5-Day Mount Elgon Hike, Summit Wagagai Peak
Most hikers head straight for the Rwenzori Mountains. They miss something special. Mount Elgon offers a quieter, wilder trekking experience in Eastern Uganda. You do not just climb a peak here. You walk across the largest volcanic base in the world. This 5-day trek takes you to Wagagai Peak at 4,321 meters (14,177 feet). You will hike through bamboo forests and giant heather zones. You will stand inside a massive caldera that feels like a lost world. The pace is steady. The crowds are few. We use a specific route combination to give you the best views and acclimatization. You ascend via the scenic Piswa Trail and descend via the Sasa Trail. This loop lets you see the entire mountain range without retracing your steps.
Trip Overview & Quick Facts
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Max Altitude: 4,321 meters (Wagagai Peak)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (Requires good fitness)
Starting Point: Kapkwata Trailhead (Piswa Trail)
Ending Point: Budadiri (Sasa Trail)
Primary Activity: High-altitude trekking
Group Size: Private groups available
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Kapchorwa (Sipi Falls)
Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at 6:30 AM. We start early to beat the city traffic. The drive heads east along Jinja Road. You pass through the Mabira Forest and cross the
new bridge over the River Nile. We stop for lunch in Mbale Town around 1:00 PM. This is a busy trading town at the foot of the mountain. After eating, we drive one hour up the winding tarmac road to Kapchorwa. The air gets cooler here as we climb to 1,800 meters. We arrive at Sipi Falls in the afternoon. You go for a guided walk to view the three waterfalls. The upper falls drop 85 meters. The middle falls are smaller but allow you to walk behind the water curtain. The main falls drop 100 meters over a massive cliff. The mist here is refreshing after the long drive. You return to the lodge for dinner and a briefing. Your lead guide checks your gear to ensure you have warm layers and rain protection. Drive Time: 6 to 7 hours. Accommodation (Luxury): Sipi River Lodge (Cottages near the river), (Mid-range): Noah’s Ark Hotel (Great valley views).Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Kapkwata and Hike to Piswa Camp
We wake up at 6:00 AM for breakfast. We drive to the Kapkwata Exploration Center at 2,190 meters. This takes about 45 minutes on a dirt road. At the ranger station, register your permits. You meet your support team here. This includes the UWA rangers, your lead guide, and the porters who carry the food and camping equipment. You only carry your daypack with water, a rain jacket, and snacks. We start hiking around 9:00 AM. The Piswa Trail is famous for its gentle gradient. It is not as steep as the Sasa route. You walk through a soft montane forest first. Look for Podocarpus trees. You might see Black-and-white Colobus monkeys in the canopy. Around midday, we enter the Bamboo Zone. The trail can be muddy here if it has rained recently. We keep moving up into the health zone. The vegetation changes to giant heather covered in lichen (old man’s beard). We arrive at Piswa Camp (2,850 meters) in the late afternoon. The porters set up the tents. We have a mobile kitchen tent where the chef prepares hot tea and dinner. The views here look out over the Karamoja plains below. Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours, Elevation Gain: 660 meters, Overnight: Camping at Piswa Camp. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Piswa Camp to Hunters Cave Camp
The morning starts with hot coffee or tea. The air is crisp. Today is a beautiful hiking day. We trek through the high-altitude moorland zone. The grass is short and tussocky. You will see strange plants
unique to the East African mountains. Giant Lobelias and Giant Groundsel look like prehistoric cactus trees. They grow tall to survive the cold nights. We hike past the rim of the caldera. The views open up completely. You can see the peaks of Kadam and Moroto in the distance on a clear day. We detour slightly to visit the hot springs near the Suam River gorge. The water is warm and mineral-rich. The destination is Hunters Cave Camp at 3,850 meters. This campsite is right near the caldera rim. The altitude is significant now. You might feel a bit breathless. Walk slowly and drink plenty of water (3 to 4 liters). The chef prepares a carbohydrate-rich dinner to fuel you for the summit tomorrow. Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours, Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters, Overnight: Camping at Hunters Cave Camp, Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Summit Wagagai Peak and Descent to Mude Camp
We start before sunrise. The goal is to reach Wagagai Peak early, before the afternoon clouds roll in.
