Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon at a Glance

Trekking to Wagagai Peak and the Caldera

A trek to the summit takes several days of steady hiking through montane forest and bamboo onto open heath and moorland, with nights at basic campsites. The caldera, roughly 40 square kilometres across, is ringed by jagged peaks, and on a clear day the views reach far into Kenya and over the plains of eastern Uganda. There is no glacier or rock climbing on the normal routes, but the altitude, long days and cold nights make it a serious trek. See trekking to Wagagai Peak and the Mount Elgon caldera.

Choosing a Route

Many trekkers climb by one route and descend by another to see more of the mountain. See the Sasa, Sipi and Piswa trails compared.

Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls, on the mountain’s lower slopes, is a series of three waterfalls, the highest dropping around 100 metres. A guided walk of a few hours visits all three, with views across the plains towards Lake Kyoga. Sipi is also the base for abseiling beside the main fall, rock climbing on the nearby cliffs and coffee tours, and it is a lovely place to stay even if you are not climbing the mountain. See Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon, abseiling at Sipi Falls and rock climbing at Sipi.

Coffee Tours

The volcanic soils and altitude of Mount Elgon produce some of Uganda’s best Arabica coffee. Farmers around Sipi offer tours that follow the whole process — picking, pulping, drying and roasting — ending with a fresh cup. It is a relaxed half-day activity and a good way to meet local Bagisu families. See coffee tours on Mount Elgon.

Wildlife and Birding

Large mammals such as elephants and buffalo live in the forest but are rarely seen; blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus and small antelopes are more likely. Birding is rewarding through the different altitude zones, with forest species lower down and moorland birds such as the endangered Jackson’s francolin near the caldera. See birding on Mount Elgon.

Best Time to Visit Mount Elgon

The drier months, roughly June to August and December to March, are best for summit treks, with firmer trails and clearer views. The wetter months make the forest trails slippery and the upper slopes cold and misty; Sipi Falls is at its most impressive after rain, so a Sipi-based visit works well all year.

Fees, Guides and What to Bring

There is no capped permit like gorilla trekking. You pay park entry, a fee for the mandatory ranger guide and camping fees for each night on the mountain; porters and cooks can be hired. Overall the costs are modest compared with gorilla trekking or the Rwenzori. Bring waterproof boots, warm layers, a hat and gloves for the cold nights, a sleeping bag rated near freezing, a rain jacket and water purification. Mild altitude symptoms are possible above 3,500 metres, so ascend steadily.

How to Get to Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon is in eastern Uganda, far from the gorilla parks. From Kampala, drive about four to five hours to Mbale, the gateway town, and about an hour more to Sipi Falls or the trailheads. It combines well with Jinja and the source of the Nile on the way, and with travel on to western Kenya.

Combining Mount Elgon With Other Destinations

Most travellers visit Mount Elgon on a dedicated eastern Uganda trip, often with adventure activities at Jinja such as white-water rafting. It can be added before or after a south-western safari, but the drive across the country takes a full day. For a higher, glaciated mountain, see the Rwenzori Mountains.