5 Days Best of Hiking Experience Elgon National Park
The Best of Hiking Experience Elgon National Park can be had in 5 days, Summiting Wagagai Peak at 4,321m above sea level, catch all the exceptional views, the summit has a lot of history and culture concerning the Bamasaba people and Gisu tribe.
Day 1 of Best of Hiking Experience. Briefing and starting the trek. Hike to Hunwick’s Camp 2,830metres
At Budadiri UWA offices, you will sign into the park and proceed to the briefing point at the basecamp Bugiboni at 1,720m where you will meet your guides for briefing and set off, hike to Hunwick’s Camp following the new trail up along the Mukoola Ridge creates a loop on the Sasa Trail and offers exceptional views and adventure in an area never available to tourists before.
The first 600 metres is a bit steep after which it levels out the trail flattens out to be a gradual climb with a few steep sections but a steady climb through the beautiful montane forests with many birds and the occasional primate. It is a definite must for birders as the forest is evergreen and open making it easy to spot many species.
Distance: 7km
Approximate walking hours: 5 to 6hrs steady walking. BOOK NOW
Day 2 of Best of Hiking Experience. Hike to Masaba Camp 3,760m, which is just below Masaba table at 3,800metres
Trek through higher levels of the montane forest with some different bird species to reach the bamboo zone, trekking higher the forest starts opening up to gradually become the Heath Zone where you walk across rolling grassy hills with the occasional Giant Groudsell and Giant Heather and many species of wildflowers which are more prolific in July August September but found all year round.
Distance: 7.4km
Approximate walking hours: 5hrs.
Masaba Camp is just below that table (Masaba table) about 500m away. you will enjoy stunning views down the cities at Masaba Table)
Day 3 of Best of Hiking Experience. Summit Wagagai peak at 4,321m and sleep at Mude Cave Camp at 3,472metres
Set off early from Masaba Camp and trek to Masaba Summit to take in the exceptional views, the summit has a lot of history and culture concerning the Bamasaba people and Gisu tribe. From Wagagai Peak 4,321 metres you look across the largest mountain caldera in the world (40sq km) which was the centre of the Mt Elgon volcano. Judging on the area of the base of Mt Elgon it is estimated that millions of years ago Mt Elgon was the tallest mountain on earth. After enjoying the views and taking a few pics for memories descend to Mude Camp 3,472 metres.
Approximate walking hours: 3 and half hours to Wagagai Peak (this includes climbing Masaba summit). Then 3hrs down to Mude Cave Camp.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
( It is much easier and shorter to summit Wagagi Peak from Masaba Camp. Compared to the 5hours walk from Mude Cave Camp to Wagagai Peak)
Day 4 of Best of Hiking Experience. Descend to Sasa River Camp at 2,860 metres.
On the morning of day 4 after breakfast descend to Sasa River Camp for the night This is a 2-and-a-half to 3 hours walk down to Sasa River Camp.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5 of Best of Hiking Experience. From Sasa River Camp descend to the Base Camp at 1,720metres.
Descend the Bamboo zone that’s left and continue to the afro-montane zone which leads through the community to the basecamp. Trekkers start arriving at the base camp from 11:30 am onwards.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Approximate walking hours: 3hours down to the basecamp
Trekking fees are inclusive: Park fees, Guides, Porters, Meals on the mountain and accommodation in the mountain
Exclusive of: Accommodation before and after the trek, Transport to and from the starting point, Insurance, Tips, and Personal expenses.
