5 Days Mount Elgon Summit Via Sipi Falls Trail- Exit Bushiyi Trail
Mount Elgon National Park is the second highest Mountain in Uganda with a height of 4,321m a.s.l after the snowcapped Mount Rwenzori with 5,109m a.s.l. Mount Elgon is a breathtaking destination known for its biodiversity, stunning landscapes and a water catchment area for many rivers like Sipi Falls. These Mountain is located in both Uganda and Kenya at the shared geographic border points. Mount Elgon borders Uganda in the East and borders Kenya in the West.
Mount Elgon has one of the World’s largest Mountain Calderas stretching 8km in diameter formed after volcanic eruption about million years ago.
Mount Elgon is a home to mammals like Black and white colobus monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Duikers, Jackals, forest tree squirrels and has over 300 bird species including the endangered Lammergeyer and the Jackson’s francolin, making it a haven for the birding enthusiasts.
The 5 Days Mount Elgon trail via Sipi Trail takes you through the most scenic view points and different vegetation Zones ranging from the secondary forest and primary Forest on the first day of the trek. The vegetation varies from montane forests and Bamboo zones to heather and Moorland, showcasing diverse plant life adapted to different altitudes.
Mount Elgon has spearheaded local communities living near the park which promotes sustainable tourism as local chefs and local porters whose passion for conservation of the biodiversity of the mountain is paramount.
Mount Elgon National Park offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure and cultural insights, making it a must visit to explore Uganda’s diverse landscapes and heritage.
ITINERARY
- Day 1: Start at Kapkwai trailhead, hike to Tutum cave camp for lunch and overnight stay at an elevation of 2667m above the sea level to acclimatize covering a distance of 11ks from Kapkwai Exploration center 2050m.
- Day 2: After early morning breakfast, you will Trek to Kajeri camp standing at about 3,383m above the sea level for the second night covering a distance of 17kms.
- Day 3: After early morning breakfast at Kajeri camp, you will continue with your hike to Mangongo camp 3600m for a distance of about 11kms for your third night.
- Day 4: After early morning breakfast, you will Hike through Jackson pool 4,050m, caldera ridge to Wagagai peak 4321m, then to Dubi camp 3650m for the fourth night.
- Day 5: After early morning breakfast, you will Trek to Shiloko Camp 2400m, have lunch, then exit to Bushiyi gate 1800m, where you will be picked up by the Boda boda to the car or spending another stay at either Riverline Hotel which is 9kms from the gate or stay in Mbale for mountain recovery at own budget to recovery fatigue and this completes the 5-day Mount Elgon trek via the Sipi Falls – Bushiyi trail.
Bushiyi trail.
REQUIREMENTS
- Good hiking shoes, water proof if any.
- Wipes and towels
- High Altitude emergency medication (Ibuprofens, Dexamethasone)
- Minimum of 15-20 kilograms of extra Backpacks for the porters.
- Carry only few items that you need and leave the rest behind to keep them from getting wet.
- Personal Backpack should be light and easy to carry to avoid sore shoulders.
- Rain Jacket
- Pairs of light and warm socks
- Extra batteries for your camera/s
- Dry snacks
- Water and energy drinks
- A light backpack for carrying personal stuffs.
- Hand gloves to keep warm
- Pain killers
- Head lamp/torch
- Light and heavy sweaters.
- Local Currency (UGX) for personal expenditures and Tips
INCLUDES
- Park Entry
- Porters
- Meals
- if you consume a lot of water, we advise you carry more extra.
- Chef
- Camping gears
- Camping fees
- Local transport from the hotel to the starting point.
- Local Arrangements
EXCLUDES
- Accommodation on the first day before the hike.
- Transportation
- Meals before the hike
- Tips
- Health Insurance and Evacuations in case of injuries/Illnesses.
- Drinks
