The Best Way to Hike Mount Elgon
Here, we guide you on the best way to hike Mount Elgon, an extinct mountain found in eastern part of Uganda. This is mainly in the districts of Mbale, Kapchorwa and Kween. Uganda shares Mount Elgon with Kenya, therefore, Mount Elgon is well known as the ‘world largest mountain caldera’, which is well viewed on its highest peak, Wagagai Peak.
Accessing Mount Elgon
When visiting Mount Elgon the only way to access the place is by road from Kampala, the capital of Uganda to Mount Elgon. The journey to Mount Elgon is between 5 to 6 hrs drive, which is from Kampala to Jinja, Burambuli and then Kapchorwa. Another way to reach Mount Elgon National Park is from Kampala to Jinja and then via Mbale, which is about 4 to 5 hrs drive. When coming from Mbale to Kapchorwa, the main gate of Mount Elgon is only 1 hour drive to Kapkwai gate.
Mount Elgon National Park Entrances
Mount Elgon National Park has three main trails, that is, Piswa Trail, Suam Trail and Sasa Trail and these are the most common trails used by visitors or tourists. However, there are other minor trails that are not highly used by visitors.
Within these above mentioned routes game rangers explain to visitors the way through and how easier or hectic those trails are. So, a visitor will have an option of which route he/she can use according to his/her willingness and fitness. On your way when hiking Mount Elgon you’re likely to encounter some of rarest bird species and animals like olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and elephants. But you should bear in mind that the probability of seeing these is 50%.
Requirements before hiking Mount Elgon National Park
Before you start a hike or a tour to Mount Elgon, there are some things you should think of and should be having or use during the time you’re doing a hike. These include; hiking shoes, rain gears, a camera, a power bank to charge your phone, GPS, a tent, a panga to slash where to pitch your tent, a torch, gloves, scarf or hat, food, water, a cook and cooking gear like a knife, a saucepan and stove to help when cooking.
Duration of hiking Mount Elgon National Park
When searching for the best way to hike Mount Elgon, the time it will take you when hiking is also important. Depending on your itinerary, you can hike for only one day while having a nature walk in the park at the same time. Visitors can also opt for a 3 days or 5 days hike but in most cases hiking to mount Elgon takes about 6 days, but this depends on which trail you choose to use on day one when you are just starting the hiking.
Like mentioned before, there is Piswa trail, Suam trail and Sasa trail – the longest trail to Mount Elgon. When hiking for a day, you can cover up a distance of about 17 to 20km depending on how flexible and fit you are. You will then get a rest and sleep, to prepare for the following day of hiking. Accordingly, a cook will prepare for your food to eat and sleep until you finish up your hiking experience, according to how you planned for your trip.
Lodging while Hiking Mount Elgon National Park
In Elgon region there are several places to stay at or to sleep over. These range from luxury to mid-range and budget facilities, including hotels like Noah’s Ark hotel, Mbale Resort Hotel, Wash and Wills, Rafiki Lodge, Sipi River Lodge, Home of Friends and Sipi Valley Resort.
After hiking Mount Elgon National Park, you can get an opportunity to explore and discover other parts of the country. Further Northeast of the country lies Kidepo Valley National Park, with rugged landscape, considered as the most beautiful park in Uganda. This is home to Ostriches, zebras, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs and countless bird species.
While on this journey too, do not forget to make time and visit other amazing places in Uganda. To explore the best wildlife experience visit Murchison Falls National Park for game drive and a boat safari along the mighty River Nile for aquatic life. Uganda is also well known for gorilla trekking safaris, popularly done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is a must-do experience for majority of the travelers to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
