Mount Elgon Trekking & Sipi Falls

Duration: 6 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: More than 1000 m ascent per day

> Conquer Mount Elgon's summit, Wagagai
> Visit the majestic Sipi Falls
> Ascend through smugglers caves into the volcano's Caldera

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.

The 6 Days mountain Elgon trek starts from Kampala, Uganda, and ends in Kampala. This trek takes you through Mount Elgon up to Wagagai (highest peak) and a hike to Sipi Falls. The top of the mountain offers beautiful scenery of the Elgon highlands and the surrounding vegetation. Sipi Falls are beautiful to look at and are a good spot for taking photos.

Itinerary

Day
1

Transfer to Mbale

Our company guide will pick you up from your hotel/airport and transfer to Mbale. This drive will take between 3-4 hours. Dinner and overnight in Mbale town (Wash and Wills Hotel).

Wash and Wills Hotel

Info
Wash and Wills Hotel
Day
2

Start the Elgon hike. Bumosola to Mude Camp

Duration: 07:00 h
Distance: 14.3 km
Ascent: 1780 m
Descent: 30 m
After meeting at Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Budadiri (1220 Meters), you will drive to the trailhead at Bumosola (1770 Meters). From here it’s a strenuous few hours up to the ‘ladders’, a set of metal staircases that bring us up and into the national park and the rainforest. These first few hours are some of the toughest of the whole trip with a steep incline, rough terrain, and often hot mid-morning temperatures. After a rest and snack at the top of the ladders and a refill of our water bottles, we hike on wide dirt trails through the forest and to Sasa River Camp. Here, you will take a rest for tea and coffee and either lunch or snacks depending on how you feel or timing. As you continue up from here we move from rainforest to bamboo forest and eventually break through the forest entirely into alpine heather, shrub and giant lobelia. We take a short rest to sign the visitor’s book as we pass the ranger’s outpost before a couple more kilometers to Mude Camp, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Mude Camp

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Mude Camp
Day
3

Mude Camp – Summit Wagagai peak (4321 Meters) and back to Mude Camp

Duration: 06:30 h
Distance: 16.5 km
Ascent: 830 m
Descent: 830 m
This is the summiting day, Depending on prevailing weather conditions this is often an early start to get the best opportunity for a clear summit. We leave our gear and porters behind and head for the top. A strenuous day as we cross the 4000 Meters mark and start to feel the effects of altitude slowing us down. Highlights on the way up are sunrise over the mountain, views of the Simu valley and Jackson’s pool, everlasting flowers, alpine lichen, and all the various Lobelia. The summit will give you a beautiful view of the Elgon highlands and caldera. It’s so beautiful! From the peak, we descend back to the Mude camp. We get back to camp mid to late afternoon ready for an early dinner and an early night.

Mude Camp

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Mude Camp
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Transfers

    All necessary transfers (bus, taxi, private transport, etc.) as described in the itinerary are included.

  • Refuges, hotels & camping sites

    During the trek, you will spend your nights in refuges, hotels and camping sites.

  • Meals

    This trek includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Professional guide

    During your trek, you will at all times be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Permits

    The cost of permits to enter the national park during your trek is included in the price.

  • Porters

    Porters will be there to assist with carrying all camping and other necessary equipment during your trek.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    This trip does not include costs for transportation (flights, bus travel, etc.) to your destination.

  • Sleeping bag

    You must bring your own sleeping bag with you. You can rent a sleeping bag from your trekking company.

  • Tipping

    Gratuities for the guide are not covered by the trek's price. The amount to tip is at your discretion, yet if you've received excellent service from your guide, considering a generous tip is appreciated.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are your own responsibility.

FAQ

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Contact our Trekking Expert
Jan Bakker
Jan Bakker
This trek is operated by
Rwenzori Mountaineering Service

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