection between the environment, the farmer, and your cup of coffee.

The Arabica coffee from the slopes of Mount Elgon is different. The volcanic soil and climate around Sipi Falls create ideal conditions, but the real difference comes from the people.

For the local Bagisu and Sebei communities, coffee is not just a crop. It is a part of their culture. Farming is a family and community effort. This connection to the land shapes their traditions, from the Bagisu’s Imbalu ceremonies to the Sebei’s storytelling.

The process is careful and traditional. Farmers harvest only the ripest cherries by hand. They use generations-old knowledge to process the beans. This attention to detail is why the coffee has such a distinct, high-quality flavour.

Many farmers now use sustainable methods. They grow coffee under shade trees to protect the local ecosystem and avoid harsh chemicals. This helps the environment and makes the coffee better.

This coffee is a vital source of income for families. It pays for school fees, healthcare, and household needs.

When you buy this coffee or join a tour, you are directly supporting these communities. In short, the coffee from Sipi Falls tells a story of tradition, careful work, and community.

You can taste the difference.

FAQs

History of Coffee

Coffee’s story starts in Ethiopia. On the Ethiopian plateau, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats became energetic after eating berries from a certain bush. He tried the berries himself and felt the same effect.

From Ethiopia, coffee plants travelled to Yemen in the 15th century. There, Sufi monks began brewing the beans into a drink to help them stay awake for nighttime prayers.

Venetian merchants brought coffee to Europe in the 1600s. At first, people were unsure about the new drink. But it quickly became popular.

By the end of the 17th century, coffee was being drunk across Europe and in the American colonies. The coffee you will taste at Sipi Falls is part of this long history. It’s Arabica coffee, the same variety that began in Ethiopia centuries ago.

This history is why a Sipi Falls coffee tour is special. You are not just tasting coffee. You are walking through the same kind of high-altitude farms where it all began.

You are taking part in the same traditional brewing methods used for centuries. It’s a chance to connect with the real story of coffee.

Arabica vs. Robusta:

Know Your Coffee

People often ask what the difference is between Arabica and Robusta coffee. The choice depends on what you like.

Here is a simple breakdown.

Arabica Coffee

Arabica beans have a smoother, sweeter taste. You might notice flavours like fruit, sugar, or chocolate. This coffee grows best in high-altitude areas with cool weather. The plants are delicate and need more care. Most speciality coffees are Arabica.

Robusta Coffee

Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter taste. They contain about twice as much caffeine as Arabica. This makes the flavour bold and the plant hardy. Robusta grows well in lower, hotter areas and is more resistant to pests.

It is often used in strong espresso blends.

Which one is for you?

Choose Arabica if you prefer a smoother, more complex cup of coffee. Choose Robusta if you want a strong, bold kick with more caffeine.

On our Sipi Falls Coffee Tour, you will see one type growing on the slopes of Mount Elgon.

You’ll taste it yourself.