The Complete Guide to Mount Elgon National Park (2024)
Are you struggling to find information about Mount Elgon National Park? On how to climb this magnificent mountain at 4321m ASL?
Let us help you!
In this guide we give you all ins and outs about Mount Elgon National Park. One of Uganda’s hidden natural treasures. A mountain that is easy to climb, due to its gentle slopes.
Since 2017, I am managing a Guesthouse in Elgon’s central town Kapchorwa. Together with Eliza. We both had fantastic experiences on the peaks of Mount Elgon.
Elgon’s remoteness and landscape variety are truly unique. A trek in Mount Elgon National Park gives you that ultimate feeling of freedom and peace of mind!
Ready to learn more?
This blog is written based on our own experience and on information from key stakeholders. All opinions and recommendations are completely our own.
Table of Contents
Mount Elgon Travel Resources
Getting there: search for flights to Uganda
Supermarkets: BAM Shopping Center in Mbale or Kapchorwa Superstores
ATMs: various banks along Republic Street in Mbale or Stanbic Bank in Kapchorwa
Guidebook: order a copy of the Bradt Guide Uganda
Maps: Mount Elgon’s map as part of the Uganda Maps series by Andrew Roberts
Outdoor gear: Sunny Outdoors in Jinja or the Decathlon in Nairobi
Uganda Wildlife Authority: visit their office along Masaba road in Mbale
Hiking towards the peaks of Mount Elgon. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
Where is Mount Elgon National Park located?
Mount Elgon National Park lies on the border between Kenya and Uganda. The mountain is located 100 kilometers northeast of Lake Victoria, 1° above the equator. The nearest larger towns on the Ugandan side are Mbale and Soroti.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is part of the Mount Elgon conservation area. Pian Upe is part of the Karamoja plains on the northern side of the mountain.
Central town on the slopes of the mountain is Kapchorwa. Also knows as the ‘Land of Running Champions’.
Did you know Uganda is also known as the Green Pearl of Africa? When it comes to Mount Elgon, this is no small talk. Everywhere you go, inside or outside the park, you will find plenty shades of green. Pleasant for the eye. Healthy for the lungs. Magic for the mind!
Location of Mount Elgon on the border between Uganda and Kenya
Is Mount Elgon a volcano?
Yes. Mount Elgon is the oldest and largest solitary volcanic mountain in East Africa. The mountain is at least 24 million years old.
People believe Mount Elgon was once the tallest mountain in Africa. Yes. Higher than Kilimanjaro! Together with its large volcanic base, this explains the gradual increase in elevation.
The caldera near Elgon’s summit is a whopping 8 kilometers wide. Pleistocene activity created small crater lakes and hot springs inside the caldera. You can visit the hot springs as a detour on day 2 of the Piswa Trail.
Keep reading to learn about the four trails to Mount Elgon’s peaks and its other natural highlights!
Mukuuso, the largest cave on Mount Elgon. Just below the borders of the National Park in Mengia, Kween District. Photo credit: Daan Oxener
How long does it take to climb Elgon’s peaks?
A roundtrip to the peaks of Mount Elgon National Park takes between two and five days. The exact duration of your trekking depends on the chosen route and pace.
From experience we can tell it is more rewarding to take a little longer for this adventure. This allows you to acclimatize and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery.
Is it safe to hike Mount Elgon National Park?
Trekking Mount Elgon is safe. Mount Elgon National Park has a protected status. This means rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) join you to the summit.
It is very unlikely to find larger animals inside Mount Elgon National Park. But still, to be 100% safe, UWA rangers give you full protection.
First aid and emergency procedures for Mount Elgon
Let us be straightforward on this. Most UWA rangers are trained in first aid, but medical equipment in their offices is scarce.
We therefore recommend you bring a first aid kit yourself. Or book via an established tour operator, who are usually better equipped!
In case of an emergency, the porter(s) and rangers go with you to the nearest exit. In case of bone fractures, there is a specialised hospital in Kumi.
But once again, the trails are gentle and not too difficult to manage. Chances of getting injuries are low.
Ask a local tour operator to join you to Elgon’s peaks
Often local tour operators join hikers inside Mount Elgon National Park. The reason is simple! UWA rangers are stronger in conversation than in communication & guiding.
This is where a local tour operator comes in. The tour operator adds communication skills and experience in guiding. This costs you a little bit more. But adds more value and comfort to the experience.
Ok. Now it is time to explain the routes to your ultimate climax: Wagagai (and her brother and sister peaks)!
