5 Days Hiking Mount Elgon to the Highest Peak

5 Days Hiking Mount Elgon to the Highest Peak – Wagagai Summit Trekking Safari

Tour Overview

Embark on an adventurous 5 Days Mount Elgon Hiking Safari to conquer Wagagai Peak, the second-highest point in Uganda. This thrilling trek offers dramatic scenery, including caves, waterfalls, montane forest, moorlands, and panoramic vistas across eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Starting from Budadiri trailhead, you’ll pass through Sasa, Mude, and Wagagai, camping in the wild and trekking through ever-changing ecological zones. Ideal for avid hikers and nature lovers, this trail promises a rewarding blend of physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural touchpoints.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Budadiri & Hike to Sasa River Camp (2,900m)

After an early breakfast in Kampala, you’ll transfer eastwards toward Mbale, passing lush tea estates and the stunning Sipi Falls region before reaching Budadiri. After park registration and briefing, your hiking team (guide, porters, ranger) will help prep gear and start the ascent. Today’s trail takes you through local farmland and bamboo forest via the "Wall of Death" a steep but manageable climb up ladders carved into rock. You'll reach Sasa River Camp by late afternoon, where your tents will be pitched, and dinner prepared. Relax and soak in the surrounding wild ambiance of the montane forest.

Day 2: Sasa River Camp to Mude Cave Camp (3,500m)

Following breakfast, you’ll break camp and continue the climb toward Mude Cave Camp. The trail leads you through wild Afro-montane forests, heathers, and moorlands dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias unique to high-altitude East Africa. Along the way, you might spot colobus monkeys, duikers, and colorful sunbirds. By mid-afternoon, you’ll reach the camp nestled near ancient Mude Caves, once used by local tribes for shelter and rituals. After a warm meal, your guide may lead you on a short walk to nearby viewpoints overlooking deep valleys and ridges.

Day 3: Summit Wagagai Peak (4,321m) – Return to Mude Cave Camp

This is the highlight of your Mount Elgon trek. After a pre-dawn breakfast, you’ll set out early for the Wagagai Peak summit, traversing vast moorland, alpine vegetation, and open plateaus. The approach is long but gradual, giving you ample time to adjust to altitude. Reaching the summit around midday, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching into Kenya, the Elgon caldera, and nearby peaks like Jackson’s Summit. After spending time at the peak for photos and reflection, you’ll begin your descent back to Mude Cave Camp for a hot meal and overnight stay.

Day 4: Descend to Sasa Camp – Transfer to Mbale

After breakfast, you'll start descending the same scenic route, retracing your steps through the bamboo forest and farmland that hugs the lower slopes of Elgon. You'll reach Sasa Camp by midday and continue further down to Budadiri trailhead, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Mbale town. Upon arrival, check in to a hotel or guesthouse (arranged separately) and enjoy a relaxing evening with a warm bath, a proper bed, and perhaps a celebration dinner at a local restaurant. Reflect on your incredible achievement of summiting Mount Elgon.

Day 5: Return to Kampala or Continue to Sipi Falls (Optional)

After breakfast in Mbale, you'll embark on your return journey to Kampala, driving through Jinja and along the Nile corridor. En route, you may stop for local crafts or visit Sipi Falls if time permits. Arrival in Kampala is expected by late afternoon, marking the end of your thrilling 5-day Mount Elgon trekking adventure. Optional post-trek add-ons like white-water rafting on the Nile or a Sipi Falls coffee tour can be arranged upon request.

Thank you for Choosing Kwezi Adventures, we look forward to seeing you on your vacation with stars.

✅ What’s Included:

  • Full-time English-speaking hiking guide and porters

  • Camping gear (tents, sleeping mats)

  • 4 nights’ camping accommodation on the mountain

  • All meals during the hike (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Ground transfers to and from Mbale/Budadiri

  • Park entrance & hiking fees

  • Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger support

  • Cooking equipment and cook during trek

  • Bottled water and purification tablets

  • Medical Evacuation

❌ What’s Not Included:

  • Accommodation before or after the hike (can be arranged)

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal hiking gear (e.g., boots, sleeping bag, rain jacket)

  • Tips for guides and porters

  • Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks

  • Personal expenses