Trekking Mount Elgon Costs
Trekking Mount Elgon costs are by far more affordable than other national parks in Uganda. With such low costs you will easily trek to Wagagai Peak – the highest peak at 4,321 meters. This is the second highest peak in Uganda, after Magherita Peak at 5,109m on Rwenzori mountains, and it’s the fourth highest in East Africa. It contains a crater covering over 40kms at the top of the mountain, surrounded by a series of rugged peaks covered by different flora and harbored with wild animals.
At Mount Elgon, you’re obliged to be escorted by 2 rangers – they function as both security and guide. The park entrance fees US$ 35 for foreigners and non-residents of East Africa, US$ 25 for foreigners but East African residents. Nationals pay UGX 15,000 per day.
Trekking Mount Elgon costs are at US$ 50 for foreigners non-resident, US$ 50 foreigners and residents of East Africa and UGX 50,000 for nationals per day. UGX 20,000 per person per night camping while hiring porters is at UGX 4,000 per porter per day. These are definitely needed unless you are a seasoned and strong backpacker. Hire a cook/chef at UGX 30,000 per day no matter the number of people.
Sleeping mattress can also be hired at the park headquarters at UGX 7,500 per person and this accommodates only one person. Tents go for UGX 15,000 per person and it can accommodate a maximum of two (2) people. Everything can be arranged at the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Budadiri or through your tour and travel company that plans your trek.
There are numerous trailheads to reach Wagagai Peak and all offer different magnificent experiences. The most popular route is the Sasa Trail, but other trails are also stunning including Suam trail, Sipi trail and Piswa trail.
Mount Elgon National Park is 140km Northeast of Lake Victoria in eastern Uganda, and it lies on the border with Kenya. This is approximately 280km from Kampala with an estimated driving duration of about 6hrs. The park can be reached quickly by car or bus and it has great spectacular scenarios with the world’s largest mountain caldera of 40sqkm circumference and 8sqkm in diameter.
If you want a satisfying climb/hike that doesn’t require expert skills or equipment and is closer to home. Look no further than Mount Elgon. It’s the 7th highest mountain in Africa at 4,321m and the summit is readily accessible for climbers with limited experience. It’s the largest extinct volcano in the world that first/last erupted more than 24 million years ago, with a surface area of 50km by 80km.
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.