Jackson’s Pool at Mount Elgon, not far from Wagagai peak. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
What are the routes to Mount Elgon’s peaks?
There are four routes to Mount Elgon’s peaks.
The Bushiyi Trail from the southern side, near Bududa. The Sasa Trail from the western side, with its starting point in Budadiri. The Sipi Trail near, you guessed it already (!), Sipi Falls. And the earlier mentioned Piswa Trail on the northern side of Mount Elgon, in Kween District.
Map of Mount Elgon with its four trailheads and Wagagai peak
KEY information about THE four ROUTES TO ELGON’s PEAKS
Here is our key information about the four routes to Elgon’s peaks:
The shortest ELGON routes: Sasa and Bushiyi
The shortest routes to the peaks and back are the Sasa Trail and Bushiyi Trail. The fastest time to complete the Sasa trekking is two days, but it usually takes three or four days. The Bushiyi Trail can also be done in two days, when taking the same route back.
The Sasa Trail is under private management of Rwenzori / Elgon Trekking Services. As of now, hikers who book via the UWA are allowed to climb up via the Bushiyi Trail and to come down via the Sasa Trail. The other way around is not possible!
The Bushiyi Trail starts from the park. The Sasa Trail from the Community near Budadiri. When you book with Elgon Trekking Services, you pay twice. To the UWA and to Elgon Trekking Services. For all other trails you pay one amount to the UWA or the organising tour operator.
Read on for the full pricing info!
Our recommended ELGON TRAILS: Piswa - Sipi or Bushiyi - Sipi
If you have the time, we recommend doing the Piswa - Sipi Trail or Bushiyi - Sipi Trail. With four or five days, these trails take a little longer. But the quietness and incredible nature make the experience more than worthwhile.
The Piswa Trail is the longest but most gentle of all. The Bushiyi Trail is easy to access and quite close to Wagagai peak.
Watch a recent adventure on the Bushiyi - Sipi Trail with Massif Montane Expedition.
Loops to extend your Mount Elgon climb with
If you have a few days extra, add a loop on the Kenyan side of Mount Elgon. This is where the only salt-mining elephants in the world live.
Or go for an off-the-beaten track adventure in the picturesque landscape of the Mosopisiek. The Mosopisiek people carry the genes of Uganda’s running champions. They live close to the start of the Piswa trail.
Do you have more time? Conquer the other incredible mountains of Eastern Uganda, in Karamoja.
Where to sleep before and after my Mount Elgon adventure?
There are various places where you can sleep before and after your climb. Roses Last Chance is a popular budget accommodation for the Sasa Trail. For the Sipi Trail, you can opt for one of the lodges in Sipi Falls or Kapchorwa Town.
For the Piswa Trail, you are closest to us, in Kapchorwa Town. Do you like homestays? You could opt to sleep @ David’s place, our native Mosopisiek Trail guide. This is only 2 kilometers from the start of the Piswa Trail.
Lastly the Bushiyi Trail. Riverine Resort in Bududa is the most logical option close to this trailhead.
Valley views from the Bushiyi Trail. Photo credit: Juma Chebet.
MY climb to Wagagai Peak
In August 2020, I did the Piswa - Sipi Trail. Here is his how I experienced my trekking adventure:
Eliza (Home of Friends) @ Wagagai peak in November 2023. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
Eliza’s adventure on the Bushiyi - Sipi Trail
Eliza climbed Mount Elgon in November 2023 via the Bushiyi - Sipi Trail:
How is the weather like on Mount Elgon?
The weather on Mount Elgon is moist to moderate dry. Elgon’s annual rainfall is 1,270 mm. Mornings are often sunny on the lower flanks of the mountain. The higher you climb, the chillier it gets. Bringing warm clothes is an absolute must.
People visit Mount Elgon National Park all-year round. The seasons with the highest chance of sunshine are December - March and June - August.
Mount Elgon often has a cool breeze. But if the sun is out, it is easy to get burned. Please don’t forget to apply enough sunscreen!
Temperatures at night can go down to 0-5 degrees. In the evening your cook will prepare food at the campfire. During daytime, it is possible to take a tea or coffee break to warm yourself.
How fit do I need to be for Mount Elgon?
You don’t need to be a professional athlete to be able to climb Mount Elgon. The mountain’s elevation patterns are gentle. We hosted children of 7, 9 and 11 years old climbing the peaks on their own.
Mount Elgon suits all age groups but requires a certain level of fitness.
