Stood alone, some 3000m above its National Park, Mt Elgon is the eighth highest peak in Africa. Endowed with one of the world’s largest calderas, this extinct volcano has a wealth of trekking opportunities. Through leafy forests and classic African plains, this adventure in one of Uganda’s thriving National Park is as much as a retreat to nature as it is a trekking challenge. A summit attempt will see you ascend through an altitude-altered landscapes, past waterfalls and caves to reach Wagagai peak emerging from the crater rim at 4,321m.
RETREAT TO VOLCANIC VESTIGES
Uganda's Mt Elgon National Park on foot
From a locally-run eco-river lodge nestled among waterfalls in the foothills, to camping up in forests, this adventure puts the trekking potential of Mt Elgon’s National Park in your hands. Designing your adventure from a choice of multi-day trekking routes, activities and cultural experiences, your senses will be awakened with the sounds, sights and sunsets on this retreat into East Africa’s enchanting wilderness.
Aim high and push for the summit, and you’ll be rewarded with the spectacle of the natural lakes and vegetation occupying the ancient crater, as well as breathtaking views over Uganda and the border into neighbouring Kenya. There is plenty of exploration opportunity, including an extended trek to nearby Jackson peak, before descent via the Sipi trail, bedding down in mountain huts overnight.
After exploring the mountain your way, you’ll return to the warm and welcome hospitality of the lodge, where you’ll toast the end of a great adventure as the sun sets.
Highlights
- Embark on a multi-day trek through Ugandan wilderness.
- Explore one of the world’s largest volcanic craters.
- Trek to the top of Wagagai peak at 4,321m.
- Earn breathtaking views over Uganda and Kenya.
- Stay in mountain huts and a comfortable lodge.
- Relax in mountain hotsprings.
- Look out for wild elephants in the Kitum Caves.
- Opportunity to abseil Sipi Falls.
The Activity
Set out on foot to explore the slopes and surrounding foothills of Mt Elgon, using camps and mountain huts to reach the ancient crown of this extinct volcano. Immersing yourself in amongst the wildlife and vegetation, you’ll head out in the habitat of over 300 species of bird, monkeys, duikers, tree squirrels, elephants, buffalos, and leopards, and encounter everything from the spectacular Sipi Falls to hidden caves and hot springs.
Take on the volcanoes highest point at 4, 321m and you’ll ascend from jungle into bamboo, past giant heathlands and up into the bizarre afroalpine and afromontane vegetation past 3,000 m, where giant lobelias and groundsel pepper an expansive wilderness reaching right up to the rocky summit on the caldera.
Other activities to include days of abseiling, running trails for those who want to push themselves, or coffee plantation visits are available to create an unforgettable experience.
Mt Elgon – Uganda
Once upon a time, Mt Elgon was Africa’s highest point, rising far above Kilimanjaro’s 5,895m. Once drained of magma, the giant walls of crater could no longer sustain their great weight, and collapsed to form the giant caldera left circling over the Ugandan/Kenyan border. Predicted to have first erupted over 24 million years ago, the natural bounties of the magnificent remains of the volcano and the surrounding National Park can be enjoyed by trekking enthusiasts of all levels.
The Guides
Friendly and professional, your guides are capable of leading you over a choice of routes to explore the mountain at a pace and intensity to suit you . Accredited by the local tour guide association to solicit quality guiding practices in the region, their extensive knowledge of the National Park will open up a whole range of multi-day treks to encompass waterfalls, wildlife, curious vegetation and landscapes, not to mention the caldera of the ancient volcano itself.
Is this Adventure for You?
This adventure has an activity rating of Active to Medium, depending on what activities you’d like to roll into your own unique adventure. To complete a multi-day trek in this region and explore the best of what the National Park has to offer, we recommend you are a fit and active individual with a consistent fitness routine.
There are flexible options to change the pace and daily itinerary of this adventure to meet your experience levels, but this adventure is suitable for anyone who wants to escape into the wilds of Africa to soak up scenery, wildlife encounters and the rich coffee culture of the region.
A warm and welcoming lodge will provide you with idyllic and comfortable accommodation for the majority of your stay. For those who embark on multi-day treks, you’ll make use of mountain huts, caves or tents, depending on your trekking goals.
Adventure by Design
Get in touch to receive the Travel Brief to discover our recommended itinerary, before adapting it to your match your group size, availability and travel preferences. In addition, there are a number of options and extensions available to take your adventure to the next level.
Speak to one of our Adventure Experts today for more information on general departures, and fully customised adventures designed with you in mind.
