Mountain Elgon hiking and trails

by Kisambira Hassan November 5, 2021

Hiking mountain Elgon is the ultimate Uganda mountain hiking experience on a truly Eastafrican mountain with the largest caldera in the world and flora which is only unique to this area. This hiking experience can be done along several trails.

Bushiyi Sipi trail: 4-5 days

The Bushiyi sipi trail runs from Bududa to Sipi in Kapchorwa. One can hike on this trail for 4 to 5 days and has the option of hiking up two peaks. Wagagai and Mubiny peak.

Itinerary:

Day 1

7am- You head to the trail head at Bushiyi. You do Registration, check in and briefing at UWA office.

8am- You start the hike on Bushiyi trail head heading to Shiloko campsite where you stop for for lunch. A hike of about 3 hours. Then you proceed to Dubi campsite for a hike of about 4 hours. You spend the night at Dubi campsite at elevation 3563m

Day 2

6am- You will have a good breakfast

7am-You start hiking to Wagagai peak which is at elevation 4321m. A hike of about 4 hours and Packed lunch will be carried.

From the peak you will descend through Jackson pool to Mwongogo campsite and spend the night at here at elevation 3810m

Day 3:

6am- You will start the day with breakfast.

6.30-Th hike starts by crossing the caldera, looking at simu river valley and having sights of Mubiny peak. If you opt for hiking to Mubiny peak, you will move Hike 6 hours and come down to Kajeri camp. You will spend the night at Kajeri camp. Mwogogo to kajeri camp is a distance of 12km.

Day 4:

7am- You start off the day with breakfast

8am- You will start the hike not as early on this day.

This is a moderate 11.5km hike to Tutum cave camp where you spend the night.

Day 5:

This is the final day.

7am- You will have breakfast

8am- You will start the hike out of the park with packed lunch.

You will descent to Sipi gate passing by Kapkwai forest centre to sign out and say goodbye to the porters.

Then head to Sipi village where you can continue your Journey and adventure to the next destination.

3 Day Bushiyi trail

Bushiyi trail is a newly established off the beaten track trail one and a half hours away from Mbale town.

It is a 2 and 3 day trail according to preference.

The trail starts in Bududa at Bushiyi trail head at the base of mt. Elgon then hiking go on a thrilling journey of changing land scapes of montane forests, open grasslands and rocky slopes while encountering unique flora and fauna of different species. Plant life, monkeys and diverse birds.

On descent you will be rewarded with views of beautiful valleys, surrounding peaks of the Elgon ranges.

Reaching the peak will be a rewarding achievement leaving you will a good sense of accomplishment.

The Bushiyi trail is generally a moderately difficult trail which requires a good level of mental and physical fitness. None the less it can be taken on by all age groups ready for an ultimate EastAfrican adventure.

Itinerary:

Day 1
7am- Departure from Kampala. Meeting point is Lugogo mall
1pm- Mbale stop for Lunch(out of pocket)
3pm-Arrival at Riverline lodge campsite. Set up camp. Free will exploration of Bududa town
7pm- Dinner. Retire at Will

Day 2
6am- Breakfast
7am- We head to the trail head which is about 30 minutes away. We do Registration, check in and briefing at UWA office
8am- Start of the hike. Bushiyi trail head to Shiloko campsite for lunch. A hike of about 3 hours. Then proceed to Dubi campsite for a hike of about 3 hours. We spend the night here at 3600masl

Day 3
6am- Breakfast
7am-Start hike to the Wagagi peak(4321masl). A hike of about 4 hours. You will carry packed Lunch.
From the peak back to Dubi campsite is a 3 hour hike. Less or more.
We spend the night at Dubi campsite.

Day 4:
6am-Breakfast
6.30-Start hike down to trail head. A hike of about 5 hours.

We should be at trail head by 12. We can do some freshening up here and have lunch.

1pm- You get on the way back to Kampala. Estimated time of arrival is 8pm

*These trails can also be done in 2 days for those who are capable.

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Packing list for the Elgon climb

PACKING LIST
Sleeping bag, mat and tent(we provide if you have non)
Optional: sleeping bag liner
Strong waterproof hiking shoes/boots
Crocs or slip-on shoes for the campsite
Balaclava or face cover for summit day
Summit jacket and summit pants
Head lamp (with extra batteries)
Waterproof summit gloves
Light gloves or glove liners
Daypack and rain cover
Large waterproof bag (carried by porter)
Altitude sickness medication (Diamox)
Other medications (e.g. charcoal tabs for tummy trouble, deep heat for sore muscles, pain killers, etc.)
Energy bars, snacks & drinks
Camera & a power bank
A warm knit hats
sets of thermal underwear (long-johns)
fleece or down layers
Hiking trousers and tops
Polarized sunglasses
Sunscreen
Pairs of warm (preferably wool) hiking socks
Sun hat
Rain jacket and rain pants (optional)
Water container (2-3 liters of water daily)
A good attitude!

*Extras*
Walking /hiking sticks
Gaiters for your boots
Extra batteries or personal power bank and charger (a necessity if you are a fan of taking photos)
Hot water bottle for cold nights
Travel pillow or extra blanket

*Included*
Camping tents are provided for anyone without one.

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For individual and group cost plan on a private plan

Contact: Sunny +256702590664

sunnyoutdoorsug@gmail.com

Registration for the Easter Elgon epic Bushiyi trail March 29th to 1st April 2024 is open through this link https://sunny-outdoors.com/products/the-mt-elgon-epic?_pos=1&_sid=2f4f543e7&_ss=r