Mountain Elgon national Park Itinerary
7 DAYS BEST OF MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mountain Elgon national Park Itinerary: The park is the best mountain hiking destination that doesn’t require expert skills or equipment and offers several mountain climbing options. Found in Eastern part of Uganda with Kenya border, Mt Elgon is an extinct Volcano with the largest surface area in the world, 50km x 80km with the Wagai peak at 4321m ASL. This hiking safari will take you to the highest peak of the Mountain.
DAY 1: Kampala city – Transfer to Budadiri
After breakfast, depart from your hotel at around 07:00am for Jinja, the East African Adventure Capital with a Stop at Ssezibwa Falls. They are on the Ssezibwa River which flows from the wetlands between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, West of Victoria Nile in Buikwe District northwards through Mukono District into Lake Kyoga in Kayunga District. The falls are about seven meters high and they emerge from the rocky grounds falling deep into a kind of oasis water collection surface, before draining in River Ssezibwa, leaving at the back a breezy environment enjoyable to total leisure and relaxation. The falls are also the panorama for a collection of tropical birds, ideal for bird watchers, butterfly watching and relaxing in environmentally forested areas. Next, tour Mabira Forest to see primates, butterflies and birdlife. Proceed East wards and cross to the East bank of the Nile, see Sugar Cane and tea plantations en route. The Nile starts its 4000-mile journey to the Mediterranean from Lake Victoria. Join us to see the source of the Nile and the surrounding environment. Take a short boat trip near the source. After lunch, tour the Itanda Falls ” Jinja’s hidden jawel” on the north of the town then drive to Mbale town for shopping. Proceed to Budadiri close to Mountain Elgon Park, ‘’the land of a thousand water falls’’… Arrange with porters, guides for the next day’s hike. Dinner and overnight at Last Chance Camp.
DAY 2: Budadiri – Bumasola – Sasa River Camp
After breakfast, you will be driven to Bumasola, begin walking through the community to Mudange Cliffs, known as”The walls of Death” which is a cultural site at the boundary of the park. Mudange cliffs are located in the tropical forest, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and baboons are likes to cross your tracks, making the walk so attractive and enjoyable! (3 km walk) Proceed to Sasa River Camp via montane forest, 3 km walk and will take about 4 hours. Overnight at Sasa River Camp.
DAY 3: Sasa River Camp – Transfer to Mude cave camp
After breakfast, hike passing through the bamboo mixed forest and enter into the heath vegetation zone. (Distance, 5 km) for 3 .5 hour walk. Overnight at Mude Cave Camp.
Mude Cave – Wagagai Peak at the elevation of 4321m.
DAY 4: Mude Cave Camp – Wagagai peak – Mude Cave Camp
After breakfast, Pass through the heath of vegetation to the moore land via the Jackson pool to the Jackson ridge then to caldera rim and view the largest mountain caldera in the whole world, Mount Elgon park Kenya side and many crater lakes in the caldera. Proceed to Wagagai peak which is the highest summit on the mountain. Return to Mude Cave Camp for overnight. (18km return).
DAY 5: Mude cave Camp – Transfer to Kajeri
From Mude Cave Camp to Kajeri, it is a 21km trek passing through several caves like Mawong’ongo whch used to house communities in the past while grazing their cattle and hunting. Enter briefly the caldera then turn left to Sipi trail. Slope down to Kajeri Camp for overnight.
DAY 6: Kajeri River Camp – Transfer Sipi Falls
After breakfast, Walk from Kajeri River Camp to the forest exploration center proceed to Sipi Falls. Dinner and overnight at Sipi Falls Camp.
DAY 7: Sipi Falls – Morning hiking – Return to Kampala OR Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast, drive to Mbale and take a complementary tour of Wanale Ridge Bugisu’s temple of nature and the long arm of Mount Elgon. This is an impressive mountain with escarpments, deep valleys, water streaked cliffs, caves and rocks. It is standing at a height of 6,864 ft, Wanale can be viewed from all areas in Mbale and neighboring districts. It covers a huge portion of Bugisu’s land surface. Mbale town literally lies at its foot. While in Mbale town, you can see many waterfalls making Mt. Wanale to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Uganda. Depart Mbale for Kampala City for a night or Entebbe International Airport to meet your return flight.
Tour includes
• Ground transport and fuel
• English speaking driver guide
• Hiking Elgon
• Park entrance
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation
• All mentioned activities
Tour excludes
• Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
• Tips to porters and driver/ guide
• Insurance