Many travelers find Mountain Elgon an exciting alternative to the many more strenuous climbs in East Africa. It is one of the mountains easier to access throughout the year with no congestion of tourists and has many of the same attractions, with a milder climate and lower elevation.
Climbing the peaks requires no special equipment or technical experience for anyone interested in performing the activity. If you are looking to a mount Elgon Hike, this resource is important and worthy reading so that you can plan a perfect hiking trip in Uganda.
Best Hikes in Mount Elgon
The Sasa trail is the shortest route but hardest to reach the peaks, traversing the community land and allowing you to explore Bamasaba farming settlements and culture. The round trip takes four days and starts at Budadiri town at an elevation of 1,250m. The toughest climb of over 1,600m is completed on the first day, before crossing the park’s largest area of bamboo forest and passing Jackson’s Pool on the way to Wagagai Peak.
There is the Sipi trail and the climb starts at 2,050m at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre. It is the longest trail to the peaks, passing through the northwestern mountainside through Tutum Cave to enter the caldera and reach Wagagai Peak. The trail begins gently, but becomes tougher on the third day from Kajeri Camp.
The Piswa trail is 49km round trip; it is long and the most gentle trail. Starting at the village of Kapkwata on the north side of the mountain, it traverses the soft wood plantation to the Podocarpus forest. It’s notable for its rich wildlife and spectacular views of the Karamoja plains in Uganda and the Nandi and Kapeguria hills in Kenya. The Piswa trail also passes the hot springs on the way to the caldera and the peaks.
When is the Best Time to Hike Mount Elgon
What to Pack for a Climbing Adventure
Best Tour Operators to Plan Your Hike
