Mount Elgon National Park trekking circuit Tour Code ASU25 Where do you go? Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the largest surface area in the world (50 km by 80km) and a caldera which covers over 40km at the top of the mountain. The highest peak is Wagagai, 4.321 m. It lies at the border with Kenya in Eastern Uganda. What activities & attractions: 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 one - day hikes, the Chebanet Falls, Mountain Bamboo trail and Ridge view trail. The one day trail to see the four Sipi Falls is a popular activity and it starts from the village of Sipi. Who should take this Safari: Everybody can undertake this trekking, since this is not a difficult mountain to climb. No technical climbing equipment or skills are required. The altitude sickness is not a common problem in this trekking. When? The best time to visit Mount Elgon is May and September, November and December. Visiting Mount Elgon is an exciting trekking experience, for the interesting flora and fauna, the spectacular water falls (including Sipi falls), several caves and panoramic views. The Mountain lies on the border and it is shared with Kenya. It is home to the Bagisu and the Sabiny people and the area is well known for the high cultivation of good Arabic coffee including Bugisu quality. While ascending the peaks, you meet four different vegetation zones: the montane forest, the bamboo forest, the heath zone and moorland zone, where you can find some endemic species of plants like giant Lobelia elgonensis, particular groundsels, everlasting flowers. At the moment there are not huts available in the mountains, but nice designated camping sites. The trekking circuit of Mount Elgon 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 – From Kapkway to Tutum Camp (2667m) In the morning from Mbale, passing via Sipi, you reach Kapkway Exploration Center, UWA headquarter. After arranging the guide and porters, with food and camping gear, you start walking up to Tutum Cave Camp (2667m) through montane and bamboo forest. Tutum cave is spectacular hidden within the forest. Dinner and overnight. Distance of the day: 11 km. Altitude of the day: 900m. Day 2 – From Tutum Camp to Kajeri Camp (3383m) After breakfast proceed the hike to Kajeri Camp (3383m) for dinner overnight. Distance of the day: 17 km. Altitude of the day: 900m. Day 3 – From Kajery Camp to Mude Camp (3.500m) After breakfast walk sloping down after Muyembe cam to Mude cave Camp (3.500m), where you join the Sasa Trial. Dinner and overnight. Distance of the day: 25 km. Altitude of the day: 120 m. Day 4 – 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 of the day: 18 km. Altitude of the day: 820m. Day 5 – 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 is particularly tough with rugged climb of over 1600m. Day 1 – From Budadiri to Sasa Camp (2.900m) 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 is about 8 km. and takes average 7 to 8 hours walk. Altitude in a day: 1.700m. Day 2 – 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 of the day about 5 km. and 4 to 5 hours walk. Altitude of the day: 600m. Day 3 – 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 of the day: 18 km.and 8 to 9 hours walk. Altitude of the day: 820m. Day 4 – From Mude Camp back to Budadiri After breakfast descend to Budadiri and back to Mbale. NOTE: The full package can be organised on request including the transfers from and back to Kampala and overnights in Mbale. The price includes: Full board and meals during the hike Camping tent and camping gear Guide and one porter, carrying max 18kg Cook Park Entrance fees The price excludes: Equipment for the hike Extra Luggage Changes in the program itinerary Transportation from Kampala and return Required equipment and organization of the hike Required equipment for the hike: rucksack, sleeping bag for low temperature and sleeping mat, one plate, cutlery, mug, knife, trekking shoes, poncho or rain coat, heavy worm jacket, hand gloves, scarf and cup, one jumper, a torch. How the hike is organized: The group or the individual person is accompanied by a Guide and by one “porters”, 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 gears. The cook will help organizing food while the porter will help in the camping. Drinking water will be found in the mountain, however it is advised to bring disinfecting tablets. Life and Love of Wilder
