Climbing the mountain is an experience that is not quickly forgotten. Mount Elgon is a prime trekking mountain in East Africa. Elgon is a huge volcano with the largest crater of the major peaks in Africa. The caldera is one of the world’s largest. There are less people on the slopes of the mountain thus creating greater chances of spotting wildlife. There are several waterfalls on the slopes, and there are even hot springs to soak in inside the crater.
Mount Elgon consists of five major peaks:
Wagagai (4,321 meters); Uganda.
Sudek (4,302 meters); Kenya/Uganda border
Koitobos (4,222 meters); Kenya
Mubiyi (4,211 meters); Uganda
Masaba (4,161 meters); Uganda
Here are the most popular hikes in Mount Elgon National Park, Eastern Uganda.
The Sasa River Route found on the Ugandan side is the best and shortest route up to the mountain. Attractions that you may see along the route include Colobus and Blue Monkeys, as well as other wildlife and side trips to waterfalls, hot springs, the crater floor and other summits. When you use this route, five to six days is recommended. However, it is the toughest route to the peaks, traversing the community land and allowing you to explore BaMasaba farming settlements and culture.
The Piswa Route is another route commonly used from the Uganda side and from the north and from Kapwata. It is said to be longer and less steep than the Sasa River Route. Round trip distance is 49 kms and seven days is recommended. Starting at the village of Kapkwata on the north side of the mountain, it traverses the soft wood plantation to the Podocarpus forest. It is known for its rich wildlife and spectacular views of the Karamoja plains in Uganda and the Nandi and Kapeguria hills in Kenya. The Piswa trail also passes the hot springs on the way to the caldera and the peaks.
The Sipi Route is constructed from Sipi Falls. This makes a fine loop with the Sasa River Route. Round trip distance is 56 kms and four to six days is recommended. It starts at 2,050m at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre. It is the longest trail to the peaks, passing through the northwestern mountainside through Tutum Cave to enter the caldera and reach Wagagai Peak. The trail begins gently, but becomes tougher on the third day from Kajeri Camp.
The Suam Trail is a less used road that is slowly gaining in popularity. The climb can be completed in 3 long or 4 shorter days.
Tourists find Mountain Elgon an exciting alternative to the more strenuous climbs in East Africa. It is easier to access throughout the year, less congested and has many of the same attractions, with a milder climate and lower elevation. Climbing the peaks requires no special equipment or technical experience. There are two dry seasons. One is mid-December through March, and the other one is June and July. Trekking during the dry season is highly recommended.