Mount Elgon Trekking – Mountain Hiking Safaris

Mount Elgon Trekking Circuit, Mountain Hiking Safaris

On the Mount Elgon Trekking Circuit, Mountain Hiking Safaris, there are several trekking trails around Mount Elgon. The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes 4 to 5 days to complete, following Sasa or Sipi Trails. From Kapkway Exploration Centre (UWA quarter) you can take at least three different 1 -day hikes, the Cabinet Falls, Mountain Bamboo trail, and Ridge view trail. The one-day trial to see the four Sipi Falls is a popular activity and it starts from the village of Sipi.

The trekking circuit of Mount Elgon – Mountain Hiking Safari

Elgon Mountain Trekking 1. Sipi Trail 5 days 4 nights

This trail is easier and more gradual and it passes through interesting sites like Tutum cave.

Day 1 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safari: From Kapkway to Tutum Camp (2667m)

Mountain Hiking Safaris

In the morning from Mbale, passing via Sipi, you will reach Kapkway Exploration Center, UWA headquarters.

After organizing the porters with the food supplies and camping gear, you start walking up to Tutum Cave Camp (2667m) through the montane and bamboo forest led by the guides.

Tutum cave is hidden within the forest. Dinner and overnight. Distance covered: 11 km. The altitude of the day: 900m.

Day 2 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris: From Tutum Camp to Kajeri Camp (3383m)

After breakfast proceed the hike to Kajeri Camp (3383m) for dinner overnight. Distance covered: 17 km. The altitude of the day: 900m.

Day 3 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris: From Kajery Camp to Mude Camp (3.500m)

After breakfast walk slowly down after Muyembe camp to Mude cave Camp (3.500m), where you join the Sasa Trial. Dinner and overnight. Distance covered: 25 km. The altitude of the day: 120 m.

Day 4 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris: From Mude Camp to Wagagay Peak (4321 m) and return to Mude

After breakfast, you walk through the moorland zone up to the main peak, Wagagai, and return to the Mude campsite for dinner and overnight. Distance covered: 18 km. The altitude of the day: 820m.

Day 5 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris: From Mude Camp descend to Budadiri

The trekking ends descending to Budadiri, the gate of the national park nearby Mbale.

Trekking 2. Sasa Trail 4 days 3 nights

Sasa trail is the fastest way to the main peak. However, on the first day, the ascent is particularly tough and rugged for over 1600m.

Day 1 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris: From Budadiri to Sasa Camp (2.900m)

Mountain Hiking Safaris

In the morning you reach Budadiri (1250 m), nearby Mbale town, at the gate of the Mount Elgon National Park.

After arranging the guide and porters, with food and camping gear, you start walking until Sasa River Camp (2.900 m) for the dinner and overnight.

The distance covered is about 8 km. and takes an average of 7 to 8 hours walk.  Altitude of the day: 1.700m.

Day 2 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris: From Sasa camp to Mude Camp (3.500m)

After breakfast at the camping site, proceed through the forest to Mude Cave Campsite for dinner and overnight. Distance covered is about 5 km. and 4 to 5 hours walk. The altitude of the day: 600m.

Day 3 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris: From Mude Camp to Wagagay Peak (4321 m) and return to Mude

After breakfast, you walk through the moorland zone up to the main peak, Wagagai, and return to the Mude campsite for dinner and overnight. Distance covered: 18 km. and 8 to 9 hours walk. The altitude of the day: 820m.

Day 4 of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris: From Mude Camp back to Budadiri

After breakfast descends to Budadiri and back to Mbale.

NOTE: Both Sipi and Sasa trails can be combined to make a seven day- full package on request.

Required equipment and organization of Elgon Mountain Hiking Safaris

Required equipment for the hike: rucksack, sleeping bag for low temperature and sleeping mat, one plate, cutlery, mug, knife, trekking shoes, poncho or raincoat, heavy warm jacket, hand gloves, scarf and hat, one jumper, a torch.

How the hike is organized: The group or the individual person is accompanied by a Guide and by one porter, who has the duty of transporting some of the luggage for up to 18kg per person (the rest is extra luggage and it will be chargeable at extra cost).

Acacia Safaris provides the food menu, cooking equipment, tents, and camping gear. The cook will help in organizing food while the porter will help with the camping.

Drinking water will be found in the mountain, however it is advised to bring disinfecting tablets.