Guide to Hiking Mount Elgon
When planning a trip to Mount Elgon National Park, the main activity is always hiking and other Uganda safari activities. Hiking is not an ordinary adventure and thus requires preparation; however, even after reparation, you cannot simply return home and relax on your couch in the same way you left. Your body will undoubtedly react to the hiking experience, especially for first-timers, but how do you calm down and return to your normal shape?
Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda is a popular hiking destination, especially among families.
The mountain rises to an elevation of 4,321 meters (14,177 feet) above sea level. This is the world’s largest volcanic base 50-80km, with the largest intact caldera covering approximately 40km2.
Mount Elgon is divided between Kenya in the west and Uganda in the east.
Mount Elgon National Park Uganda’s Mount Elgon conservation park covers approximately 1,279 square kilometres (430 square miles). Because of the lower altitude in comparison to the surrounding mountains, many hikers would like to climb to the mountain’s summit during Uganda safaris and Kenya tours with their families. There are various trails to choose from during your safari. Here are some highlights to help you plan accordingly.
Mountain climbing.
An ascent of Mount Elgon is a thrilling alternative to longer and more difficult climbs on East Africa’s higher mountains. Elgon has comparable attractions, including Afromontane botany, but with a milder climate and lower elevation. No specialised equipment or technical knowledge is required.
Mount Elgon’s summit is accessible via a variety of routes. The Sasa trail leads to the 4321m Wagaga peak from the small town of Budadiri (1250m a.s.l.) in the Sironko Valley.
The shortest and most direct option is to climb to the summit and descend to Budadiri in three or four days. The Sipi Trail is longer but gentler, beginning 800 metres higher than Budadiri at UWA’s Forest Exploration Centre in Kapkwai (2050m). The journey through the unique vegetation zones found only on East Africa’s highest mountains is a highlight of any Mount Elgon ascent.
Montane forest is the lowest of these zones, extending from the park boundary to the 2500m contour. This gives way to bamboo (2,500-3,000m) and giant heather groves (3000-3500m). Above 3500 meters, the mountainside transforms into moorland dotted with bizarre forms of giant lobelias and groundsels.
Trails on Mount Elgon
Piswa Trail
The Piswa Trail is a long but gentle trail that covers 49 kilometres in 7 days. The trail begins at “Kapkwata” on the north side of the mountain and leads through the soft wood plantation to the podocarps forest. As you pass by the hot springs, you will have the opportunity to see wildlife and enjoy a spectacular view of Kenya’s Karamoja plains, Nandi, and Kapeguria hills.
Sipi Trail
The Sipi trail is 56 kilometres long, takes 4-6 days, and begins at the Kapkwai forest exploration centre at 2,050 meters. It winds through the northwestern mountain side. The trail begins calmly as you hike to the caldera through Tutum Cave, but becomes more difficult on day three from Kajeri camp. This long trail is what any experienced hiker should take on their Uganda mountaineering safari to Mount Elgon.
Sasa Trail
The Sasa trail round trip is the shortest but most difficult route, taking four days. The toughest climb of 1,600 is completed on the first day, but the entire trek is 1,250m.
What to do?
Forest Walks.
Trails of varying lengths wind through the forest surrounding the forest Exploration Centre, passing caves, waterfalls, and viewpoints while providing opportunities to observe birds (including African Goshawk, Chubb’s cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, and African blue flycatcher) and primates.
Sipi Falls
The 7-kilometer section of the Sipi Valley immediately outside the national park is breathtakingly beautiful, as the river plunges over three sets of basalt cliffs on its way to the plains below. These have resulted in a cluster of tourist lodges and a wide range of activities.
Mountain biking.
Mountain biking excursions range from casual exploration of the many beautiful trails in the area to the challenging Elgon Enduro hosted by Sipi River Lodge.
Rock climbing.
Many of the basalt cliffs surrounding Sipi have been bolted and are safe to climb. Contact Sipi River Lodge or the Mountain Club of Uganda for more information.
Fly fishing.
Fishermen can cast a line for rainbow trout on the Sipi River between the park’s boundary and the highest of the three waterfalls at Sipi. Again, contact Kabira Safaris for more information.
Coffee tour.
Uganda’s finest coffee is made from Arabica beans grown on Mount Elgon. Take a guided tour of a coffee garden to learn how the beans are grown and ground.
Tips for Hiking Mount Elgon
Consider waterproof hiking. Shoes are important because you will be hiking with your legs. The type of shoes you wear also influences how far you can walk comfortably and how well your feet will feel after the hike. Wear appropriate shoes to avoid unnecessary muscle pain.
Carry food substances.
Hiking requires energy, but many hikers prefer to carry snacks rather than food. Fortunately, on a hike to Mount Elgon, you can accompany porters who can cook food at the campsites. If you don’t eat well on a walk, you may return home sick and regret your safari decision.
Carry enough drinking water.
Water makes up the majority of the human body’s fluids, making it a substance that should not be overlooked. Lack of water can cause dehydration, leading to lip drying and stomach issues. Carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your walk.
Don’t Forget Warm, Waterproof Clothing
Some people go hiking for a single day, while others go for multiple days. Warm clothing may seem ridiculous to first-time hikers. If you ask them, they will tell you: when do we wear warm clothing while sweating? This question only makes sense for one-day hikes.
