MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK AT A GLANCE
This extinct volcano is one of Uganda's oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 millionyears ago.Mt Elgon was once Africa's highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m.Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak inEast Africa and 8th on the continent.
Mt Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet.The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name.
At 4,000km² Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna.
Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.
A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal onreaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but thedescent into the vast 40km² caldera.
This is considered the shortest way to get to the summit within 4 days, 3 nights but it has a steep beginning. Once this is dealt with, the rest becomes easy and gentle but intensive. You will set off from Riverline Hotel on boda boda to the starting point of the Bushiyi patrol office where the starting point is.
Day 1: After morning break fast at Riverline Hotel,You will then board boda bodas to the starting point in Bushiyi Village through the community to the park for a close distance of 8-9kms to the patrol office in Bududa village,Arrival at Bushiyi Gate for the
registrations, briefing, meet the ranger guides, porters, and the cook and start off the hike for a distance of about 6kms on a steep climb to the first camp of Shiloko then have lunch and overnight to acclimatize.
Day 2: Early in the morning after breakfast, you will embark on a hike to the second camp,Dubi camp at about 3300m A.S.L) where we shall have our overnight of our second day as we prepare for the next day summit to Wagagai peak.
Day 3: After Early morning breakfast, hike from Dubi camp for a distance of 9kms to the summit which will be a mixture of beautiful views on flat and steep gentle climbs up to Wagagai peak 4,321 meters above sea level and back to Either Dubi camp or Shiloko for your 3rd night depending on how you will feel after the summit.
Day 4: After morning breakfast,we shall hike down slopes to the exit point of Bushiyi patrol office center in Bududa, which is the last gate at the exit and this will mark the end of our 4 days Mount Elgon adventure.
REQUIREMENTS
- Good hiking shoes
- Rain Jacket
- Pairs of light and warm socks
- Extra batteries for your camera/s
- Dry snacks
- Water and energy drinks
- A light backpack for carrying personal stuffs.
- Hand gloves to keep warm
- Pain killers
- Head lamp/torch
- Light and heavy sweaters.
