5-Day Hiking Mount Elgon Safari
per person
This 5-day hiking adventure in Eastern Uganda aims at taking you to the summit of Wagagai peak on the eye-catching Mount Elgon, which is 4,321 meters high above sea level. Mount Elgon is located in the eastern part of Uganda, near the Mbale region and the border with Kenya. The hiking tour starts and ends in Kampala or Entebbe.
This mountain hike involves ascending Wagagai peak via well streamlined and difined trails, featuring 3 major options. The longest trail being Sipi trail, covering over 56 kilometers, begins its maiden journey from Kapapkwai, offering breathtaking views of the cascading Sipi waterfalls. This is followed by the Piswa trail, which takes over 49 kilometers, emanating from Kapkwata. Lastly, the Sasa trail, which is the shortest and most popular in the area among hikers, leads from Budadiri and typically takes about 3 to 4 days to summit. The itinerary mainly follows the Sasa trail for the ascent, but hikers can choose a different route, like the waterfall trail, for the descent.
This 5-Day Hiking Mount Elgon Safari begins in Kampala or Entebbe and travels to Mbale for hiking. Participants will see various attractions, including local cultures, coffee plantations, forests, and wildlife like cats and antelopes. The trip also includes beautiful views, caves, and a return to Kampala via Jinja for white water rafting before ending at Entebbe International Airport.
Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Budadiri and hike up to Sasa River Camp
- Day 2: Hike from Sasa river camp to Mude camp
- Day 3: Hike from Mude to Wagagai peak and back to Mude
- Day 4: Descend from Mude to Mbale
- Day 5: Drive to Jinja for white water rafting and drive to Kampala for departures
Day 1: Transfer to Budadiri and hike up to Sasa River Camp
On your first day of the 5-Day hiking mountain Elgon safari, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and driven to Mbale, having lunch on the way. After arriving in Mbale, you will go to Budadiri to start your hike. You will receive a briefing about Mount Elgon, including what to expect and important rules. It’s recommended to hire a porter for extra luggage. You will be given a hiking stick and, accompanied by armed rangers, begin your hike through plantations and local communities to Sasa camp at 2900m, where you will have dinner and rest.
Accommodation: At the Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch, and DinnerDay 2: Hike from Sasa river camp to Mude camp
Following an early breakfast at Sasa River Camp, you will climb to Mude Cave Camp, which is 3,500 metres above sea level. You will have walked 600 metres at this level in four to five hours, so you will camp here for dinner and the night.
Accommodation: At the Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Hike from Mude to Wagagai peak and back to Mude
After enjoying breakfast at the camp on day 3, you will trek to the top of Wagagai Peak, the highest peak in the area, which is 4,321 metres above sea level. After walking 820 metres, it will take you almost 9 hours to reach the summit. After reaching the summit, you will be able to take in the refreshing air as you head down the mountain. You will then return to Mude, where you will have dinner and spend the night at the Mude camp.
Accommodation: At the Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 4: Descend from Mude to Mbale
You will begin your descent back to Mbale via any other trail on this day after waking up at the camp and having breakfast. For instance, to have aspectacular panoramic view of the area is on this 4th day as you descend via the Sipi trail. In addition to the sights seen while hiking the Sasa path, they include the Sipi River, Sipi Water Falls, caverns, and many more. You will have dinner at the base of the mountain, with an en route lunch as well. Dinner and overnight in Mbale town.
Accommodation: At the Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 5: Drive to Jinja for white water rafting and drive to Kampala for departures
Since the two activities cannot be completed in a single day, you should not miss white water rafting in Jinja’s Itanda Water Falls on the final day of the safari. Alternatively, you could choose to visit the Nile’s source. After lunch in Jinja, travel through Mabira Forest to return to Kampala. You will head to the airport for departure as soon as you arrive in Kampala.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch
5-Day Hiking Mount Elgon Safari Includes and Excludes
Inclusions:
- All transfers, including pick-ups and drop-offs
- All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Mount Elgon hiking fee and camp fees
- Park entrance fees
- Ranger fees
- Accommodation as per the Itinerary
- All meals as per the Itinerary
- All activities included in the Itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
- Hiking stick
- Porter
Exclusions:
- Optional activities
- Life insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Other drinks apart from water
- Other expenses of a personal nature, such as Email services, airtime, and laundry.
- Hiking gears such as shoes, raincoat, long-sleeved attire, insect repellent, sunglasses, cap,etc.