Sasa Trail on Mount Elgon
Sasa trail on Mount is known as the shortest and indigenous trail to Wagagai Peak – the highest peak on Mount Elgon. It is a four-day round trip to the summit with a 1,650m ascent on day one, thus making it the busiest trail to visitors who want to spend less time while hiking Mount Elgon.
This is the most preferable trail to many visitors because it can easily be reached by public transport from Mbale town other than any other trails. The starting point is at Budadiri town at an elevation of 1,250m, which is considered as the trailhead, a road that is 5km to Bumasola. You may opt to take a car up to this trail, then get on a short walk to the forest that is traversing the community land, while allowing you to explore Masaba farming settlements and culture. Almost as soon as you enter the forest, you reach Mudangi cliffs, which are scaled via ladders, then it’s 2½ hours of pure bamboo forest. The second day is an easier walk. On summit day, it is four hours from your campsite passing Jackson’s Pool to Wagagai Peak.
Sasa trail is generally a less strenuous climb but the steepest route to the peaks other than any trails here but offers different scenic views. On the descending day, one can alternatively combine the different trails, ascending along the Sasa trail allowing you to experience more features of the mountain.
The elevation is a factor in this hike. Even if you do not get typical altitude illness symptoms such as headaches, nausea, lack of appetite, etc. you will definitely feel yourself breathing harder than you would expect. If the pace seems too fast for you, it is probably better to slow down. You will increase the probability of a successful summit and enjoy yourself a lot more.
- Bumasola trailhead – 5,840 ft
- Sasa River Camp – 9,540 ft
- Mude Cave Camp – 11,483 ft
- Wagagai Summit – 14,177 ft
Time estimates – Of course, this is always a difficult thing to estimate due to differences in levels of fitness, pack weight, trail conditions and how often you stop to take pictures. The guidelines below are appropriate for most reasonably fit hikers carrying a pack weight of 15-20lbs, with moderate trail/weather conditions.
- Bumasola to Sasa River Camp 3-5 hrs.
- Sasa River Camp to Mude Cave Camp 2 ½ – 4 hrs.
- Mude Cave Camp to summit 2- 3 ½ hrs.
- Summit to Mude Cave Camp 1 ½ – 2 ½ hrs.
- Mude Cave Camp to Bumasola 4-7 hrs.
Weather – The weather on the mountain is unpredictable. Wet conditions can change everything. In places, the trail becomes very slippery, especially descending. Factor this in when planning your itinerary and bring what you need for varying conditions and a change of clothes for camp.
Water – There are numerous places to get water along the trail. Purification is recommended. You may choose to carry your own. 1 ½ -2 liters per day and this is sufficient while hiking. Your crew can boil water for you at camp just in case.
Many visitors who go for Mount Elgon climbing also participate in hiking the Sipi falls. The falls are a jaw-dropping beauty that live visitors with an unforgettable memory because of the beautiful scenery around them. In addition, there are various activities visitors can participate in such as rock climbing, sightseeing, and a cultural visit to the nearby communities of Kapchorwa, Sironko and Mbale.
After visiting Mount Elgon National Park, you can extend your journey with an amazing wildlife game drive in the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park or extend further west for a wildlife safari to 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.
