Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya, north of Kisumu and west of Kitale. The highest point, named "Wagagai", is located entirely within Uganda which provides a great opportunity for trekkers to add on from Rwenzori Climbing and Virunga Massif.

Although there is no verifiable evidence of its earliest volcanic activity, geologists estimate that Mount Elgon is at least 24 million years old, making it the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa.

There are different starting points for the hike depending on which waterfall to visit first. Though if you have lesser time you are advised to start with the main waterfall and continue with others later. But in cases where you have enough time it’s better to first hike to the first and second water fall, take a break may be have lunch or relax as you continue to the last water fall.

 Cars cannot reach all these spots because the terrain is steep, this is why you go for a hike, it is an amazing experience, and you will be having local guides who are informed about the historical and geographical back ground of the area.

Our Itineraries

4-Days Sasa – Sipi Trail

The 4-day trek is known as a loop cross-border hike and is a flexible hike. The hiking experience starts from Budadiri-Sasa Trailhead and ends at Kapkwai Sipi Trail.

During this hike, you will encounter the magnificence of landscape viewing, 4 Elgon peaks i.e. Jackson Peak, Mt Mubiyi, Wagagai Peak, and Koitobos Peak.

Not forgetting plants such as Giant Lobelia, walking through primary and secondary forests. You will spot some primates too.

Day 1 of 4

Mount Elgon Hiking Adventure in Uganda-Mount Elgon National Park Hiking Tour & Sipi Falls arrive at Budadari sasa starting at 8:00 am have a briefing for 5 minutes about the hike up to the summit and ask questions where necessary.
After arranging your equipment as mentioned above you will depart from the UWA office.

Day 1 starts from the community of Bumusola which takes about 3 kilometers to the ladder, which will be the first stop for a break or snacks. Once you arrive at the ladders, you will enjoy the incredible views, overlooking Mbale and the entire communities of the Bugisu region. We promise you these views we will leave you with no other word than wow in your face.

The hike up is relatively steep, meaning you have to prepare to challenge yourself to outcompete your body slowly. Remember at this point you are leaving the community areas, which means, no cell phone signal is available.

The hiking Tour would undertake a whole day but also depend more on how your body treats the hike to the base camp (Mude Rest Camp). We always recommend doing it moderately, it will take around 6-7 hours.

Highlights of day one.

• Stop over at the ladders for a break
• Arrive at the camp, set the tents
• campfire and dinner
• prepare for the next day

Day 2 of 4 – Mount Elgon National Park – summit the Peak

After early breakfast, hike up to the Wagagai summit which will take probably 5-9 hours of the day. Have hot lunch at Jackson’s Peak pool. Then descend to the resting camp by around 4 pm, take a shower/refresh, and have a nice dance by the two tribes around the campfire. After dinner, you can have a rest.

Day 3 of 4

After breakfast hike to the next camp (Kagiri camp) via caldera ridge. This is one incredible day that you will love. You will encounter the magical view of all sources of rivers around, such as Sipi, Sisiyi to mention just a few.
This hike will undertake the whole day too, due to incredible views and a lot of breaks to be taken.
Have your packed lunch at Muymbe river as your proceed to your rest camp. When you arrive, you can set up your tents, have a coffee or tea, and enjoy the rest of the evening at the campfire, play a few games or recap the day.

NB. This is the coldest camp in the entire mountain. Remember to carry along with you some warm clothes.

Day 4 of 4

Mount Elgon National Park hiking tour & Sipi Falls.

It is the last day of the trip on Mount Elgon, where you will hike down from the resting place all the way to the local communities of the Sabiny people in the Eastern part of the mountain. This hike will take you around 6 hours to the Kapkwai Exploration Centre where the car shall pick you up, to be transferred to the Lodge / Guest house from where you can depart to your final destination.

The trip highlights

• Hiking
• Camping
• Campfire
• Jackson pool
• Bush lunch

 

3-Day Sasa Trail

This is considered the shortest way to get to the summit within 3 days, or 2 nights
but it has a steep beginning. Once you have dealt with it, the rest becomes easy and
gentle, but still intensive. You will set off from Budadiri gate on boda boda to
Bumasola Village, which is the starting point of the hike.

Day 1

Arrive at Budadiri Gate for the registrations, and briefing, and meet the ranger guides, porters, and the cook. You will then board a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) to the starting point in Bumasola Village. You will hike through the village to the Wall of Life, skipping the Sasa River Camp (it will be for a lunch break), Sasa Patrol Camp and continue to Mude Camp at an elevation of 3500m for the first night. This hike takes approximately 6-7 hours depending on how you find it, and your strength level.

Day 2

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will embark on a hike to the summit, passing through Jackson Pool, Jackson Peak, and a view of Jackson’s Table. The views here are stunning. You then proceed to the Wagagai Peak, walking along the Caldera rim. It’s 9km to the peak and 9km back, making a total of 18km. After touring, you will descend to Mude camp either for a snack or overnight or continue to Sasa River
Camp for your 2nd night.

Day 3

After your early breakfast, you shall exit the park by descending to Bumasola Village where you will be picked up by boda bodas transferring you to the Budadiri office.
After checking out you continue to your lodge or guest house. This marks the end of your 3 days mountain experience.