“The best view comes after the hardest climb”
Looking for an alluring Mountain Hiking adventure in Uganda?
Come to Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon is one of the less popular mountains in Uganda, but offers many interesting tourist attractions, besides from climbing to Wagagai Peak.
Once it was the highest Mountain in Africa, but due to corrosion the peak collapsed making it smaller. Mount Elgon is an active volcano in eastern Uganda with the largest mountain caldera in the world. Its highest peak Wagagai rises to 4,321m above sea level. With the largest volcanic base in East Africa, it stretches over a distance of 80km and rises over 3000m above the surrounding plains.
Mount Elgon in Uganda has many unique tourist attractions, such as Mount Elgon National Park, Sipi Falls, and Wanale Ridge.
Trails for Mount Elgon Trekking
At Mount Elgon Trekkers, we organize hikes on three trails. The trail you choose depends on your fitness level and the time you have to spare.
Mount Elgon Trekking
This involves traversing through the scenic Mount Elgon National Park to reach Wagagai Peak. The hike takes you through forest land, hills, valleys, caves, several peaks, and unique vegetation. The park is full of life with a variety of rare plant and animal species. It is home to over 300 bird species.
Mount Elgon trekking is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Elgon region. It’s a moderately challenging hike that even children of over 10 years and older people can partake in.
The forest has several forms of vegetation, making the trek really fascinating. Mount Elgon trekking includes hiking in the montane forest, bamboo forest, heather zone, and moorland vegetation.
Mount Elgon trekking is the perfect way to leave the noisy world behind and embark on a hike into the wilderness. The national park is tranquil, making it the best place to unwind and destress for a while.
Experience the fresh air and earthy scents as you explore the captivating Montane region. Then, feel a sense of wild freedom in the moorland section with panoramic views.
Moreover, the Uganda Wildlife Authority provides rangers for security, which means you have nothing to worry about during the hike. At Mount Elgon Trekkers, we ensure you get the best guides, chefs, porters, and rangers to make your stay in the national park memorable.
3 days of Mount Elgon trekking
BUSHIYI TRAIL
Trails for Mount Elgon Trekking
At Mount Elgon Trekkers, we organize hikes on three trails. The trail you choose depends on your fitness level and the time you have to spare.
DAY 1:
The hike starts from River Line Guest House in Bududa, a place with a breathtaking landscape. Bududa has dense greenery, captivating high hills, valleys, and steep slopes, which will give you a preview of what the Elgon landscape looks like.
From the lodge, you’ll take a car ride or motorcycle ride to the Bushiyi Ranger Post / UWA office. From there, you hike 19 km to Dubi camp through the montane rainforest, taking a break at Shilonko camp for lunch. Dinner will be at Dubi camp, where you’ll spend the first night.
You’ll see different species of monkeys jumping over the trees, for example, the black and white colobus monkeys and blue-face monkeys. You might also encounter squirrels and other small animals in the forest. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a variety of birds as you go deeper into the trail.
DAY 2:
Early the next morning, you have breakfast at Dubi camp and then embark on climbing the last 9km to Wagagai Peak. Having left the montane forest already, you’ll now move from the Heather zone to Moorland.
This section is an open area that allows you to have a wide magnificent view of the alluring and unique features around you. You’ll also view peaks on both the Ugandan and Kenyan sides. One of the most prominent being Jackson’s peak.
Reaching the highest peak of Mount Elgon will give you a strong sense of accomplishment. Take photos and view the beautiful landscape around you. After leaving Wagagai Peak, you return to Dubi camp, have lunch, and relax till dinner time.
Early the next morning, you have breakfast at Dubi camp and then embark on climbing the last 9km to Wagagai Peak. Having left the montane forest already, you’ll now move from the Heather zone to Moorland.
This section is an open area that allows you to have a wide magnificent view of the alluring and unique features around you. You’ll also view peaks on both the Ugandan and Kenyan sides. One of the most prominent being Jackson’s peak.
