“The best view comes after the hardest climb”
3 days of Mount Elgon trekking
*NOTE: at the moment this trail is under maintenance.
3 days of trekking is not possible at the moment.
Duration:
3 days trekking, 2 nights in the mountain
The trip will start from Budairi Gate of Uganda Wildlife Authority to Bumasola Village, where the real hike will start. Read more about the planned hiking route below.
In case your condition is not in the best shape, this trip can be split into 4 days.
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, hoodies 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 flashlights will help you when nevigating around the camp site either going to the campfire, Kitchen area and then Tent
Remember to pack light and be efficient in packing what’s essential before embarking on your trip to Mount Elgon.
DAY 1:
The Motorcycles will pick you up from Budadiri Office to Bumasola Village, which is the real starting point of the hike. The hike will start from BUmasola Village to the “Wall of Life” which was initially called the “Wall of Death” by the local people.
The distance from Bumasola Village to the Wall of Life is 3 kilometers. At this point while on top of the Wall of Life, you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the plain lands and feel the fresh breeze from the park.
The hike will proceed from Mudangi Cliff to Sasa River Camp, which is 4 kilometers distance, for a lunch break before the main campsite.
After lunch at Sasa River Camp you will again embark on the hike of 7 kilometers to Mude Cave Camp at 3500 Meters above sea level through the two vegetation zones, that is mixed bamboo and heather zone.
The first-day hike will take you probably 8-9 hours and a total distance of 14 kilometers, but this depends on how you find it and your strength level on the mountain.
DAY 2:
You won’t get enough of the stunning views at this point.
Thereafter you will continue to Wagagai Peak trekking along the caldera reach the distance is 9 kilometers from Mude Camp, and 9 kilometers on your return to the camp, which totals up to 18 kilometers.
After getting back from the summit you will choose either to spend the second night at the Mude Camp or decent to Sasa River Camp, but your level of strength and time will determine.
DAY 3:
Bumasola Village is the endpoint of the porters and chef´s trip. From this point, you will be picked up by the motorcycles and brought to Budadiri Office for official checkout from the National Park. Eventually, you will be brought back to your Hotel.
Thereafter marks the end of your 3 days trip with us.
Variation for a 5 day Mount Elgon trekking
The first 2 days are taking the same route as the 3 day Mount Elgon trekking.
On day 3 the route changes as follows.
Day 3:
After early breakfast, we start from Mude cave camp descending to Kajeri camp at the elevation of 3383m asl.
From Mude to Kajeri it is a distance of 17 km, taking 5-6 hours. At Kajeri camp you will spend the third night.
Day 4:
After early breakfast, we start from Kajeri camp descending to Tutum cave camp at the elevation of 2667m asl.
From Kajeri to Tutum it is a distance of 20 km, taking 5-6 hours. At Tutum cave camp you will spend the forth night.
Day 5:
After early morning breakfast you will depart from Tutum cave camp to Kapkwai exploration center at the elevation of 2057m asl for 11 kilometers.
It takes roughly 4 hours to hike. Therefore it’s at the Kapkwai exploration center where the car or Boda Boda will be waiting for you to transfer you to your guesthouse.
This summarizes the 5 days of Mount Elgon Trekking experience with us.
6 days of Mount Elgon hike
Piswa – Sasa trail
The Trail is gentle from the starting point, which makes it easy for mountain hikers. On this trail you will be able to encounter a lot during the hike.
What to expect on this trail:
Walking through the primary and secondary forests. The Landscape, amazing views, mountain Antelopes, and a variety of flowers, like the everlasting flowers.
You have a chance to encounter different types of monkeys, like the black and white colobus monkeys, the red tail monkeys, the blue face monkeys, and the vervet monkeys.
A variety of birds can be seen there too, like the endangered Lammergeier, atalap Turaco, and many others.
The Highlight of this hike is the Hot springs at an elevation of about 4000 meters asl. From this point, the Jackson Summit and Jacksons Table can be seen.
Day 1.
After early morning breakfast at your place of residence or guesthouse, you will be taken by a Boda Boda to Kapkwata Uganda Wildlife Office. If you have your own car, you can use the car too.
At the Office, you will proceed with the registration, briefing, and meeting with the ranger guides, porters, and cook.
After that, you will start the hike from the Office to Piswa Patrol Camp for your first night at the elevation of 2850m asl. which is a hiking distance of 11 kilometers.
Day 2.
Waking up early in the forest on Mount Elgon, and after enjoying an early morning breakfast you will continue with the hike, leaving the camp hiking to Hunters Cave Camp. There you will spend your second night, at an elevation of 3870 meters asl. which covers a distance of 16 kilometers.
The second day seems to be longer in terms of distance and time, though the landscape head in slightly hilly and gentle areas. But it depends on how you find it.
Day 3.
After early morning breakfast you will take on a hike through the caldera rim excluding the routes that lead to the hot spring and the peak, and descent straight to Mude Cave Camp for the third night.
The camp is at an elevation of 3500 meters asl. the distance covers 18 kilometers.
Day 4.
You wake up early in the morning to enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast, you will embark on a hike to Wagagai Peak at 4321m asl.
On this trail you shall encounter a lot during the hike, passing through Jacksons Pool.
You will enjoy the magnificent view of Jacksons Summit and Jacksons Table, depending on the weather and visibility. From there you will be able to see the Mubiyi Peak which is 4210m asl too.
This part of the area is moorland where you will see the everlasting flowers and the mountain Duikers among others.
The total distance from the camp to the peak is 9 kilometers, which adds up to a total of 18km. On the 4th night, you will be back at Mude Camp.
Day 5.
After early morning breakfast you will descend to Sasa River Camp, which is at an elevation of 2900m asl.
At this camp you will have more time to relax and enjoy the surroundings, sharing stories with the rangers and the team, before checking out of the mountain.
You will have a chance for some bird watching and spotting monkeys.
Day 6.
After enjoying your breakfast you will start to descend from Sasa River Camp towards the ladders through the community to Bumasola Village.
Reaching the village you will be picked up by a Boda Bodas to bring you to Budadiri Wildlife Office for the check out.
After the check out you will continue the journey back to your lodge or guesthouse.
This will mark the end of the 6 days trip on the Mount Elgon experience with us.
Package Prices
Package of the 3 days Mount Elgon trekking with us includes:
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 960.000 p. P.
Package of the 4 days Mount Elgon trekking with us includes:
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-way1 night in Sipi before the hike
The price for non-residents is
$570,- p. P.
The price for East Africans is
UGX 1.350.000 p. P.
Package of the 6 days Mount Elgon trekking with us includes:
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
$800,- p. P.
The price for East Africans is
UGX 1.650.000 p. P.
If you would like to leave your footprint on the peak of Mount Elgon, you are welcome to join us for your trekking experience.
