Hiking/ Climbing Mount Elgon, Tourist Attractions and Activities In Mount Elgon National Park, Best Time For Safari Tour In Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda.
An ascent of Mount represents an exciting alternative to longer and more strenuous climbs on East Africa's higher mountains. Elgon offers comparable attractions, including Afromontane, with a milder climate and lower elevation. Hiking Mount Elgon in Uganda is one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Africa.
Mount Elgon is the second highest in Uganda right after Mt Rwenzori sitting at 4,321 m (14,177 ft.) above sea level and 7th highest in Africa, located in eastern Uganda on the border with Kenya. The highest peak Wagagai, was named after Masaba’s wife who was the King of the region at the time. It’s home to Mount Elgon National Park.
Mt. Elgon is a massive extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago making it the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain volcano in the world. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains.
Mt Elgon has four high peaks which are shared among the two East African countries. The highest peak is Wagagai Peak which stands at 4,321 meters and is located on the Ugandan side. Other peaks in Mt Elgon include Jackson's Summit which stands at 4,165 meters, Kiongo Peak at 4,303, and Mubiyi at 4,210 meters. Mount Elgon’s highest peaks lie along a jagged rim that encloses a giant caldera, the largest in the world, 8 km across.
A highlight of any ascent of Mount Elgon is the traverse through the distinctive vegetation zones found only on East Africa's highest mountains. The lowest of these zones, between the Park boundary and the 2500 m contour is montane forest. This gives way to bamboo (2500 m - 3000 m) followed by groves of giant heather (3000 m - 3500 m). Above 3500 m, the mountainside opens into moorland dotted with outlandish forms of giant lobellas and groundets.
The unique thing about climbing Mount Elgon is not reaching the Wagagai peak but descending from the peak to spot the largest caldera on Earth. Climbing Mount Elgon takes between 4 to 6 days depending on the trail used.
There are 3 main routes to ascend the summit of Mount Elgon; Sasa trailhead at Budadiri, Sipi trailhead at Forest Exploration center-Kapkwai, and Piswa trailhead at Kapkwata. Visitors can only climb the mountain with the company of armed guide rangers. It’s camping throughout the hike.
The Sasa Trail:
This is the shortest trail of the three and it normally takes 3-4 days to make a round trip. Since it’s the shortest route to the peak and the most direct access option to reach the Wagagai summit. It’s also the most used by hikers. However, it has the roughest and most rugged ascend on day one.
It ascends from the small town of Budadiri at an elevation of 1,250 meters in the Sironko Valley. The beginning of the trail also goes through communities where visitors can learn about the local’s livelihood and see hectares of Uganda’s famous Arabica coffee.
Visitors are also able to go through the largest bamboo forest within the park, climb the “Wali Death ladders” and also through Jackson’s pool.
The Sipi Trail:
At 56km, the Sipi trail is considered the longest and the hardest of the three – taking 4-7 days to make a round trip. This hike starts at UWA’s Forest Exploration Center at Kapkwai at an elevation of 2,050 m, starting 800 meters higher than the Sasa trail.
On this trail, visitors get the opportunity to see the Tutum cave which is shrouded in the forest. If you opt for this trail, It’s recommendable to descend via the Sasa trail since is quite easier, and shorter and you can enjoy a different kind of vegetation.
The Piswa Trail:
This is considered to be the easiest of all trails but also a bit longer considering that it is 49 km long. The trail starts from Kapkwata through the Podocarpus forest and offers a chance to see some wildlife species and birds. It also allows viewing of some Kenyan hills such as Kapeguria and Nandi. At the top visitors can see the Hot springs.
Best time to go Elgon Climbing:
Though Hiking Mountains is done almost all year round, the best time to climb Mt Elgon is during the drier months of June to August and from December to February since some parts of Eastern Uganda experience heavy rains and mudslides, which can be dangerous.
Sasa trailhead is recommendable on ascending and Sipi trailhead on descending to be able to experience different landscapes and features within the park. This is because the Sasa trail is the shortest and can easily be accessed from Mbale where most hikers come from.
Also descending via the Sipi trail means that you’ll have easy access to the Sipi Falls, which is one of the must-visit places in Uganda.
Accommodation:
1. Sipi River Lodge: This is one of the favorite luxury accommodations situated in the foothills of Mount Elgon. This lodge has spectacular views of Mount Elgon National Park. For travelers who are seeking secluded accommodation, Sipi has 4 Waterfall Cottages: Aniet, Kapsurur, Chepkui, and Toben. Each cottage has an exclusive view of Kapsurur Falls, as well as an en suite bathroom and a private veranda. Sipi also offers 3 Riverside Bandas, Piswa, Sasa, and Suam. It fuses luxury with local building traditions. Their round walls and authentically crafted thatched roofing allow the Bandas to seamlessly blend in with their beautiful surroundings.
2. Kapkwai Cottages: Situated at the entrance of Mount Elgon National Park, this budget accommodation was originally built as a base for students who came to visit the rich forest. The accommodation is functional but comfortable and travellers can choose between 4 cottages and 4 stationed tents. The on-site canteen sells food and drink, allowing you to refuel after a long day of activity.
3. Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa: Located in the suburbs of Mbale, this mid-range accommodation was converted from an old colonial building in the 1950s. Mount Elgon Hotel offers 3 types of accommodation: Junior Rooms, Superior Rooms, and Executive Suites. The Executive Suites have hosted several VIP guests, including politicians and members of royal families. After a long day of trekking, you can choose whether to recuperate in the spa, the mini-gym, or the restaurant. You can even book a cocktails and wine-tasting experience and enjoy a bespoke drinking experience.
Access to Mount Elgon:
The journey from Kampala to Mount Elgon National Park is around 235km. The first leg is on a tarmac road that runs from Jinja to Mbale, a city in the Eastern Region of Uganda. The road then climbs to Kapchorwa on Mount Elgon’s north-western side. The second leg of the journey is on dirt roads that lead off the Mbale-Kapchorwa road to reach the various trailheads.
Book with Ultimate Wildlife Safaris to enjoy a hike of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda.
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