Sipi Trail on Mount Elgon
Sipi trail on Mount Elgon is the longest trail to the highest peak – Wagagai, so it can take between five to six days, which mounts up to a 56km round trip. Summiting Wagagai peak via Sipi trail from Kapkwai still gives you other options. Choosing the right option for yourself will not only increase your chances of summiting but will also make your hiking experience a much more enjoyable adventure.
Day 1: Kapkwai to Tutum Cave – 2,667 meters – Sipi Trail
The Sipi trail starts at 2,667m at the Kapkwai – the Forest Exploration Centre that is 13km from Sipi town. There is a 11km walk from Kapkwai to Tutum cave. The walk takes 3-4hours. You will hike through the mixed montane forest, a dense forest with species of Podocarpus and remnants of Anigeria spp. En route, you will find the beautiful Chebonet Falls, Kapkwai cave, Wiri ridge viewpoint, Baboons, monkeys, waterbucks, fruit bats, Kajeri waterfalls, Kajeri valley, bushbucks, duikers, and a variety of countless bird species. You will have dinner and overnight at Tutum cave.
Day 2: Tutum to Kajeri Camp – 3,383 Meters above sea level
Today, be ready for a 17km walk which will take about 5 hours. It is believed that the Tutum cave connects Uganda and Kenya (Tutum & Kitum). You will walk through a mixed bamboo forest zone. Dinner and overnight at Kajeri cave.
Day 3: Kajeri Cave to Mude Cave Camp – 3,500 meters above sea level
Today’s walk is 21km and will take 6-7Hrs through the heath and the Moorland. The altitude gets to 4000 meters above sea level, within the Caldera rim, and gradually drops to 3500 meters above sea level at Mude cave camp. You will see the Kajeri Valley, Dirigana falls, Sipi River, Muyembe Valley, Mubiyi Peak, and rock Sculptures, world cup-shaped rock, plants like the senecio, Lobelia Elgonesis, Forget me not, Ladles mantle, caldera, Siyo cave etc. You will have dinner and overnight at Mude Cave Camp.
Day 4: Mude to Wagagai the highest peak – 4321 meters
Descend back to Mude. You will hike to the Wagagai peak which is the highest point and descend back to Mude. Dinner and overnight at Mude cave camp.
Day 5: Descend back and transfer to Sipi Falls on Sipi Trail
Today, you will descend back and transfer to the spectacular Sipi falls. 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 will probably be proper to slow down. You will increase the probability of a successful summit and enjoy yourself a lot more.
Trail description – the trail is beautiful, climbing through different ecological zones. At first rural subsistence farmland, then forest then mixed bamboos, caves, and finally the heath zone, with its stunted shrubs and wildflowers. And following the rim of the caldera to Wagagai Peak is spectacular!
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. 1½ – 2 liters per day is sufficient while hiking. Your crew can boil water for you at the camp or you may choose to carry yours.
Mude Cave Camp is beautiful. It is set amongst old, slow growth pines. The views of the valley are gorgeous. There is an A-frame lodge if you would like to sleep in it, or you may choose one of the beautiful campsites in the pines. There is a large fire pit with benches. It can get chilly at night. An insulated jacket, warm hat, gloves, etc. There are also squat outhouses which are cleaner than you could expect.
Time estimates – Of course, this is always a difficult thing to estimate due to differences in levels of fitness, pack weight, trail conditions, how often you stop to take pictures, etc. We highly recommend this experience. The trail itself is varied and beautiful, and the views stunning. Guides and porters do an excellent job and always have a smile on their faces. The night camping is a long the Sipi trail is so magical!
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.