We walk along the caldera rim. The caldera is 8 kilometers wide. It is a massive bowl left behind when the volcano collapsed millions of years ago. The trail to the peak is rocky but not technical. You do not need ropes. We reach Wagagai Peak (4,321 meters) around mid-morning. You are now at the second-highest point in Uganda. The signpost marks the top. Take photos and enjoy the achievement. You can look across the border into Kenya. We do not camp at the top. It is too cold and windy. We descend towards Mude Cave Camp (3,500 meters). This descent connects us to the Sasa Trail. The path goes down swiftly. Your knees will feel the work today. We arrive at Mude Camp in the afternoon. This camp is often used by hikers coming up the Sasa trail. We set up camp for our final night on the mountain. Hiking Time: 8 to 9 hours (Long day), Elevation Gain: 471 meters to the peak, Elevation Loss: 821 meters to camp, Overnight: Camping at Mude Cave Camp, Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Descent to Budadiri and Return to Kampala
The final descent is steep and direct. From Mude Camp, we drop down the “Wall of Death.” Do not worry about the name. It implies a steep section that used to be difficult. Now, there are sturdy ladders and ramps to help you climb down safely. We enter the dense rainforest again. The air gets thicker and warmer. This is the Sasa Trail. It is the most direct route to the bottom. We reach the base at Budadiri Ranger Station around 11:00 AM. We sign out and tip the porters and guides for their hard work. Your safari driver will be waiting. We drive back to Mbale for a hot lunch. You can change into fresh clothes here. The drive back to Kampala takes about 5 hours. We can stop in Jinja to see the Nile River briefly if time allows. We drop you off at your hotel or the airport in the evening. Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours, Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours, Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Route Analysis: Why We Combine Piswa and Sasa
Many tour operators just use the Sasa trail for both ways. We find that the route is too steep for the first day. It increases the risk of altitude sickness.
The Piswa Trail (Ascent): This route starts higher (2,190m) and climbs gradually. It is gentler on your legs. It allows your body to adjust to the thin air slowly. It is also famous for wildlife sightings like antelopes and monkeys.
The Sasa Trail (Descent): This is the shortest route. It is steep and tough going up, but excellent for coming down quickly on the last day. By combining them, you see the full diversity of the mountain without repeating the same path
Logistics & Preparation
What to Pack
The weather on Mount Elgon changes fast. It can be hot at the bottom and freezing at the top.
Waterproof Hiking Boots: Running shoes are not enough. You need ankle support for the rocky terrain.
Rain Gear: A good poncho or jacket and waterproof trousers. It rains often, even in dry seasons.
Sleeping Bag: Rated for -5°C or lower. It gets very cold at Hunters Cave Camp.
Layers: Thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and quick-dry t-shirts. Avoid cotton.
Headlamp: For the camp at night and the early summit start.
Water Bottles: Bring two reusable 1.5-liter bottles. We treat water from mountain streams.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or chocolate for quick energy on the trail
Best Time to Hike
You can hike Mount Elgon all year. However, the dry seasons are best for views and safety.
Best Months: June to August and December to February. The trails are drier.
Wet Months: March to May and September to November. The trails get slippery. The bamboo zone becomes muddy. However, the waterfalls are more powerful during these times.
Fitness Requirements
You do not need technical climbing skills. You do need good cardiovascular fitness. You should be able to walk comfortably for 6-8 hours. We recommend practice hikes on hills before your trip. If you have knee problems, bring hiking poles. They help significantly on the descent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is altitude sickness common on Mount Elgon?
It is less common than on Kilimanjaro because the ascent is lower. However, mild symptoms, such as headaches, can occur above 3,500 meters. Our slow pace on the Piswa trail helps prevent this. Drink water constantly to stay safe.
Do I need to carry my own luggage?
No. Porters carry the main bags, tents, and food. You only carry a daypack with your water, rain jacket, lunch pack, and camera. The weight limit for the porter’s bag is usually 15kg.
Where do we sleep on the mountain?
We use designated campsites. You sleep in high-quality mountaineering tents. We provide thick foam mattresses. There are no huts on the Piswa route, so camping is the only option.
Are there toilets on the trail?
The facilities are very basic. Most campsites have simple pit latrines (long drops). In between camps, you must use the “bush toilet.” We carry a small trowel to bury waste responsibly.
Is it safe to hike Mount Elgon?
Yes. You are accompanied by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. They carry rifles for protection against wild animals, though encounters with dangerous game are rare. The border area with Kenya is secure and patrolled.
Can I charge my phone on the mountain?
There is no electricity after we leave the lodge on Day 1. Bring a high-capacity power bank (20,000mAh) to keep your phone and camera charged for the 4 days on the mountain.
What food is provided during the hike?
Our chef cooks fresh meals. Breakfast includes eggs, sausages, toast, and porridge. Lunch is usually a packed sandwich and fruit. Dinner is hot, with soup, rice, pasta, potatoes, and stew. We can cater to vegetarian or gluten-free diets if told in advance.
Short on time? If you only want to see the waterfalls and lower forests, view our 3-Day Sipi Falls Experience
