5 Day Mount Elgon Caldera and Sipi Falls Trek
Overview
The 5 Day Mount Elgon Caldera and Sipi Falls Trek takes you to the Uganda–Kenya border, where Mount Elgon looks like a giant sleeping crown. It is the site of the largest volcanic caldera on the planet and Wagagai Peak, which stands 4,321 meters tall. Lighter slopes than sharp volcanic cones produce one of East Africa’s most attainable high-altitude expeditions. The route leads through Sabiny community farmlands, utilized for thousands of years. There are also traditional highland caves used by the Kapchorwa pastoral settlements, bamboo shafts, and afro-alpine moorlands adorned with giant lobelia and groundsel. Hikers stay in incredibly basic Uganda Wildlife Authority mountain huts instead of tents, making it appear like classic mountaineering. Waterfalls, crater rim sights, and a tranquil mountain experience make it a wild and spiritual Elgon.
Tour Plan
Depart Kampala and take a scenic drive through Jinja, Mabira Forest, and Mbale before reaching Sipi Falls on the western foot of Mount Elgon. Then, after lunch, a guided hike takes you to all three falls. Steep valley paths, cliff-side fun that froth and sparkle in the sun’s rainbows The last fall has you scrambling down a steep, soaking path to stand right by the biggest plunge pool. Stop at a coffee farm to pick beans and learn how the Bugisu Arabica, topping the world coffee charts, is roasted. Finish the day watching the sun pour gold over the Elgon escarpment, rolling cliffs and village-suspended from the horizon.
Go to the Budadiri Park Gate where the climb will start. The trail leads through cultivated foothills where mixed-crop gardens and small-holding homesteads dot the hillside. As you move, it becomes steeper and you will find yourself in the rugged Wall of Death ladder section, an iconic ascent into the bamboo zone. The forest will get thicker, cooler, and alive with bird calls, bringing you into the national park. The Sasa River Camp will be waiting for you just before nightfall, about 2,900 meters, tucked near a rushing mountain stream.
We endure the way to the higher montane zones with heather trees, moss-covered logs, and volcanic boulders. The climbing is gradual, with awe-inspiring views over the valleys below. Watch out for red-tailed monkeys. We may also spot the odd hardy mountain duiker on occasion. The forest dwindles, giving way to moorland flora. We arrange camp at Mude Cave before making a break at an altitude of around 3,500 meters. Situated in a cool and calm bowl surrounded by grassy building blocks and ridgy folds, the hut will be an ideal high-altitude retreat before the assault to the summit.
Start the rewarding day with a long push to Wagagai Peak. The trail slowly descends, winding past alpine bogs and remarkable groupings of giant lobelias and groundsels found only in the East African highlands. Arrive at the crater rim and peer into the large volcanic caldera, a strange view of gently undulating plains floating in a sea of mist and stillness. Walk the rim to Wagagai, the Mount Elgon peak, at 4,321 meters. Mark the peak and look out on a view that extends far into Kenya and northeastern Uganda. Descend to Mude Camp for a late hot meal and short sleep.
Follow the same trail back through moorland and bamboo forest and retrace your ascent with new aerial views of the valley below. Once you arrive at the gate, meet your vehicle for the drive back toward Kampala through Mbale’s fertile surroundings and across the Nile near Jinja. You should arrive in the evening on tired legs but with a happy heart and photos to share.
Includes & Excludes
- Private 4x4 transport & fuel
- Lunch/snacks
- Professional birding guide
- Binoculars (on request)
- International flights & visa
- COVID-19 tests
- Travel insurance (required)
- Tips ($10/day guide, $25 porter)
- Personal expenses not specified in the itinerary
