Mt. Elgon trekking
Mount Elgon (4321m) is the 8th highest mountain in Africa and the second largest freestanding volcanic base in the world rising more than 300m above the surrounding plains and domination the local landscape.
Located in Eastern Uganda, Mount Elgon has the largest caldera in the world. The mountain spans a diameter of 80km and rises over 3000m above sea level. It has over five peaks in both Kenya and Uganda, the highest being Wagagai at an elevation of 4321m above sea level (asl)
Geologists estimate Mount Elgon first erupted over 24 million years ago. Because of that and subsequent eruptions, the mountain created a great landscape on its slopes and now has some of the most unique tourist attraction sites in Uganda, for example, the Sipi Falls, Sisiyi Falls, Wanale Ridge, and Mount Elgon National Park among others.
The distance between Kampala city and Mount Elgon National Park is about 230km. The roads are well paved and made of tarmac but traffic jam is a problem on the Kampala – Jinja highway. It takes between 4 to 5 hours to reach Mbale town from Kampala through the towns of Jinja and Iganga. The journey by road offers opportunities to stop and see amazing places like the source of the river Nile and Mabira forest.
For visitors who don’t like long road journeys, there is an option to book a chartered flight from Entebbe international airport to Soroti airfield near Mount Elgon. From the airfield, one would need to travel by road for about one hour before reaching Mbale town or Kapchorwa.
Mount Elgon Hiking Packages
3 DAYS HIKE TO MT. ELGON
The Bushiyi trail is the shortest trail to the peak of Mount Elgon, taking only 3 days. This trail is ideal for travelers who want to reach the peak and return in the shortest time possible. Since it’s a very intense trail, you’ll need to be physically fit. The trail is found in Bududa, a place with a scenic landscape comprising of high hills and deep valleys.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
A motorcycle ride takes you from the hotel (in Bududa) to Bushiyi Ranger Post which is run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. After checking in, you’ll be briefed on the activity, and meet the chef, guides, rangers and porters, after which you start hiking towards Dubi Camp which is 19 kilometres away. However, you’ll have a lunch break at Shilonko camp. The first day ends at Dubi camp where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2:
On the second day, have breakfast at Dubi camp and take the 9km hike to Wagagai peak. As you move from heather zone to moorland, enjoy the beautiful scenery and feel a sense of freedom as you walk over the soft grassland.
At the summit, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, having conquered the eight highest peak in Africa. After the long hike, you’ll feel exhausted but happy at the same time since you’ve reached the destination.
Enjoy the picturesque view, take some photos and relax for a while before descending to Dubi camp. Relax and calm down as the sun sets. After the dinner, enjoy your second last day in the forest and get some good rest.
Day 3:
Finally, descend to Bushiyi ranger post. This will mark the end of your stay in the forest. Check out at the ranger post and head on to your next destination.
Package for trekking Mt Elgon (3 Days)
– Hiking Fee (3 Days)
– 2 porters (3 Days)
– Cook (3Days)
– Camping Fee (2 Nights)
– Tent (2 Nights)
– Sleeping Bag & Mat (2 Nights)
– Food & Water (3 Days)
– Boda Boda facilitation (To & From)
– Accommodation (1 Night,Bed & Breakfast)
Price:
Foreign Residents 480$ p/p
Foreign non residents 500$ p/p
East Africans 1.100.000 p/p
NB: Meal Plan is Full board
4 DAYS HIKE TO MT. ELGON
The 4 Day Hike is flexible and starts from Sipi Trail head and ends at Bushiyi Trail Head (Bududa). During this hike,the landscape is really amazing and it gives a chance to view the 2 Elgon Peaks from a distance (Mubiyi and Jackson Peak).
On the side of Flora and Fauna, you’ll spot the Giant Lobelia, Everlasting flowers, Primates such as White and Black Monkeys.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
On the day of the hike, you’ll have early morning breakfast in Sipi before heading to Kapkwai by car or motorcycle. Check in at Kapkwai Exploration Center where you’ll meet your travel companions and get to know them before the trek starts. These include rangers, porters, and a chef.
Right after leaving the exploration centre, you’ll see monkeys, medicinal plants, mixed bamboo forest, unique plant species and other interesting features. Occasionally, you’ll hear some interesting bird and insect sounds. Detach yourself from the stress of life as you tread the clear paths, and explore the thickening montane forest.