Based on her successful climb, Eliza has the following tips for you:
Put the number of daily kilometers in your mind.
Look at the weather forecasts so you can prepare the right clothes.
Do some challenging hikes in the weeks before your climb but build it up slowly.
Chances of getting altitude sickness on Mount Elgon
Altitude sickness can happen to anyone at any time. This is another reason to take your time to climb Mount Elgon.
Take enough breaks along the way. To catch a breath and enjoy the magnificent views! Bring some Ibuprofen in case you fall sick.
In case your situation does not improve after taking a break and Ibuprofen, you need to descend. Rangers and guides can always join you.
SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY AND YOURSELF BY HIRING a PORTER AND A COOK
It is wise to hire porters and a cook. We know it can feel a little awkward to let someone else carry your luggage. But please do so, because it relieves you from weight (and stress) towards the end of a long day of hiking. In this way, you also support the Communities surrounding Mount Elgon National Park.
Still doubting if Mount Elgon is the right mountain for you? Check out this video by UWA.
HOW are the sleeping FACILITIES INSIDE THE PARK?
The sleeping facilities inside Mount Elgon National Park are basic. You will pitch your tent either in a wooden hut or under the roof of a semi-open cave.
But change is underway! Elgon Trekking Services is currently working on improving the sleeping facilities along the Sasa Trail. This is the update we received on 9 February 2024:
We are looking forward to testing these upgrades:)
A deserved break close to Wagagai peak. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
Can I interact with the locals during my Mount Elgon trekking?
The major interaction during a Mount Elgon trekking is with your team of rangers, a local guide(s) and porter(s)/cook(s). Apart from this, it is the quietness of nature that makes up this experience. It is only at the start of the different trails that you move through the local villages.
Are you looking for a challenging hike in combination with a Community experience? Full of interactive and cultural learnings? Then definitely consider our Mosopisiek Trail, just outside Mount Elgon National Park. The off-the-beaten track adventure of a lifetime!
What gears do I need for my Mount Elgon climb?
The most important gears you need for your Mount Elgon climb are:
Not necessary, but helpful to bring with you are:
Plastic bags to keep your clothes dry under all weather conditions
Hiking sticks
GPS device
Baby powder! (to avoid blisters)
Hikers from Denmark - and Eliza (Home of Friends) - during their Elgon trekking in November 2023. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
What does a Mount Elgon trekking cost?
The prices for international visitors and East African nationals differ a lot.
Eliza, who is a Ugandan, paid roughly 900000UGX / 240USD for her 5-day trekking via Bushiyi - Sipi trail. This includes food, a porter, cook and UWA entrance fees.
International visitors should prepare for a budget between 80USD and 100USD a day. Out of this amount, 40 to 50USD goes to the UWA as entrance fee to Mount Elgon National Park.
costs of Climbing Mount Elgon WITH THE UWA
The costs of climbing Mount Elgon with the UWA are as follows:
Please note that:
local tour operators charge a commission on top of these prices. These vary from 10%, 20%, to 40 or 50USD a day (experience and service levels differ);
UWA prices change starting from the 1st of July 2024. The camping fee will go from 20,000UGX to 40,000UGX;
some tour operators, such as Massif Montane Expedition, give cooks a fair fee of 40,000UGX per day.
Update: Please check the newest 2024-2026 UWA Tariff Guide here!
Please remember the above prices are for the Piswa, Bushiyi and Sipi Trail. These are under management of the UWA.
Let us move on to some of the (new) trekking activities by Elgon Trekking Services (Sasa Trail).
Costs of climbing mOunt Elgon with Elgon trekking Services
Here is a summary of the 2024 costs of climbing Mount Elgon with Elgon Trekking Services. As you can see, a one-day or two-day trek is also a possibility. Please mind you reach Wagagai peak only with the last two activities:
How CAN I PAY FOR MY Mount Elgon trekking?
It is possible to book and pay for your Mount Elgon trekking on UWA’s website. Either with a credit card or Mobile Money.
Or:
When you book through a tour operator, he or she will help you with the payment.
For the Sasa Trail, book with Elgon Trekking Services via elgontrekking@gmail.com or +256(0)709747700 (Kampala office answered by Remmy) / +256743564780 (Budadiri office line answered by Brenda).
Can I do mountain biking inside Mount Elgon National Park?
Yes, it is possible to do mountain biking inside Mount Elgon National Park.
Mountain biking costs 100USD per day for foreign nonresidents. And 80USD per day for foreign residents. You will need to bring an extra bike for the UWA ranger.
