5 Days Mountain Elgon Trekking

5 DAYS MOUNT ELGON TREKKING VIA SIPI-SASA TRAIL.

 

Trekking overview

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK AT AGLANCE

Size:1,121km²

This extinct volcano is one of Uganda's oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 million years ago.

Mt Elgon was once Africa's highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent.

Mt Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet.

The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name.

At 4,000km² Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna.

                              

Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer.  The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.

 

A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40km² caldera.

This is considered the shortest way to get to the summit within 4 days, 3 nights but it has a steep beginning. Once this is dealt with, the rest becomes easy and gentle but intensive. You will set off from Budadiri gate on boda boda to Bumasola Village where the starting point is.

 

Trekking itinerary

Day 1: After early morning breakfast from Kamorok Falls view Lodge.

Embark on a ride to the starting point at around 6:20am to Kapkwai exploration centre (Sipi Trail). Start the hike to Kajeri camp at a distance of 11kms at an elevation of 2667m above sea level for your late lunch and overnight.

 

Day 2:  Have breakfast at 8:00am, continue your hike to Kajeri camp 

Standing at the elevation of 3383m above sea level covering a distance of 17kms from Tutum cave. Lunch and overnight at Kajeri camp.

 

Day 3: After early morning breakfast, you will continue your hike to Mude cave camp covering a distance of 21kms at an elevation of 3500m via Muyembe proposed camp. Lunch and overnight at Mude camp.

 

Day 4: After morning breakfast, we shall hike to the summit of Wagagai peak 4321m above sea level via Jackson pool 4050m and the Caldera Ridge. It takes 9kms to the summit and back to the camp at the same distance making it 18kms in total to and back to Mude camp for your late lunch and overnight.

 

Day 5: After early morning breakfast, you will pack your bags and exit the park through Sasa River camp 2900m

Crossing the stares at Mudangi Cliff 2290m to Bumasola village 1770m where you will meet a driver to drive you to Budadiri Uganda wildlife authority office for certification.

This marks the end of our 5 days Mount Elgon trekking experience.

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