Wagagai Peak as the highest peak on Mount Elgon lies at 4,321 meters high and it is less crowded than Mount Kilimanjaro. While at this peak one experiences more spectacular views because there are very few people settling along its slopes.
It is an amazing place to visit on your Uganda adventure safari, because you have a high chance of seeing quite a number of wild animals while hiking or as you descend. There are waterfalls and a hot spring in the crater.
C.W. Hobley became the first European to circumambulate the mountain In 1896. Kmunke and Stigler made the first recorded ascent of Wagagai Peak in 1911. F. Jackson, E. Gedge, and J. Martin in 1890 made the first recorded ascent of Sudek peak. The main peak is an easy scramble and does not require any mountaineering equipment. Other interesting features on this mountain include:
Wagagai Peak makes one humble since the climb is challenging and everything is compressed into three short days during which one will transverse deserted moorlands and great scenes of wilderness. It is certainly a test of our endurance, both physically and mentally.
When it comes to trekking for adventure, Mount Elgon stands out. Tourists who have climbed this resource remark that, ‘it is the most stunning volcano climb in the continent’. And if you have visited it, you will agree that its extra-ordinary features shape its outstanding beauty.
Wagagai Peak stands at 4,321m and is one of the largest volcanic bases in Africa, located on the Uganda-Kenya border. It is also the oldest and largest Mount Elgon’s solitary, volcanic feature in East Africa.
Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains and the mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna. The Bagisu people, who are settled on the slopes of Mount Elgon, believe that Wagagai Peak is the home of their Imbalu circumcision gods responsible for circumcision, an age-old initiation ritual for boys.
The Wagagai Peak at 4,321m is only a couple of hours trekking from Maude camp and can be made without heavy packs as it returns back to the camp. The first day gives you clear views of the alien landscape with strange giant shrubs and huge rock outcrops. The peak is the unobvious high point of the caldera, the edge of the crater rim and requires walking a few kilometers around the rim with spectacular views towards Kenya and across the expansive, plains of the Caldera. The walk back to Maude camp is fairly short, allowing the opportunity to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and explore lake pools dotted around the hill.
Climbs back to a lower part of the Caldera and drops down another of Elgon’s shoulders running out to Sipi. This is one of the most beautiful days walking up the edge of canyons on old smugglers trails to Kenya surrounded by fantastic rock formations and giant garden flowers. It is also one of the toughest, longest days and although mostly is downhill, there is still a bit of climbing back up across valleys which gives respite to the knees. Eventually after walking down through Elgon’s eco-regions; high plains to shrubland and back to forest and some beautiful bamboo forests, we finally
The walk is tough, but suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and has some of the most beautiful scenery in Uganda. Wagagai as its highest peak lying at 4321 meters high and it is less crowded than Mount Kilimanjaro and has a very spectacular view more because there are very few people settling along its slopes. It is an amazing place to visit on your Uganda Adventure Safari. You have a high chance of see a number of wild animals while hiking or as you descend, there are waterfalls and a hot spring in the crater.
The climb of Mount Elgon is a great experience, which you could recommend to all people in the world, and Ugandans interested in seeing different parts of the country. In your four days trip/journey, you could pass through a lot of different and beautiful scenery, culminating in breathtaking views from the 4,321m peak of Wagagai.
Mt. Elgon Hiking is accessible for anyone with a basic level of fitness and it does not require any experience to hike Wagagai peak. You can hire porters to carry your bags, and can take frequent rest stops. In fact, the porters and guides, and cooks are one highlights of the trip. They are too informative about the mountain, and they can organize good food throughout.
This trip would best be done in a group of about 4 people. Try to choose some friends who are of approximately the same fitness level as you, then you can all enjoy the hike to the fullest. You will probably be one of the only groups in the park while you are hiking, so you can enjoy a peaceful hike, with no disturbances. Overall, this is a wonderful adventure. For anyone who is looking to do something a bit different in Uganda, I can recommend climbing Mt. Elgon! In Uganda, guests can also take part in Rwenzori Mountain hiking is also rewarding to Mountain climbers across the world.
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.