Hike 11km to Tutum cave camp which is at an elevation of 2667m above sea level. Have lunch and rest for a while near the serene cave. After that, proceed to Kajeri camp which is 14km away. It’ll be strenuous but the level of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end makes it worth it. Have enough rest as you spend your first night in the forest.
Day 2:
On the second day, you’ll leave Kajeri camp (3,383m asl) for Mawongogo cave camp.
Day 3:
The third day takes you from Mawongogo cave camp to Wagagai, the summit. As you get closer to the summit, you’ll see everlasting flowers before the vegetation becomes scanty leading you to a rocky place. It’s at this point where you’ll start to see some of the Kenyan peaks from a distance. Feel calmer as you draw closer to Wagagai.
Reaching the highest peak on Mount Elgon will give you a great confidence boost and elation. Enjoy the glorious view at the summit, and take some pictures before relaxing. Thereafter, you descend to Dubi camp where you’ll rest for the night.
Day 4:
Finally on the fourth day, you’ll leave Dubi camp, rest at Shilonko and then head on to Bushiyi ranger post for check out.
Package for trekking Mt Elgon (4 Days)
– Hiking Fee (4 Days)
– 2 porters (4 Days)
– Cook (4 Days)
– Camping Fee (3 Nights)
– Tent (3 Nights)
– Sleeping Bag & Mat (3 Nights)
– Food & Water (4 Days)
– Boda Boda Facilitation (To & From)
– Accommodation (1 Night,Bed & Breakfast)
Price:
Foreign Residents 580$ p/p
Foreign non residents 600$ p/p
East Africans 1.340.000 p/p
NB: Meal Plan is Full Board
6 DAYS HIKE TO MT. ELGON
Over the course of six days, you will embark on a journey through Elgon Mountain, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and enjoying the thrills of hiking on well-maintained footpaths.
Starting at the Piswa Trailhead, the trail begins with a gentle incline, allowing hikers to conserve their energy for the more challenging
hills ahead. As you trek, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant flowers, Senecio Plants, Artimesia atimalaria plants, a variety of birds, and Duikers. There’s no shortage of natural beauty to appreciate along the way.
Throughout the trek, you’ll have opportunities to take breaks for lunch, water, and snacks to help keep your energy levels up.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
This trail starts from the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Kapkwata. Get briefed about the hike, and meet your chef, rangers, guide and porters. From here, you’ll hike 11km to Piswa patrol camp (2850m asl).
Day 2:
On the second day, you’ll leave Piswa patrol camp and head to Hunter’s cave which stands at an elevation of 3870m asl. The distance between these two camps is 16 km so you’ll definitely need the rest at Hunter’s cave camp.
Day 3:
Day three will lead you to Mawongogo cave camp where you’ll rest and get ready to summit the next day
Day 4:
This will be your summit day. Wake up early Mawongogo cave camp, have breakfast and start the trek to Wagagai peak. Explore the unique features of Wagagai peak and relax for a while before descending to Dubi camp.
Day 5:
Wake up in Dubi Camp and head on to Shilonko camp for adequate rest and relaxation. Since this will be your second last day in the national park, enjoy it to the fullest. As you rest and relax, you can do a bit of exploring around.
After breakfast, you will begin your descent to Sasa River Camp, which is located at an elevation of 2900m asl. Here, you will have enough time for relaxation and storytelling around the campfire. You will also have some time to dry your clothes as you prepare for the next day when you check out of the forest.
Day 6:
After five thrilling days in the national park, wake up on the sixth day ready to embark on your departure. From Shilonko camp, you’ll go straight to Bushiyi ranger post to check out.
Package for trekking Mt Elgon (6 Days)
– Hiking Fee (6 Days)
– 2 porters (6 Days)
– Cook (6 Days)
– Camping Fee (5 Nights)
– Tent (5 Nights)
– Sleeping Bag & Mat (5 Nights)
– Food & Water (6 Days)
– Boda Boda Facilitation (To & From)
– Accommodation (1 Night,Bed & Breakfast)
Price:
Foreign Residents 800$ p/p
Foreign non residents 830$ p/p
East Africans 1.630.000 p/p
NB: Meal Plan is Full Board