Safari Overview
Located on the border with Kenya, Mount Elgon National Park (MENP) as in extinct volcano featuring one of the largest intact calderas in the world and rising from the broadest base of any freestanding mountain. Mount Elgon is estimated to be more than 24 million years old, formed as part of The Great Rift Valley, is listed as the 7th highest mountain in Africa, and its tallest peak Wagagai (4,321 meters), is situated on the Ugandan side of the border. Other peaks circling the ancient 8-kilometer wide caldera are Sudek (4,302 meters), Koitobose (4,222 meters), Mubiyi (4,211 meters), and Masaba (4,161 meters).
Other than the famous Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon qualifies as the second-best climbing adventure in Uganda and is substantially easier to master as the various peaks surrounding the caldera are not difficult to conquer. Hikers need to be reasonably fit, yet no specialized equipment or skill level is required to reach any of the peaks listed above. Two of the most popular 7-day hiking trails reaching the Wagagai peak are the Sasa Trail out of Budadiri and the Piswa Trail starting in Kapkwata.
Your appointed driver / tour guide will collect you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.
4 Star Accommodation Options
Protea Hotel Entebbe
Airport Guesthouse
Karibu Entebbe
A scenic drive to Mount Elgon National Park takes you past Jinja, the Adventure Capital of Uganda, and the Source of the Nile.
Located on the border with Kenya, Mount Elgon National Park (MENP) as in extinct volcano featuring one of the largest intact calderas in the world and rising from the broadest base of any freestanding mountain. Mount Elgon is estimated to be more than 24 million years old, formed as part of The Great Rift Valley, is listed as the 7th highest mountain in Africa, and its tallest peak Wagagai (4,321 meters), is situated on the Ugandan side of the border. Other peaks circling the ancient 8-kilometer wide caldera are Sudek (4,302 meters), Koitobose (4,222 meters), Mubiyi (4,211 meters), and Masaba (4,161 meters). European explorer Joseph Tomson first traveled to Mt. Elgon in 1883 and named it based on the English adaptation of a name local Maasai tribes had given to the mountain and its inhabitants previously.
Other than the famous Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon qualifies as the second-best climbing adventure in Uganda and is substantially easier to master as the various peaks surrounding the caldera are not difficult to conquer. Hikers need to be reasonably fit, yet no specialized equipment or skill level is required to reach any of the peaks listed above. Two of the most popular 7-day hiking trails reaching the Wagagai peak are the Sasa Trail out of Budadiri and the Piswa Trail starting in Kapkwata.
In addition to the climbing adventure, full and half-day hiking trails, ranging from 3 to 11 km, can be arranged at the Forest Exploration Centre with the opportunity to explore mist-covered peaks and gorges, beautiful waterfalls, ancient mountain caves, pristine montane forests, as well as hot springs. One of these trails will take you to the majestic Sipi Falls, situated a few kilometers from the Forest Exploration Centre. The falls originate on the higher elevations of Mt. Elgon and cascade to the foothills over four minor falls before culminating in a 100-meter drop at 1,775 meters above sea level.
4 Star Accommodation Options
Sipi River Lodge
Lacam Lodge
Your first adventure on the mountain takes you on a warm-up hike to explore the three falls of 85 m, 75 m, and 100 m that make up the Sipi Falls. The duration of this hike depends on your fitness but may last up to 6 hours. Shorter trekking trails are also available. The longer trail, taking you past the Sipi Falls, also presents you with the opportunity to enjoy scenic views from Mount Elgon, of the farmlands below with their extensive coffee plantations, and the plains of Karamoja on the horizon.
4 Star Accommodation Options
Sipi River Lodge
Lacam Lodge
This proposed itinerary is based on trails that can be completed in 3 days and includes climbing the highest peak of Mt. Elgon, Wagagai. How much time you may need eventually depends on your fitness and the trail chosen for the summit approach. Your options are as follows:
Sipi Trail: This trail starts from the Sipi Falls. It includes a visit to the Tatum Cave hidden in the extensive forests of the lower elevations of Mt. Elgon. This route also offers an excursion to the Chebonet Falls. You may require 6 to 7 days for this trail if you include all possible options, to further explore the mountain.
Sasa Trail: The most easily accessible trail from Mbale, this trail represents the most direct route to the peaks. The trail passes through the park’s largest area of bamboo forest and is at times a steep and demanding climb of over 1,600 meters on the first day alone. Five days are recommended if you include all possible excursions on the way and three days if you only aim for the Wagagai summit.
Piswa Trail: This trail is longer and less steep than the Sasa River Route, with a more gentle climb of 660 meters on the first day. 6 to 7 days are recommended for this trail if you include all possible excursions and explorations.
4 Star Accommodation Options
Tents / Camping (FB)
Climbing Mt. Elgon as per the chosen trail and summit approach.
4 Star Accommodation Options
Tents / Camping (FB)
Climbing Mt. Elgon as per the chosen trail and summit approach.
4 Star Accommodation Options
Tents / Camping (FB)
Climbing Mt. Elgon as per the chosen trail and summit approach.
4 Star Accommodation Options
Tents / Camping (FB)
Transfer back to Entebbe.
4 Star Accommodation Options
Protea Hotel
Entebbe Airport Guesthouse
Karibu Entebbe
Time to say goodbye to Mt Elgon. Airport transfer and departure from Entebbe.
The price tables listed here are subject to availability at the time of booking and changes without prior notice. The prices stated are PPS – Per Person Sharing in a Double / Twin Room, with the Single Supplement cost listed at the end of each table. Activities and accommodation options of this safari itinerary can be tailored to individual requirements and preferences.
4 Star Accommodation Option
Price Per Person Sharing (PPS) in a Double / Twin Room
Transport Options 4×4 Safari Minibus
2 pax travelling / PPS from US $ 2,117
3 pax travelling / PPS from US $ 1,921
4 pax travelling / PPS from US $ 1,793
5 pax travelling / PPS from US $ 1,716
6 pax travelling / PPS from US $ 1,665
7 pax travelling / PPS from US $ 1,628
Single supplement from US $ 214
Services & Safari Activities Included
Services & Safari Activities Not Included
General Terms
This safari proposal is subject to availability at the time of booking and may be subject to changes without prior notice. If accommodation options or safari activities listed in this itinerary are not available at the time of booking, suitable alternatives will be offered. A language specific tour guide is available against a surcharge.
Payment Terms
Cancellations fees:
