Trekking Mount Elgon via Uganda can be reached by road and the drive takes about 5-6 hours from the capital city Kampala along a well tarmac road.
To trek Mount Elgon via Uganda and get to the trailhead, make your way by bus to Mbale town. From Mbale, you will catch a ‘matatu’ (mini-bus) to Budadiri town, where the trailhead is found. There are many hotels is Mbale and one in Budadiri if you are wondering on where to stay at Mount Elgon National Park. You must arrange everything for the climb, including permits, porters, and a guide, in the national park service station in Budadiri, and at Koitoboss if you are to hike Mount Elgon via Kenya.
Routes Overview – Uganda Side
The Sasa river route, on the Ugandan side, is one of the best routes up Mount Elgon peaks. Attractions along this route include a good chance of seeing colobus and blue monkeys, as well as other wildlife, and side trips to waterfalls, hot springs, the crater floor and other summits. Because of all the wonderful side trips available, five to six days is recommended.
The Piswa route is one of the other routes commonly used from the Uganda side, starting from the north of Kapkwata town. It is said to be longer and less steep than the Sasa river route. The Sipi route on the other hand is a new route that has been constructed from Sipi Falls. This would make a fine loop with the Sasa river route.
The Suam Trail is another less used road that is slowly gaining in popularity.
- Mbale is 4 hours from Kampala via Tororo.
- Kampala – Mbale via Jinja and Tirinyi Rd – 256km 3 hours.
- Mbale – Budadiri – 30km 1 hour (road can be muddy and slippery in wet conditions).
- Mbale – Sipi Falls – 66km 1 1/2 hours.
- Sipi Falls – Kapkwata – 45km 1 1/2 hours
Other Activities Besides Trekking Mount Elgon Via Uganda
In Uganda, most visitors seeking mountain climbing experiences will always compliment their visit with hiking the Rwenzori Mountains. In addition, a safari game drive in the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park is also exciting for many visitors.
After visiting Mount Elgon National Park, you can also extend further west for a wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park. Here, you will encounter the Big 5 including the rhinos, African elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards, making Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife reserve. You can also opt for the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.