7 Days Elgon Hiking
This 7 days Mount Elgon Hiking Tour takes you on an unforgettable trekking adventure through one of East Africa’s most scenic and less-crowded mountains. Straddling the border between Uganda and Kenya, Mount Elgon features the world’s largest mountain caldera, stunning waterfalls, caves, montane forests, moorland vegetation, and the majestic Wagagai Peak (4,321m).
This itinerary covers the Sipi–Kapkwai–Tutum–Kajeri–Mude–Wagagai–Budadiri circuit trail, giving you the full Mount Elgon experience with breathtaking landscapes, cultural interactions, and plenty of time for acclimatization.
Highlights of the 7 Days Mount Elgon Hiking Tour
Summit Wagagai Peak (4,321m): Reach the highest point on Mount Elgon with breathtaking views of the massive caldera and surrounding landscapes.
Explore Sipi Falls: Visit the stunning Sipi Falls area, famous for its cascading waterfalls and scenic coffee-growing hills.
Trek through diverse ecosystems: Hike across montane forests, bamboo zones, and moorland vegetation with giant lobelias and groundsels.
Tutum Cave Adventure: Camp inside or near Tutum Cave, a unique wilderness experience beneath towering cliffs.
Moorlands & Caldera Views: Discover the vast Elgon caldera—the largest volcanic caldera in the world—and the rugged peaks surrounding it.
7 Days Elgon Hiking
Day 2: Mount Elgon – Sipi Trail, Kapchorwa Gate (2,045m) to Tutum Cave Camp (2,685m)
This morning, you will drive to Kapchorwa Gate, the starting point of your trek. From here, begin your hike through the majestic montane rainforest, home to black-and-white colobus monkeys leaping through the treetops. The first part of the trail passes through moss-covered trees echoing with the calls of hornbills. Along the way, the trail opens up to breathtaking valley views. Near Tutum Cave Camp, set up camp for your first night in the mountains.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Tutum Cave Camp
Day 3: Mount Elgon – Sipi Trail, Tutum Cave Camp (2,685m) to Kajeri Camp (3,026m)
After breakfast, continue along the Sipi Trail, crossing rocky outcrops before entering dense rainforest followed by stretches of towering bamboo groves. About one-third of the way, you’ll cross the Sipi River before a gradual climb brings you into the moorland zone. The terrain becomes open, with dramatic highland views as you approach Kajeri Camp, located near a charming river and waterfalls below the campsite.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Kajeri Camp
Day 4: Mount Elgon – Sipi Trail, Kajeri Camp (3,026m) to Mude Cave Camp (3,479m)
Today is a longer trek across ridges, valleys, and alpine meadows in Mount Elgon National Park. The trail opens up with sweeping views of rugged escarpments and flat rock expanses in the high moorlands. Colorful wildflowers and birdsong accompany your hike as you ascend gradually to Mude Cave Camp, your base for the summit climb the next day.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Mude Cave Camp
Day 5: Summit Day – Mude Cave Camp (3,479m) to Wagagai Peak (4,321m)
Wake up early for the summit attempt to Wagagai Peak, the highest point of Mount Elgon. The trail ascends steeply at first, crossing Jackson’s Peak before traversing the vast caldera, the world’s largest volcanic caldera. Reaching Wagagai Peak rewards you with magnificent views of the crater rim, valleys, and distant peaks. Descend back to Mude Camp for dinner and overnight.
Hiking time: 8–9 hours (summit + return)
Overnight: Mude Cave Camp
Day 6: Mount Elgon – Sipi Trail, Mude Cave Camp (3,479m) to Sasa River Camp (2,840m)
After breakfast, begin your descent toward Sasa River Camp, a scenic site near the riverbank. The trail opens into grassy valleys with scattered alpine vegetation and beautiful wildflowers. The descent offers expansive views of the Mount Elgon foothills and the surrounding plains as you head toward lower elevations.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Sasa River Camp
Day 7: Mount Elgon – Sasa River Camp (2,840m) to Bumasola (1,710m)
On your final trekking day, continue descending along the Sasa Trail towards Bumasola Village, the park’s exit point. The scenery gradually changes from bamboo forests back to farmlands and villages. At Bumasola, celebrate the end of your Mount Elgon adventure before transferring to Mbale town for an overnight stay or onward journey.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Mbale Town or transfer to Kampala/Entebbe