Are you an Enduro biker? Get inspired by this incredible downhill ride from the peaks to the plains:
Can I go trail running inside Mount Elgon National Park?
It is complicated to go trail running inside Mount Elgon National Park. Problem is there is no ranger who can keep pace with the people who want to do this activity. Yet it is not allowed to move without a ranger!
Please never go out on your own. There are serious chances of getting a huge fine. We are talking from an experience with our guests:)
But still. If you can't run inside Mount Elgon National Park, why not outside the park? There are plenty of amazing trails. Especially around Kapchorwa Town and in the higher belts of Kween District. Find out more via our local partner Run Kapchorwa.
How to travel to and from Mount Elgon?
You can travel to and from Mount Elgon by public transport, private hire or a self-drive. The quality of the main roads on all sides of the mountain is good these days. Unfortunately, there is no airport that is very close to Mount Elgon.
The nearest airports to Mount Elgon
The nearest airport to Mount Elgon National Park is Eldoret*, at a 4,5-hours' drive. Entebbe is Uganda's only international airport. From here it takes between 7 to 9,5 hours to reach Mount Elgon. True. This is quite a distance, but you now know that a true hidden gem is awaiting you!
Tip: When coming from Kampala, leave the city early in the morning (5am). This saves you two or three hours of jam.
*For international flights you connect through Nairobi (NBO) airport.
A private hire to Mount Elgon
We work together with experienced and reliable drivers in Entebbe, Kampala and Jinja. A private hire Entebbe - Kapchorwa costs between 160USD and 255USD, depending on the size of the car:
Small car (3-seater): +/- 160USD
Medium car (4-seater): +/- 185USD
Van (10-seater): +/- 255USD
Please know that we connect you with the drivers and don’t earn on this:)
Family hiking Mount Elgon via the Sasa Trail. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
How to do a self-drive to Mount Elgon
Self-drives are popular in Uganda these days. This is due to the improved road conditions, friendly people and good camping spots. Reliable companies to book with are:
How to travel to Mount Elgon by public transport
Time Keeper is a company specialised in public transport between Kampala and Kapchorwa. Their minibuses (and one big bus) don’t have as many stop overs as the regular public transport. The one-way price is between 10USD and 13USD, depending on fuel prices and season.
Time Keeper leaves daily between 7am and 10am, and also in the afternoon around 2pm. Book your seat(s) upfront via one of the following numbers: +256(0)702585025 (Cossy) / +256(0)772628119 (Kaps).
Going to, or coming from Jinja? When booked in advance, Time Keeper drops or picks you along the highway.
Tip 1: Don’t book too early, the evening before is best:)
Tip 2: Reserve a front seat, so you can stretch your legs a bit more!
Road quality of the last kilometers to Elgon's trailheads
Please mind that the road quality of the last kilometers to the trailheads is much lower:
Sipi Trail. The last 8 kilometer stretch to Kapkwai Exploration Center is a dirt road that can get slippery when it rains. In this situation, use a boda when you don't have a 4-wheel drive.
Bushiyi Trail. The road to Bududa is marram though manageable during the rainy season. The last kilometers from Bududa to the start of the trail in Bushiyi are a little adventurous. You can only cover this last part on a boda.
Sasa Trail. The road to Budadiri, after branching off from the Mbale - Moroto highway, is marram of fair to good quality.
Piswa Trail. Branch off from the Kapchorwa - Suam highway at Cheminy. It is best to take a boda from here to the trailhead. This road also gets slippery when it rains.
Road in Pian Upe Game Reserve, close to Mount Elgon. Photo credit: UWA
Interesting facts about Mount Elgon
Where does the name Mount Elgon come from?
The name Mount Elgon comes from the Elgonnyi tribe. This tribe once lived in huge caves on the southern side of the mountain. Both Ugandan and Kenyan tribes know Mount Elgon as 'Ol Doinyo llgoon'. This means ‘breast mountain’.
Another name on the Ugandan side is ‘Masaba’ mountain. The Bagisu consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba. Elgon's highest peak, Wagagai, comes from ‘Kakai’. Kakai was the wife to Masaba.
Masaba is also captured in this Mount Elgon promotion video by the UWA / Jonathan Beniaiah:
The largest solitary base in the world
With a diameter of 80 kilometers, Mount Elgon has the largest base of any solitary volcano in the world. The total surface is 215,000 hectares, with the core area being 79,000 hectares.
