Hiking Trails in Mount Elgon National Park

December 24, 2024

The Sasa trail

The Sasa trail happens to be the shortest hiking trail in Mt. Elgon National Park although it poses a challenge. The beauty of the Sasa hiking trail is that it ushers hikers to the Wagagai peak which is at an elevation of 4321 meters. The Sasa starts from Budadiri in Eastern Uganda which is at an elevation of 1250m.

Hikers’ first day involves conquering 1650m altitude. You navigate via the forest and get to the Mudangi cliffs using ladders. From the Mudangi cliffs, expect to use 2.5 hours to hike via the picturesque bamboo forest. On day two, you will embark on a gentle walk, and on day three, you can get to Wagagai.

The Piswa trail

If you are interested in the less strenuous though long hikes then consider the Piswa trail a must to hike. A hike through the Piswa trail takes about 49 km and may require at least 7 days to have a round hike. The Piswa hiking trail starts from Kapkwata on the north end of Elgon Volcano at an elevation of 2190m. The Piswa is most popular for its remarkable views of the Karamoja plains and Kapeguria as well as Nandi Hills.

The Sipi trail

Hiking the Sipi trail involves conquering over 56 km and takes at least 4-6 days to have a complete hike. The hikes through the Sipi trail start at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre, a short distance away from the Sipi Falls. The key highlight of the Sipi trail hike is the Tatum cave where you get a chance to explore the cave paintings. You can also take the day hikes from the Forest Exploration Centre where you can engage in a hike through the three shorter trails. The trails here are 3 to 7 km long and are ideal for the lesser experienced hikers. Visitors who desire to experience the breathtaking sceneries of Mount Elgon and also watch some wildlife in the shortest time should consider embarking on the day hikes.

Best time to go for hiking in Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon hiking trails are open for exploration by visitors at all times. However, the most preferred period to experience the best hiking trails in Mount Elgon National Park is during the dry season. The dry season in Elgon National Park Uganda occurs from June to October, then December to February. It is around these two phases of dry season when the trails are passable and you won’t have challenges encountering undergrowth. The routes to Mt. Elgon National Park are also accessible with ease, unlike the wet or rainy season.

The wet months come with heavy rains and occur from March, April, to May, and then another phase starts from October to November. These months are characterized by too much coldness requiring you to have warm clothes and a rain jacket.

What to pack for your hiking tour in Mt. Elgon National Park

Essentials to include on your hiking adventure in Mount Elgon National Park Uganda include gloves, waterproof trekking/hiking boots, sleeping bags, a camera and battery charger, insect repellents, and a daypack.

About Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Mount Elgon National Park is located on the border between Uganda and Kenya. It derives its name from the extinct shield of Elgon Volcano Mountain. It is believed to have recorded its first eruption about 24 million years back.

Mount Elgon National Park on the Ugandan section covers 1110 sq. km and Kenya’s side is 169 sq. km. Mount Elgon National Park features abundant wildlife at its base area. They include buffaloes, elephants, blue monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Over 300 bird species also call Mt. Elgon National Park a home. They include Tacazze sunbird, lammergeyer, African goshawk, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, African blue flycatchers, Chubb’s cisticola, Mackinnon’s fiscal, Chin spot batis, Hartlaub’s turacos, Doherty’s bush ride, Moustached tinker birds, moorland francolins, alpine chat, Jackson’s francolin, black-shouldered kite, tacazze sunbirds, Baglafetch weaver birds, and more.

Mount Elgon National Park Uganda is a recognized UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. It was gazetted as a park in 1992 and is a preferred hiking destination in Uganda –the Pearl of Africa.

Additional things to do in Mount Elgon National Park

Coffee plantation tours

Mount Elgon National Park is situated in the area where you can explore more about coffee farming. The coffee tours involve exploring the different coffee farming from planting to harvesting and when the coffee is ready for consumption.

Birding

Mount Elgon National Park is one of the Important Bird Areas in Uganda, home to over 300 bird species. Bird lovers have a chance to identify different bird species including the cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, blue fly-catchers, African goshawk, Luhders bush-shrikes, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Chubb’s cisticola, moustached tinker bird, tacazze, baglafetch weaver bird, white-chinned prinia, and more.

Game viewing

Mount Elgon National Park is also an ideal destination for you to engage in a guided game viewing. The park offers incredible wildlife encounters including spotted hyenas, bushbucks, elephants, blue monkeys, buffaloes, Defassa waterbuck, oribis, Defassa waterbucks, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Where to stay

Places to consider for an overnight stay on a Uganda tour in Mount Elgon National Park range from budget to luxury. They include Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa, Kapkwai Forest Cottages, Mbale Resort Hotel, Noah’s Ark Hotel, Mount Elgon View Hotel, Kayegi Hotel, Sipi River Lodge, and Masha Hotel.

Getting to Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda

Access to Mount Elgon National Park Uganda is possible from Kampala through Jinja-Iganga to Mbale city. It is about 5 hours drive from the heart of Kampala to the park. A 4×4 safari vehicle is ideal for your road trip from Kampala to Mount Elgon National Park.