Uganda Mountain Hiking Safaris to Mount Elgon - Uganda Safari News

Mountain hiking safaris to Mount Elgon offer a rewarding experience to travelers on Uganda tours or safari Uganda and choose to undertake the hiking challenge. Mount Elgon raises to an altitude of 4,321m high, a height a little lower compared to adjacent Rwenzori mountains popular for Uganda mountain hiking safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro in the neighboring Tanzania safari destination. Mount Elgon is protected by the authorities of Mount Elgon National Park that is responsible for the conservation of the park.

Why Uganda Mountain Hiking Safaris to Mount Elgon are unique

Mount Elgon has favorable peaks for hiking for those who can’t take very exhaustive hikes on the steeper and higher slopes of other mountains. The highest peak reached on a Uganda safari is 4,321m (14,177ft) above sea level at Wagagai peak. Since the altitude isn’t so high, the climate is milder making hiking easier. For those who get altitude sickness then the Mount Elgon hike experience a comfortable one for you, don’t miss the chance. The mountain has fewer visitors therefore less congestion, this means you can hike on a less beaten track and enjoy the experience of hiking in a typical African bush. Hiking mount Elgon can be made trans boundary. Either on a Kenya safari or a Uganda tour a tourist can cross to the other side of the mountain.

Hiking trails on Mount Elgon

The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes different trails including;  

The piswa trail is long but most gentle trail that takes 7 days covering 49km. The trail starts from “Kapkwata” on the northside of the mountain traversing the soft wood plantation to the podocarps forest. This trail gives you an opportunity to sight wildlife and have a spectacular view of the Karamoja plains, the Nandi and Kapeguria hills in Kenya as you go past the hot springs.  

The Sipi trail round trip is 56km, takes 4-6days and is the longest starting from Kapkwai forest exploration center at 2,050m through the north western mountain side. The trail starts calmly as you hike to the caldera through tutum cave but becomes tougher on day three from Kajeri camp. This trail is the best hike attraction in Mount Elgon national park because of the time tourists spend discovering the mountain.  

The Sasa trail round trip is the shortest but toughest route taking 4 days. The toughest climb of 1,600m is completed on the first day though the whole trek covers 1,250m.  

Combined trail hiking is a perfect option for a memorable Mountain hiking safari in Uganda allowing you to traverse the caldera glimpsing at wildlife, birds and hot springs ascending through Sipi-piswa-sasa trail and descending from the Sasa-Sipi trail.

Transboundary hiking can be organized for as a tourist ascends by a Uganda trail and descend in Kenya. Since the hike lasts days, accommodation in Mount Elgon national park is available along the trails as you hike to the summit.  

Safari Uganda’s Mount Elgon National Park is usually tailored with a safari to Kidepo valley National Park and later on continue to Murchison Falls National Park. Hiking is therapy, therefore if you need a family relaxing time in the country side, then choose to visit Mount Elgon National Park.