Trails...

Sasa trail is the most popular route up the mountain, and one can summit without the need for any technical climbing.

It is a multi-day trek to the summit, and the number of days depend on the fitness of the group and how much of the mountain you wish to explore.

Besides standing on the highest point (bragging rights!), one can explore other peaks, caves, waterfalls, the crater floor and even soak in some hot springs.

Three to five days is the norm.

One may choose to return via the same trail (Sasa), or descend via the Piswa trail. Note that this is not a loop.

The really adventurous may want to consider ascending on the Ugandan side and descending on the Kenyan side or vice versa. This can be arranged and there will be an exchange of guides near the border!

Being over four thousand meters, the usual warnings about high-altitude climbing applies.

More information on the trails at:

   SummitPost

   Travel Uganda

  Permits, Guides, Porters...

While porters might be optional, permits and a guide are not. No worries. It is quite simple and straight forward to get organised for the trek.

The friendly staff at Mount Elgon National Park office in Mbale (head quarters) can help you organise everything you need for the trek, including equipment (tents, camping mats and even boots - though it is recommended that you bring your own).

Alternatively, there is a branch office in Budadiri, which can do the same.

While for some of you it might seem that hiring a porter takes away from the challenge of the trek, please consider this: the income earned carrying your bag is one of the few ways in which the local communities directly benefit from the National Park.

The entire trek will knock you back a few hundred dollars (US). Park fee for trekking (for day hikes check this):


This includes park entrance fees and guide fees but excludes porter fees.

Note: the number of climbers in a group does not change the fee per person. Whether you are a single climber with a dedicated guide, or a group of ten with one guide, the fee remains the same.

For a list of all the latest tariffs, please visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority's tariff page and look for Mount Elgon.

  How to Get There...

To the park head quarters in Mbale:

Mbale is east of Kampala, about four to six hours by road. From the clock tower at the center of town, head up Republic Street. It's a bit of a walk, so if on foot, hop on a boda-boda (a bicycle taxi). The park offices will be on your left.

To Budadiri (for Sasa Trail):

From Mbale: from the clock tower at the center of town, head up Kumi road and catch a matatu (minibus taxi) to Budadiri.

Kapkwata (for Piswa Trail):

From Mbale: from the clock tower at the center of town, head up Kumi road. Look for a matatu (minibus taxi) heading to Kapchorwa and ask to be dropped off at Sipi trading center. From Sipi it's another 45 kilometers to Kamkwata.

 Where to Stay...

In Mbale:

Mbale is one of the major towns in Uganda and there are plenty of options to choose from in town, for a range of budgets. Remember to stock up on supplies here.

In Budadiri:

Rose's Last Chance is where most travellers stay. Simple rooms, good food and right opposite the National Park office. Rose can also help you get organised for the trek.

Piswa Trailhead:

You can stay at the guesthouse operated by UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority). Enquire at the National Park office.

More on accommodation options at the Travel Uganda page.