Tour overview
Mount Elgon is an extinct Volcano that erupted 24 million years ago, situated on the border with Kenya. With its highest peak, ‘Wagagai’, at 4,321m high, it is the fourth highest mountain in East Africa and the second highest peak in Uganda.
Other attractions in the park include ancient cave paintings close to the trailhead at Budadiri, spectacular caves and hot springs within the crater; and the extraordinary caldera, which is about 8 kilometers in diameter. Hiking takes place the whole year but better during dry months of June to August and December to March and the whole area is suitable for hiking – mountaineering skills are not required. Spectacular scenery is the main attraction for hikers on this mountain, but there is also a variety of forest monkeys and small antelopes, along with elephants and buffaloes. A checklist topping 300 birds includes many species not recorded elsewhere in Uganda.
TRAILHEADS AND ROUTES
There are three main trailheads (starting points) that lead to the peak. You may choose to begin your ascend from either Budadiri (Sasa trailhead), forest Exploration Center- Kapkwai (Sipi trailhead) or Kapkwata (Piswa trailhead). Sasa trail is easily accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks though steep with rugged climb of over 1600m (2km very steep) on the first day. It passes through the parks largest area of bamboo forest. Sipi trial offers the spectacular Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest, while Piswa trial is renowned for the towering podocarpus forest, an excellent place for wildlife viewing. In contrast Sipi and Piswa trials start at much higher elevations with a longer more gradual climb to the peaks. After visiting the peaks you can either return using the same trails or descend via different route. Each trail/ route has camping stages with nearby water source as well as tent pads and latrines.
Included
- All meals and Accommodation as per itinerary
- All ground transportation in a comfortable 4*4 vehicle
- Services of a full time English speaking Guide / driver
- Water /Coffee/ Tea while on Safari
- Game drives and Ranger fees
- Park entrance fees
- All Government taxes / Levies
Not Included
- Airfare To and from Uganda
- Visa and departure taxes at the Airport
- Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
- Wines ,beers and spirits & all the beverages other than the mineral water on the safari
- Personal Insurance
- Items of personal nature e.g. telephone calls, gratuity,
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
You will be met on arrival by our representative at Entebbe International Airport and transferred to Kampala checking in at the hotel of your choice (budget or luxury). After check-in you will be briefed about your safari, during which we shall also plan your meals. If it appeals to you and based on your arrival time we would take you on a brief city tour featuring heritage sites around the city, thereafter we shall bring you back to your hotel and leave you to take the rest of the day at leisure till dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Transfer to – Mt Elgon Reserve
Today we will leave the city and drive eastwards via Jinja to Mbale where we shall also have our lunch stop- a charming town at the foot of Mount Elgon. This area is full of rich heritage and fascinating culture. With beautiful viewpoints on our way we will proceed to Sipi Village - nestled between mountains and waterfalls. Dinner and overnight at Sipi Falls Resort / or accommodation facility of your choice.
WAGGAGAI PEAK EXPEDITIONS
SASA – SIPI TRAIL (Combination)
Day 3: Budadiri Bumasola Village 1250m – Mude Cave Camp (3500m) 16 KM hike
After breakfast we drive to the trail head at Budadiri and then you receive your briefing. Here you will meet your rangers/guides, hire porters and camping equipment and then you begin a steep 2 km hike to Bumasola 1250, then to 8 km Sasa River Camp (2900 m). After lunch you will begin the 4 – 5 hour hike to Mude Cave Camp (3,500m) via Sasa patrol hut arriving in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Mude Cave Camp
Day 4: Mude Camp - Peak Wagagai 4,321m and Back to Mude Camp 18km (8 – 9 hours)
Early breakfast after which you will hike up to the peak Wagagai (4,321m). As you approach the peak; you will walk along the rim of one of the world's largest calderas, which harbors a number of small lakes left behind from glaciers of the last ice age. Beyond the peak lies the border between Kenya and Uganda. Then descend via Jackson Summit (4200m), and return to Mude campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Mude Cave Camp – Kajeri Cave (20km)
After breakfast you will begin the descend downwards using another route to Kajeri Cave camp. Dinner and overnight at Kajeri Camp
Day 6: Kajeri Camp – Tutum Cave Camp (17KM)
After breakfast, you will descend via the Forest Exploration Centre to Tutum Cave Camp; this offers trekkers high chances of spotting wildlife in the reserve.
Day 7: Tutum Camp to Sipi Falls (11km)
After breakfast you will descend the last leg of this expedition to Sipi Falls and will be picked by the guide and transferred to your Mbale hotel for relaxation dinner and overnight.