How high are Mount Elgon’s peaks?
Elgon’s highest peak is Wagagai with 4,321 meters. This makes Mount Elgon number 17 in Africa.
Next in line are the following four peaks:
Sudek (4,302 metres) on the Kenya/Uganda border
Koitobos (4,222 metres), in Kenya
Mubiyi (4,211 metres) in Uganda
Masaba (4,161 metres) in Uganda
You cannot see these peaks from the lower flanks of Mount Elgon. This is due to the gradual elevation. A reason for many people to call Mount Elgon 'the Mountain of Illusion'!
Who was the first person to climb Mount Elgon?
Frederick Jackson was the first British explorer to climb Mount Elgon in 1890. This is seven years after Joseph Thomson visited Mount Elgon for the first time in 1883.
Jackson managed to reach most of the peaks and the caldera. He did this with a caravan counting up to 400 men!
For a long time, explorers thought Sudek or Koitobos is Elgon's highest peak. This is because Wagagai does not stand out from the caldera rim. Yes, again! The Mountain of Illusion!
Still, it was Jackson who got Jackson’s pool, Jackson’s table and Jackson’s summit named after him. Too much honor? Yes, of course, as many of the indigenous inhabitants have been there before him!
Is Mount Elgon snowcapped?
No. Contrary to the Rwenzori's, there is no permanent snow or ice on Mount Elgon. Only every now and then hailstones fall from the sky.
Landscape of Mount Elgon. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
Who are the people living on Mount Elgon?
Mount Elgon is home to four tribes:
The Bagisu, a Bantu tribe
The Sebei, a Nilotic tribe, part of the Kalenjin ethnic group on the Ugandan side
The Sabaot, part of the Kalenjin ethnic group on the Kenyan side of Mount Elgon
The Mosopisiek, also known as Benet or Ndorobos, an ethnic minority. The Mosopisiek got displaced from Elgon's forest in the 20th century.
In and around Kapchorwa, 90% of the population belongs to the Sebei. About 10% of the people are Bagisu. People know the Sebei for their running talent. The Bagisu have a strong entrepreneurial mindset. Fights between the Sebei and Bagisu have been there in the past. But nowadays there is peace.
Biosphere Reserve Status for Mount Elgon
In 2023, Mount Elgon National Park acquired the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Mount Elgon has a unique diversity of ecosystems. Expressed by a variety of landscapes and a rich birdlife.
Mount Elgon’s DIVERSE birdlife
Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 bird species. Unique birds on the mountain are the Jackson’s Francolin, the Black-collared Apalis and the Lammergeyer. Find the endangered Lammergeyer above the caldera and in Suam Gorge.
What animals live on Mount Elgon?
The black-and-white Colobus monkeys, bush pigs and waterbucks are common on Mount Elgon. Elephants and leopards live on the Kenyan side of the mountain and on the plains of Mount Elgon, in Pian Upe Game Reserve.
Check this documentary by Julius Kafuluma for other wild animals that live in Pian Upe.
Mount Elgon is a Home of World and Olympic Running Champions
Mount Elgon is home to the following World and Olympic running champions:
Stephen Kiprotich
Peruth Chemutai
Victor Kiplangat
Most athletes live and train from Kapchorwa Town. But the roots of Elgon’s running champions lie on the higher slopes of Kween District. For more insights:
Who can organise THIS Mount Elgon trekking for me?
We recommend booking your Mount Elgon trekking with one of Elgon’s local tour operators:
Massif Montane Expedition → Passionate and senior tour operator who charges 20% commission
Mulima Mountain Adventures → Known as abseiling expert but also experienced in hiking. Charges 20% commission
Mount Elgon Trekkers → Upcoming tour operator who charges 10% commission
Do you prefer to book directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority? Our contact person is ranger Catherine: +256(0)775115011.
For the Sasa Trail, contact Rwenzori/Elgon Trekking Services via: +256(0)709747700 / +256(0)774114499 or on elgontrekking@gmail.com
Where to sleep before and after my Mount Elgon trekking?
Our Guesthouse is a base for adventure lovers, rated #1 on Trip Advisor for the Kapchorwa / Sipi Falls region. We would love to host you. So, we can hear all about your Mount Elgon adventure around the campfire:)
Some of the other services we offer before and after a Mount Elgon trekking:
A hammock in a relaxing garden
And, if you have energy left, other amazing hikes…:)
We hope this guide inspired you to climb magnificent Mount Elgon!
Are you missing any crucial information? Please leave a comment below…