Contribute  Loading... Children Loading...
Geography
| Mount Elgon   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Kenya/Uganda, Africa Lat/Lon: 1.14091°N / 34.52398°E Elevation: 14176 ft / 4321 m | Page By: Scott Created/Edited: Aug 25, 2003 / Dec 7, 2006 Object ID: 151794 Hits: 5692 Loading... Page Score: 76.67% - 16 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewMount Elgon is a prime trekking mountain in East Africa. Elgon is a huge volcano with the largest crater of the major peaks in Africa. It is my favorite peak in Africa. It is less crowded than Kilimanjaro, just as spectacular, and since there are less people on the slopes, you have a much greater chance of spotting wildlife. There are several waterfalls on the slopes, and there are even hot springs to soak in inside the crater! Climbing the mountain is an experience not soon forgotten.
Our film was lost on our Africa trip. Please post any photographs you may have! See the links in the Links Section for more photos of Mount Elgon.
Summit of Mount Elgon from just above Mude Caves. |
Getting ThereThe peak can be climbed from the Uganda or Kenya sides, but as of late, the best route is from Uganda, even though it is a longer walk. I know only the Uganda side of the mountain, and thus this will be the side described.
To get to the trailhead, make your way by bus to Tororo and then Mbale. From Mbale catch a "matatu" (mini-bus) to Budadiri. This is the trailhead. There are hotels is Mbale and one in Budadiri. You must arrange everything for the climb (permits, porters, and a guide) in the national park service station in Budadiri.
Kenya side of Mount Elgon. |
Routes OverviewThe Sasa River Route, on the Uganda side, is the route we took and is probably the best route up the mountain. From Budadiri (elevation 1100 meters-3609 feet), the route follows an old road to Bumgabula village. From there, a rugged trail heads up to the summit of the mountain. There are monkeys and bamboo forest and several nice campsites along the route. There are several options for extending the hike to several points of intrest. You can spend all day making the trek to the Suam River Gorge, crater floor, and hot springs. This is 22 kms round trip (14 miles). You can also make the trip to the highest point of Mt. Elgon, which is 4321 meters (14,172 feet), and is named Wagagai Peak. If you're not up to it, you can climb the shorter Jackson Summit. You can also climb Lower Wagaigai at 4301 meters (14,111 feet). There are also some really beautiful waterfalls not too far from Mude Cave Camp, so if you have a guide, ask him to take you there. At the very least, plan on visiting the falls the same day that you reach Mude Cave Camp, the hot springs on day 3, and the summit on day 4. Another day can be added for Little Waigagai if you desire.
Other Routes
The Piswa Route is one other route commonly used from the Uganda side and from the north and from Kapwata. It is said to be longer and less steep than the Sasa River Route.
The latest information from 2005, states that there is a new trail that has been constructed from Sipi Falls. This would make a fine loop with the Sasa River Route. Inquire locally about the route details.
There are three commonly-used routes on the Kenya side. One is through the Mount Elgon National Park and you must havea 4wd (walking along the road is not permitted). A second route is from Kitale, Endebess, and Masara. A third route is via Kimilili and is said to be the best route from the Kenya side. Note that the highest summit is completely on the Uganda side and you may be told not to cross the border. Unfortunately, a full traverse of the mountain is not allowed at this time.
Red TapeYou must pay a park fee and get a permit, but this is much more reasonably priced than say, Killimanjaro. Park fees in 1997 were $7 per day per person in 1997. Porters and guides were not required in 1997, but were encouraged. In Dec. 1997 guides were $8 per day and porters were $7 per day. We found it was worth the money to have a guide and porter.
In 2005, guides are now mandatory. If anyone has current information, please post current prices.
Time Needed for ClimbThe climb can be completed in 3 long or 4 shorter days. Five days or more are recommended in order to visit the hot springs and crater, in addition to the summit.
When To ClimbThere are two dry seasons. One is mid-December through March, and the other one is June and July. Trekking during the dry season is highly recommended.
Endebess Bluff on Mount Elgon. |
CampingYou can camp near Budadiri, but the hotel is cheap, so I would stay there. The normal campsites on the mountain are Sasa River and Mude Cave camps. No camping is allowed in the crater. There are no usable huts on the mountain at this time.
Mountain ConditionsThe weather is wet very often, even in the dry season. No accurate weather forecast are available for the area, other than it will be drier in the dry season, and wetter in the wet season.
I have been unable to find a weather link.
Other SitesSipi Falls, not far from the Budadiri area, is one of the most beautiful areas in the world (though was being deforested in places on our visit. Don’t miss it! At least five spectacular waterfalls spill off the cliffs here ranging in height from 70-200 meters (230-670 feet) high.
Mount Elgon has many caves as well, and much wildlife. The area is famous for the elephants that come to the caves to lick salt.
 Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon is one of the world's most beautiful places. External Links Images
|
|
