Mount Elgon Trekking

MOUNT ELGON

At 4321m above sea level, Mount Elgon is the eighth highest mountain in Africa. Scientists believe it was once the highest mountain in Africa but millennia of erosion has shortened it. Spanning over 80km in diameter, it’s still quite a wonder of nature. Mount Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world, with the mountain rising over 3000m above the surrounding plains.

Mount Elgon is on the border between eastern Uganda and western Kenya, with its highest peak Wagagai in Uganda. Wagagai is inside the Mount Elgon National Park.

Jacksons Pool Mount Elgon

MOUNT ELGON TREKKING

Mount Elgon trekking involves hiking through the Mount Elgon National Park to the highest peak of the mountain. This trek takes you through montane forest cover, mixed bamboo, heather zone and later moorland. All these forms of vegetation offer unique views because of their varying features.

During the thrilling trek, you’ll encounter several species of animals, especially primates, birds and plants. The national park has a vast ecosystem that makes hiking through it such a wholesome adventure.

The differing landscapes also add to the adventure. The trails will lead you through valleys, hills and flatlands. To add icing to the cake, you’ll see unique features. There are caves, waterfalls, cliffs and interesting rock formations in Mount Elgon National Park.

The national park is never crowded, which gives you a tranquil hike. Get lost in the sounds of nature, leaving the hustle and bustle behind you. Nature gives a refreshing feel that will calm your mind and make you forget all your stress.

Mount Elgon trekking is great for adventure lovers. For aspiring mountain climbers, this is a good place to start, before embarking on higher mountains. Mount Elgon trekking is also a great way to maintain physical health and fitness.

We use three trails for Mount Elgon trekking namely; Bushiyi trail, Sipi-Bushiyi trail and Piswa-Bushiyi trail. These three trails vary in lengths and difficulty. Read more about them to see which one will suit you.

Itineraries for 3 and 5 days Mount Elgon Trekking

Vegetation on Mount Elgon

3 DAYS TRAIL (BUSHIYI TRAIL)

The Bushiyi trail is the shortest trail to the peak of Mount Elgon. Because of that, it’s also the most intense trail for Mount Elgon Trekking.

Day 1

The Bushiyi trail starts from Bududa, near Mbale. When planning to use the Bushiyi trail for Mount Elgon Trekking, you lodge in Bududa. In the morning, you’ll leave the lodge/guest house for Bushiyi Ranger Post, which is the Uganda Wildlife Authority office. This is where you check in and meet your trekking companions. These will be the chef, porter, guide and rangers. After a short familiarization, the journey stars.

Thereafter, hike from the ranger post to Dubi camp, which is 19km away. Take a break at Shilonko camp for lunch.

Have dinner and spend the night at Dubi camp.

Day 2

Wake up early and have breakfast, before embarking on the summit push. This will be a 9km trek. During this trek, you’ll move from heather zone to moorland vegetation. It’s at this point that most of the Kenyan and Ugandan peaks become visible.

The summit offers an impressive endless view of the national park and forest. You can see peaks, varying forms of vegetation and the beautiful landscape. After spending some time at the summit, you’ll return to Dubi camp for the night.

Day 3

On the third day, you’ll leave Dubi camp for Bushiyi ranger post to check out and leave after your adventure in the mountain.

Hiking trail on Mount Elgon

5 DAYS TRAIL (SIPI-BUSHIYI TRAIL)

 

Day 1

This starts in Sipi. From Sipi, you’ll journey to Kapkwai Exploration Center, which is run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You’ll register and discover what to expect in the forested mountain. Meet your travel companions before starting the 11km journey to Tutum cave camp (2667m).

You’ll encounter monkeys, birds and insects during the journey. Also explore the mixed bamboo forest which is one of the major attractions there.

Day 2

After a serene night at Tutum Cave camp, you’ll journey to Kajeri camp (3383m).  The distance between these two camps is 14 km so it will be quite a trek. You’ll spend the night at Kajeri camp.

Day 3

On the third day, you’ll set from Kajeri camp and head on to Mawongongo camp.

Day 4

Summit the Wagagai peak on the fourth day. Upon waking up at Mawongogo, have breakfast and start the journey to the highest peak of Mount Elgon. As you move from heather zone to the soft grassland, enjoy the vast view from all sides. The scenery becomes more interesting as you get closer to the summit.

The summit is beautiful and you can view the beautiful landscape around and the other peaks that are both in Kenya and Uganda. The air is fresh and the world is quiet at that point. Relax and enjoy the view for a while before descending to Dubi camp.

Day 5

On the final day of Mount Elgon trekking, you’ll leave Dubi camp and take a break at Shilonko camp. After that, descend to Bushiyi Ranger Post where the trek started.

Wagagai Peak Mt Elgon

5 DAYS TRAIL (PISWA-BUSHIYI TRAIL)

This trail follows gradually rising slopes but it’s the easiest since it’s the longest. You take more time in the mountain which gives you a chance to slow down and catch your breath more often. It also helps you get deep into exploration since you’re not in a rush.

Also, you’ll see a lot on the Piswa trail. You may encounter some monkeys, birds and mountain antelopes. As you get closer to the summit, you’ll see the beautiful everlasting flowers while walking on the velvety grassland.

Day 1

From Kapkwata UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) office. Trekkers register and get time to interact with their travel companions. You’ll travel with a guide, ranger for security, chef and porters. Get to know these people before you set off. Thereafter, hike 11km to Piswa patrol camp which stands at an elevation of 2850asl.

Day 2

After a night at Piswa Patrol Camp, trek 16 kilometres to hunters cave camp (3870m asl). Have dinner and settle in for the night.

Day 3

On the third day of Mount Elgon trekking, you’ll head to Mawongogo cave camp.

Day 4

Day 4 is the most exciting day. You’ll get up early, have a delicious breakfast and make the summit push. You’ll spend some time at the summit before heading to Dubi camp to spend the night. Since that will be your last night in the woods, take time to savour the surroundings and have restful night.

Day 5

After five days in Mount Elgon National Park, your adventure ends and you have to descend to Bushiyi ranger post where you will check out and head on to your next destination.

Mount Elgon Flora

What to do after Mount Elgon Trekking

There are so many adventures you can do in eastern Uganda after completing Mount Elgon trekking. Travel to Kapchorwa and explore the mesmerising Sipi Falls or head on to Pian Upe Game Reserve for a Safari Game Drive.

 

Is Mount Elgon Trekking safe?

Yes, Mount Elgon trekking is very safe. The Elgon region in Uganda is very peaceful. Besides, the national park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority which makes sure the park is always safe for travellers.

When you book a Mount Elgon trek with us, we shall ensure that you have an armed ranger or two keeping you safe as you hike to Wagagai peak.

Let’s summit Mount Elgon together

Interested in Mount Elgon trekking? Reach out to our team to give you more information and book yourself a safe trip into the alluring mountain.

Contact us

Interested in activities

Accommodation

Siwa Yasin Sipi Falls Vacations