Reaching the highest peak of Mount Elgon will give you a strong sense of accomplishment. Take photos and view the beautiful landscape around you. After leaving Wagagai Peak, you return to Dubi camp, have lunch, and relax till dinner time.
DAY 3:
Finally, you descend to the Bushiyi Ranger post for official checkout using the same trail.
Variation for a 5 day Mount Elgon trekking
This trail can be hiked in 4 days as well
SIPI-BUSHIYI TRAIL
This starts with an early breakfast at your resort in Sipi, followed by a ride or drive to Kapkwai Exploration Centre. You can feel the air become cooler as you draw close to Kapkwai. You check in with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at their offices and get ready for the hike.
You’ll meet your trekking team at the Kapkwai Exploration Centre. The team includes porters, rangers, a guide, and a cook/chef. Get acquainted with them before you start the Mount Elgon trekking because you’ll be spending the next few days with them.
From Kapkwai, you hike through the tranquil forest until Tutum cave, which is 2667m above sea level (ASL). While hiking, you’ll encounter interesting features like a bamboo forest and rare plant species, as well as small animals like monkeys. Also, discover medicinal plants and unique traditional trees of the Elgon region.
The first day ends at Tutum Cave where you’ll camp for the night. The distance between Tutum cave and the Kapkwai exploration center is 11km. Lush vegetation surrounds the large cave and waterfall near it.
On the second day, you trek 14km from Tutum cave to Kajeri Camp (3,383m asl). Since it’s the longest day, it’ll require a lot of mental preparation. Day 3 starts at Kajeri camp and ends at Mawongogo cave camp.
Day 4 is the exciting summit day. Wake up to a beautiful view at Mawongogo cave camp, from where you’ll leave for Wagagai Peak. As you walk through the caldera rim, you’ll be able to see some peaks on the Kenyan side of the mountain. You’ll also see rare plants and flowers like the everlasting flowers. This place offers a great backdrop for pictures.
After the summit, embark on a gradual descent to Dubi camp, where you’ll have lunch, and dinner and spend the 4th night.
On day 5, you’ll descend from Dubi camp to Shilonko camp, before heading to Bushiyi Ranger Post.
5 or 6 days Mount Elgon hike
Piswa – Sasa trail
Piswa trail is a very scenic trail that starts in the montane rainforest before taking you to the moorland. Expect to see several species of monkeys like the red tail monkeys, a wide variety of birds, and mountain antelopes. You’ll also encounter interesting plants like the everlasting flowers. What’s more, this trail is fairly gentle and gradual. It starts off easy but slowly gets more challenging.
The Piswa trail starts from the Kapkwata Uganda Wildlife Authority office. You’ll leave your place of residence for the office as early as possible. At the office, you’ll register and receive a short briefing. Also, get to know the guide, ranger, chef, and porters you’ll be trekking Mount Elgon with. From the office, you’ll walk 11km to Piswa patrol camp, which is at 2850m asl.
The second day starts from Piswa patrol camp to Hunter’s cave camp (3870m asl) where you’ll spend the night. The distance between the two camps is 16 kilometers, which is quite long but some parts are gentle, gradually leading to hilly areas.
The next day involves trekking to Mawongogo cave camp.
The fourth day is Summit Day. Wake up at Mawongogo, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before heading to the peak where you’ll stay for a while, and enjoy the wonderful view. Thereafter, you head to Dubi Camp for the night.
The descent is on the fifth day. After 5 or 6 days in the mountain, you’ll have a lot of memories and stories to tell about the wonderful adventure.
WHAT TO BRING TO MOUNT ELGON FOR THE HIKE
When planning a trip to Mount Elgon, it’s essential to pack accordingly for the weather conditions. Here are some essentials to pack for Mount Elgon during the wet and dry seasons:
1. Comfortable hiking boots: Bring sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, especially for difficult or steep ascends in uneven terrain.
2. Water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential no matter what weather conditions you visit Mount Elgon.
3. Warm layers: Temperatures on Mount Elgon can drop significantly, especially during the wet season, so bring warm layers like a sweater, jacket, hoodie, and gloves. Quick-drying clothes are suitable for the wet season.
