Mountain Elgon
Mountain Elgon, 4321m, lies in eastern Uganda on the border with Kenya, its highest peak Wagagai situated on the Ugandan side. It was one time, thousands of years ago, Africa’s highest mountain but was gradually eroded at the peak reducing it to the current height of 4321m – 8th in Africa, 4th in East Africa. The mountain also possesses the the largest caldera in the world measuring 50km by 80km. Climbing Mt. Elgon is not one of simply targeting to reach the summit, it is more about discovering the fascinating wildlife along the slopes. The varied vegetation zones harbor plenty of wildlife that you may encounter during the trek. There are also fascinating features such as caves, water pools, falls, and wonderful scenery. There are two major trails that lead to the peaks, taking 4 to 5 days. One is called the Sasa trail (Budadiri trail head), accessible from Mbale, is the more direct to the peaks and goes through the largest area of bamboo forest. The second trail is called Piswa and is known to be a more gentle hike than the Sasa.
There are reasons why we like to climb mountains. Mallory gave us one, “because they are there!” Whether mountain hiking means overcoming your fears, pushing beyond your limits, or ticking off your adventure bucket list, mountaineering in Uganda can help you achieve those adventure dreams.
Few destinations in Africa can comfortably combine jungle trekking through age-old tropical forests with exceptional mountaineering through alpine wonderlands and botanical Edens to snow-capped peaks. Uganda can pull off such adventures and throw in a big game-viewing safari across vast savannah reserves and water channels.
From hiking the most challenging Rwenzori Mountain summits to the stunning peak chain of the Virungas, mountaineering in Uganda promises climbing alpine wonderlands and trekking adventures in places where vegetation morphs into cloud-covered peaks.
It doesn’t matter your fitness level; there’s a hiking trail for everyone in Uganda. All you need is a truckload of adventure spirit.
Here are the places for mountain hiking adventures in Uganda that should feature on your safari holiday for next summer.
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The Rwenzori Mountains
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The Virunga Mountains
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Mount Elgon in the east
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Karamoja Mountain Ranges
Overview
Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya, north of Kisumu and west of Kitale. The highest point, named “Wagagai”, is located entirely within Uganda which provides a great opportunity for trekkers to add on from Rwenzori Climbing and Virunga Massif.
Although there is no verifiable evidence of its earliest volcanic activity, geologists estimate that Mount Elgon is at least 24 million years old, making it the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa.
The 6 Days mountain Elgon trek starts from Kampala, Uganda, and ends in Kampala. This trek takes you through Mount Elgon up to Wagagai (highest peak) and a hike to Sipi Falls. The top of the mountain offers beautiful scenery of the Elgon highlands and the surrounding vegetation. Sipi Falls are beautiful to look at and are a good spot for taking photos.
