Mount Elgon Hike
Trekking Circuit of Mount Elgon, Sipi Trail - 5 days
Uganda is a land of contrast. Dappled with wildlife. Serene undulating hills of tea plantations, lush but ordered, give way to tangled jungle and rainforest with the musical accompaniment of chaotic, cacophonous birdlife. Uganda is alive with these contrasts: yet silent elephants, disappearing like a vapour behind the trees, the chimpanzees crashing about the forest canopy, the lugubrious gorilla, chewing thoughtfully in the bamboo thickets. This is my country. Let us show you the Uganda we know and love.
Mt Elgon:
Mount Elgon is a massive solitary volcanic mountain on the boarder of eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Its vast form, eight kilometer in diameter, rises 3070m above the surrounding plains, providing welcome relief in more than one sense of the world. Its mountainous terrain introduces variety to an otherwise monotonous regional landscape. Its cool heights offer respite for humans from the hot plains below and its higher altitudes provides a refuge for flora and fauna.
Mount Elgon has been a regional landmark for along time, this extinct volcano is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupting a round 20 millions year ago. It was once Africa’s highest mountain, towering above Kilimanjaro 5895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4321m, relegating it to 4th highest peak in East Africa (and 7th on the continent). However its 4000 km2 surface area is still the largest base of any volcanic mountain worldwide.
Where to go:
Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the largest surface area in the world (50 km by 80km) and a caldera which covers over 40km at the top of the mountain. The highest peak is Wagagai, 4.321 m. It lies at the border with Kenya in Eastern Uganda.
What activities & attractions:
There are several trekking trails around Mount Elgon. The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes 4 to 5 days to complete, following Sasa or Sipi Trails. From Kapkway Exploration Centre (UWA quarter) you can take at least three different one - day hikes, the Chebanet Falls, Mountain Bamboo trail and Ridge view trail. The one day trail to see the four Sipi Falls is a popular activity and it starts from the village of Sipi.
Who can do it:
Everybody can undertake this trekking, since this is not a difficult mountain to climb. No technical climbing equipment or skills are required. The altitude sickness is not a common problem in this trekking.
When to go:
The best time to visit Mount Elgon is May and September, November and December. Visiting Mount Elgon is an exciting trekking experience, for the interesting flora and fauna, the spectacular water falls (including Sipi falls), several caves and panoramic views. The Mountain lies on the border and it is shared with Kenya. It is home to the Bagisu and the Sabiny people and the area is well known for the high cultivation of good Arabic coffee including Bugisu quality. While ascending the peaks, you meet four different vegetation zones: the montane forest, the bamboo forest, the heath zone and moorland zone, where you can find some endemic species of plants like giant Lobelia elgonensis, particular groundsels, and everlasting flowers. At the moment there are not huts available in the mountains, but nice designated camping sites.
The trekking circuit of Mount Elgon - Sipi Trail , Detailed day by day itinerary
This trail is easier and more gradual and it passes through interesting sites like Tutum Cave.
From Kapkway to Tutum Camp (2667m)
In the morning from Mbale, passing via Sipi, you reach Kapkway Exploration Center, UWA headquarter. After arranging the guide and porters, with food and camping gear, you start walking up to Tutum Cave Camp (2667m) through montane and bamboo forest. Tutum cave is spectacular hidden within the forest. Dinner and overnight. Distance of the day: 11 km. Altitude of the day: 900m.
From Tutum Camp to Kajeri Camp (3383m)
After breakfast proceed the hike to Kajeri Camp (3383m) for dinner overnight. Distance of the day: 17 km. Altitude of the day: 900m.
From Kajery Camp to Mude Camp (3.500m)
After breakfast walk sloping down after Muyembe Camp to Mude cave Camp (3.500m), where you join the Sasa Trial. Dinner and overnight. Distance of the day: 25 km. Altitude of the day: 120 m.
From Mude Camp to Wagagay Peak (4321m) and return to Mude
After breakfast you walk through the moorland zone up to the main peak, Wagagai, and return to the Mude campsite for dinner and overnight. Distance of the day: 18 km. Altitude of the day: 820m.
From Mude Camp descend to Budadiri
The trekking ends descending to Budadiri, the gate of the national park nearby Mbale.
What is included ?
- Full board and meals during the hike
- Camping tent and camping gear
- Guide and one porter, carrying max 18kg
- Cook
- Park Entrance fees
- Transportation from Kampala and return 2 nights before and after the hike.
What is not included ?
- Extra luggage
- Changes in the itinerary
Required equipment for the hike:
Rucksack, sleeping bag for low temperature and sleeping mat, one plate, cutlery, mug, knife, trekking shoes, poncho or rain coat, heavy worm jacket, hand gloves, scarf and cup, one jumper, a torch.
