Hiking Guide Mount Elgon

Hiking Guide Mount Elgon; Rising to 4321m at Wagagia peak, Mount Elgon is the 8th highest mountain in Africa and the largest free-standing mountain with the broadest base of over 80km. Straddling along the Uganda/Kenya borderline, Mount Elgon boasts a diversity of unspoiled beauty, numerous waterfalls, and the widest caldera on its peak, stretching 8km wide. Designated as a Man and Biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2003, Mt. Elgon’s higher ranges above the 2000m contour line are protected as a national park due to their ecological importance and natural beauty. The heavily populated lower slopes are predominantly occupied by a mix of cultures of the Bagisu and the Sebei.

Hiking Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon offers an excellent hiking/trekking adventure experience to its various panoramic peaks. The low number of visitors means that you will probably have the mountains on your own, making it a personal adventure. The hike experience on Mt. Elgon is logistically and technically easy when compared to other East African mountains, where its mild climate and lower elevation present a low risk of altitude sickness. That said, anyone with reasonable fitness can undertake this unforgettable adventure.

Best time to hike Mount Elgon

The best time to hike Mt. Elgon is during the dry months of June – August and from late November to March. That said, even in the dry month, expect some rain, so ample clothing is required.

Day Hikes and Trails at Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre

Kapkwai Exploration Centre is the most accessible park office/trailhead, lying on the western slopes of Mt. Elgon, some 70km from Mbale and only 6km beyond Sipi. For hikers and trekkers with little or short time on their hands, Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre offers a rewarding adventure as you explore montane vegetational types and scenic routes. Trails at Kapakwai (2050m) range from moderate to difficult, exploring a diverse Afro-montane and bamboo forest teeming with excellent birdlife and a diversity of primates extending to scenic waterfalls, gorges, and scenic viewpoints. Kapkwai is also the main trailhead of the multi-day Sipi Trail to the 4321m Wagagai peak on Mt. Elgon.

Hiking trails at Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre include

  • The Mountain Bamboo Loop Trail is 7km long, requiring up to 4 hours, and great for bird enthusiasts.
  • Chebonet Falls Loop Trail is 5km long, requiring up to 3 hours, where the highlight is beautiful waterfalls past areas of montane and bamboo forest.
  • The Ridge Hiking Loop Trail: 3km long, requiring up to 2 hrs

Multi-Day Hiking Trails to Wagagai Peak (4321 m) on Mt. Elgon

Bushiyi Trail

  • Duration: 2-3 Days
  • Trailhead Bushiyi 1900m
  • Access point: Bududa
  • Distance to the peak: 20km each way

Sasa Trail

  • Duration: 4 Days
  • Access point: Budadili (1250m)
  • Trailhead Bugiboni base at 1520m
  • Distance to the peak: 22km one way

Piswa Trail:

  • Duration: 2-3 Days
  • Access point: Kapkwata camp, 2050m
  • Trailhead: New trailhead at Kapkwata 2190m
  • Distance to the peak: 30km each way

Sipi Trail

  • Duration: 4-5 days
  • Access point: Sipi Village
  • Trailhead Kapkwai Exploration Centre 2050m
  • Distance to the peak: 41km each way

Example Itinerary: 4-Day Hiking to Wagagi Peak at 4321m on Sasa Trail

  • Day One: Sasa River Camp, 2900m, 6-8 hr walk
  • Day Two: hike to Mude Caves, 3500m 4-5 hr walk while here, ascend to Jackson’s peak summit (Masaba mount), 4165 m, where the round trip is about 5 hrs.
  • Day Three: Ascend to Wagagai peaks at 4321m and back to Mude caves. 8-9 hrs
  • Day Four: Descend to Budadili (1250m) starting point

Essential Parking List for Hiking

  • Prescribed high-altitude sickness meds
  • Carry plenty of safe drinking water.
  • Warm long-sleeved shirts and trousers It gets chilly on these mountains, especially in the evenings.
  • Mountain boots are essential, at least the ones you have actually used before.
  • Chocolate/sugar bars or any of your favorite dried foods are essential for the energy boost while on the trek.
  • Waterproof jackets and trousers
  • Thermal gloves
  • Have some plastic bags to store wet clothing in.
  • Sunglasses
  • Wool hat
  • Sun scream
  • Head torch and spare batteries
  • At least 2 extra pairs of warm socks
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