8 Days Mountain Elgon climbing tour – How to reach Wagagai Peak

You are warmly received on arrival. Shortly after, transfer to the hotel for the overnight rest.

Overnight stay: Cycad Guest House (BB) or The Boma (BB)

After breakfast and briefing, we drive through Kampala city. We then pass through sugar cane plantations and the Mabira tropical forest. Finally, we reach Jinja town on the edge of the River Nile and lake Victoria. Here, we visit the source of the river Nile and the old industrial town. We have lunch in Mbale town and continue to Sipi Falls which is at the bottom of Mount Elgon. In the afternoon, we have a nature walk to explore around the falls. There are beautiful views here including the plains below and the mountains above.

Overnight stay: Noah’s Ark (FB) or The Sipi Lodge (FB)

After an early breakfast, we drive through the hills to Kapkwata (2190m). We arrive at the station where we have a briefing before the hike. Immediately after, the guides and porters are arranged. The hike of the Piswa trail then begins. We climb gently through woodland and forest with primates and birds until you reach the first camping site for the night. The basic camp with spectacular views of the plains and hills is a cozy place for the night.

Overnight stay: Dinner and camping at the Piswa Camp (FB)

This morning, we begin the day with a long, steep hike to the cave. The cave which is located below the caldera has a beautiful landscape. Below and above the camp, it is so picturesque. After dinner, we enjoy a cup of tea or coffee around the camp fire. On a clear night in fact, the stars in the African sky are amazing. However, the night may be cold with temperatures below zero. (FB)

Overnight stay: Dinner and Camping at the Hunters Cave Camp (FB)

In the morning, we make the short hike in order to reach the rim of the caldera. Here, we certainly enjoy the magnificent views. Soon after, we trek through the marshy crater covered with streams and rivers. We then continue on to the hot springs. We relax here and at the same time, soak the feet in the warm water. Thereafter, we join Sasa trail and walk through the middle of the caldera. The volcanic landscape is surely breathtaking. Along the way, we encounter animals of the park. Descend to Mude Cave.

Overnight stay: Dinner and Camping at the Mude Cave Camp (FB)

After early breakfast, we eventually hike directly to the summit at 4321m. The Wagagai Peak is the second highest in Uganda after Margherita (5,109m) on the Rwenzori mountains. Nonetheless, the climb is not very steep. Therefore the top of the mountain can be reached after about three hours. The peak has magnificent views of the crater. In addition, it has views across the border in Kenya. From Wagagai Peak, we descend back to Mude Camp and on to Sasa River Camp.

Overnight stay: Dinner and Camping at the Sasa river Camp (FB)

In the morning, we leisurely take a long, steep and slippery trail that goes down the “Wall of Death”. In the background, there are beautiful terraced hills below the mountain. We walk through homesteads and local farms. Finally, we reach Budadiri park information centre (1250m) and then drive to Mbale town.

Overnight stay: Mbale Resort Hotel (FB)

We leisurely wake up to breakfast and proceed to Kampala. However, if time allows and you have interest, we do a city tour and shop for souvenirs. We transfer to Entebbe airport and prepare for your departure