How to Get to Mount Elgon National Park
From Kampala
Mount Elgon National Park lies 235km east of Kampala. A tarmac road runs through Jinja to Mbale town at the western base of Mount Elgon, before climbing to Kapchorwa on the mountain’s north-western flank. Murram roads lead off the MbaleKapchorwa road to reach the various trailheads.
A Mount Elgon National Park Information Office is located on Plot 19/21 Masaba Road, near the Mount Elgon Hotel, in Mbale town. This is open from 08.00-13.:00 and 14,00-17,00, Mon-Fri and 09.00-13.00 on Saturdays. Bookings for park activities can be made at this office or at Uganda Wildlife Authority HO in Kampala.
Mbale is 4 hours from Kampala via Tororo.
Kampala – Mbale via Jinja and Tirinyi Rd – 256km 3 hours.
Mbale – Budadiri – 30km 1 hour (road can be muddy and slippery in wet conditions)
Mbale – Sipi Falls – 66km 1 1/2 hours.
Sipi Falls – Kapkwata – 45km 1 1/2 hours
Matutus to Sipi Trading Centre depart from the clock tower taxi park in Mbale. The fare is Ush 4000-. The road has been completely tarred up to The Sipi Falls Trading centre with work continuing up to Kapchorwa. The road is steep in places however a pleasure to drive. This route was prior to the tar was a 6 hour hell journey after any rain.
Budadiri is accessible by public transport. Matatus for Budadiri also depart from the Clock Tower taxi park in mabale. The one way fare is Ushs 2,000-. Those with their own vehicles can be sure of finding safe parking in Budadiri or at Sipi Falls at a price obviously. Use public transport to get to the trail head at Kapkwata. Porters and guides will be found c/o the sub headquarters in Budadiri or Kapnarkut.
Guides and porters in Budadiri can be organised through the Mt. Elgon Guides and Porters Association.
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.