4. Sunscreen: Harsh sun radiation can still happen even during the wet season when it is not raining, so be sure to protect your skin from UV damage.
5. Insect repellent: It’s crucial to carry insect repellent to protect you against mosquito-borne diseases.
6. Hat and sunglasses: Protect your face and eyes from the sun during the hikes.
7. Waterproof gear: Bring waterproof gear like a rain poncho or rain jacket to protect yourself and your belongings from the rain.
8. First Aid Kit: Carry along a first aid kit containing all the essentials including painkillers, plasters, antiseptic cream, bandages, etc.
9. Digital flashlight: a digital torch or flashlight will help you when navigating around the campsite either going to the campfire, Kitchen area, and then the Tent
Remember to pack light and be efficient in packing what’s essential before embarking on your trip to Mount Elgon.
Which trail should I choose for Mount Elgon trekking?
The trail you choose will depend on the time you have for exploration and the level of fitness. The Bushiyi trail is the shortest trail but also the most challenging trail. It involves walking longer distances in the shortest time possible, which makes it quite tiring.
For these reasons, this trail is perfect for those with little time on their hands.
However, if you have more time to spare and want to enjoy Mount Elgon trekking without urgency, the Piswa and Sipi-Bushiyi trails are perfect for you. You’ll have more time in the national park and can really get a good feel of nature.
When to go for Mount Elgon trekking
You can do Mount Elgon trekking at any time of the year. Although the trails may be harder to use during the wet seasons, they’re still passable. Besides, a harder trek will give you a more adventurous feeling. It’s all up to you.
If you wish to know more about the wet and dry seasons in Uganda and to plan your adventure accordingly, contact us for guidance.
Travel Arrangements
Most people who take the trek to Mount Elgon’s highest peak also wish to visit Sipi. Please note that it’s best to go for Mount Elgon trekking before the Sipi hike. If you intend to use the Sipi trail, you can travel to Sipi first. If you opt for the other trails and are traveling from Kampala, stop in Mbale.
For the best experience, contact us before traveling so we can guide you better. We can also help book transport and accommodation services to make your journey run smoothly. We also have a vehicle that we can use to pick you up from any location in Uganda.
Contact us today to plan your journey to Mount Elgon – the Mountain in Uganda with 1000 waterfalls.
Package Prices for Mount Elgon Trekking
3 days Mount Elgon Trekking Package
Hiking fee – 3 days
Camping fee – 2 nights
Tent- 2 nights
Sleeping bag and mat – 2 nights
Cook – 3 days
2 Porters – 3 days
Food and water – 3 days
Boda Boda facilitation – 2-way
1 night in Sipi before the hike
The price for non-residents is $500,- p. P.
The price for East Africans is UGX 1.000.000 p. P.
4 days Mount Elgon Trekking Package
Hiking fee – 4 days
Camping fee – 3 nights
Tent – 3 nights
Sleeping bag and mat – 3 nights
Cook – 4 days
2 Porters – 4 days
Food and water – 4 days
Boda Boda facilitation – 2-way
1 night in Sipi before the hike
The price for non-residents is $600,- p. P.
The price for East Africans is UGX 1.350.000 p. P.
5 days Mount Elgon Trekking Package
Hiking fee – 5 days
Camping fee – 4 nights
Tent – 4 nights
Sleeping bag and mat – 4 nights
Cook – 5 days
2 Porters – 5 days
Food and water – 6 days
Boda Boda facilitation – 2-way
1 night in Sipi before the hike
The price for non-residents is $750,- p. P.
The price for East Africans is UGX 1.500.000 p. P.
6 days Mount Elgon Trekking Package
Hiking fee – 6 days
Camping fee – 5 nights
Tent – 5 nights
Sleeping bag and mat – 5 nights
Cook – 6 days
2 Porters – 6 days
Food and water – 6 days
Boda Boda facilitation – 2-way
1 night in Sipi before the hike
The price for non-residents is $850,- p. P.
The price for East Africans is UGX 1.650.000 p. P.
