7-Days Mount Elgon Wagagai Peak Hike
Embark on an exhilarating 7-day trek through Uganda's stunning Mount Elgon, one of the largest intact extinct volcanoes in the world. Located on the border of Uganda and Kenya, Mount Elgon offers a unique adventure, its soil is red laterite and the mountain is the catchment area for several rivers such as the Suam river that flow to lake Victoria.
The area around the mountain is protected by two Mount Elgon National Parks, one on each side of the international border.
The mountain's highest point, named "Wagagai," soaring to 4,321 meters, is entirely within Uganda. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and cultural richness of this East African gem as you traverse rugged terrain, encounter rare endemic flora like the giant lobelia elgonensis, and explore the impressive caldera of Mount Elgon.
Safari Highlights
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Wagagai Summit Day
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Beautiful river scenes
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Panoramic views of the peaks and rivers
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Lots of unique flora and fauna
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Charming Campsites
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Thrilling Guided Treks
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Diverse landscapes
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Cultural and Natural land marks
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Source of the Nile boat cruise
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Kampala city tours
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Jinja
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Day 2: Exploring the Source of the Nile and Sipi Falls
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Day 3: Trek to Piswa Camp via Kapkwata Trail
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Day 4: Hike to the Hot Springs and Suam Gorge
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Day 5: Summit Wagagai Peak
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Day 6: Descent to Budadiri and Transfer to Kampala
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Day 7: Kampala City Tour and Departure
Day 1
Arrival day and Transfer to Jinja
ENTEBBE - JINJA
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our Toturk Safaris guide and transferred to your hotel in Jinja. The drive takes about 3-4 hours, passing through Mabira Central Reserve Forest, the largest natural rainforest in Uganda, and extensive tea plantations. Upon arrival in Jinja, relax and recover from your journey and later during dinner, you’ll receive a briefing about the upcoming trek. Ensure that all your equipment is ready for the adventure ahead.
INCLUDED: Airport transfer, dinner and accommodation.
Accommodation: Jinja Nile Resort
Day 2
Explore the Source of the Nile and Sipi Falls
JINJA - MBALE
After breakfast, visit the Source of the Nile on a motorised small boat. This historic site, famously identified by the explorer John Hanning Speke in 1862, marks the beginning of the world's longest river, the River Nile. After exploring the Nile, depart for Mbale city, located at the foot of Mount Elgon. The drive from Jinja to Mbale takes about 3-4 hours. Along the way, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant.
Upon arrival in Mbale, head straight to Sipi Falls for an afternoon hike. The hike offers stunning views of the cascading waterfalls and the surrounding landscape, providing a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the region. After the hike, check into your hotel in Mbale for dinner and an overnight stay.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Mbale Resort Hotel
Day 3
Kapkwata Trail Hike to Piswa Camp
After breakfast drive to Kapkwata, the starting point of your Mount Elgon trekto Wagagai on the Kapkwata Trail at an altitude of approximately 2,190 meters. It is a scenic route running through the lush bamboo forests, heath and moorlands of Mount Elgon National Park. Enjoy the rich biodiversity as you make your way to Piswa Camp, situated at an altitude of 2,850 meters. Have dinner and spend the night at Piswa Camp
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation.
Accommodation: Piswa Hut camp
Day 4
Hike to the Hotsprings and Suam gorge at the rim of Mt elgon's Caldera
PISWA CAMP TO HUNTERS CAVE CAMP
After breakfast, hike up to the rim of mt Elgon’s caldera through beautiful columns of the most rare and endemic plant species like the giant lobelia elgonensis as well as thick shrubs and the bright wild everlasting flowers. A caldera is a large depression formed when a volcano erupts and collapses and mount Elgon's caldera is one of the largest intact calderas in the world.
At the rim of the caldera, visit the hot springs and Suam gorge before descending to Hunter’s cave camp at 3850 meters. Hot springs are found at the start of the deep Suam Gorge on the eastern corner of the caldera. Suam Gorge was formed by the sheer weight of the water in the caldera cutting two stream beds out of the weak volcanic ash and agglomerate walls.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Accommodation: Hunters Cave camp
Day 5
Summit at Wagagai Peak
HUNTERS CAVE CAMP TO MUDE CAMP
Wake up early, have breakfast and begin the challenging ascent to Wagagai peak at 4321 meters through the caldera. Once at Wagagai, savor the accomplishment and absorb the breathtaking scenery of the panoramic expanse stretching out below. Don’t forget to take memorable photographs. Thereafter begin your descent through Jackson Summit at 4200 and past Jackson's Pool, named after the explorer Frederick Jackson who visited the area in the late 19th century. The trail leads you down to Mude Camp at 3,500 meters, where you can relax and unwind after a rewarding day of trekking
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INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodations.
Accommodation: Mude camp
Day 6
Descent to Budadiri and Transfer to Kampala
MUDE CAMP TO KAMPALA
After a satisfying breakfast, begin your descent from Mude camp through the Sasa Trail towards Budadiri. Your vehicle will be waiting at Budadiri. Thereafter drive to Mbale town and enjoy a well-deserved lunch before continuing your trip towards Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital City. Check into the hotel and have diner and enjoy the comfort of your lodgings.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions and accommodation
Accommodation: Four points by Sheraton or Protea Kampala
Day 7
Departure
Depending on the time of your flight, you can opt for a Kampala city tour to explore Uganda's bustling capital before heading to the airport for your onward travels. Discover the rich cultural heritage at sites like the Uganda Museum or the Kasubi Tombs, delve into the local markets for crafts and souvenirs, or visit the vibrant streets bustling with life.
INCLUDED: Breakfast, excursions and accommodation
Accommodation: Nil
Rates are based on the time of year, number of participants, and inclusions. All Toturk Safaris can be customized by speaking to one of our travel consultants. To inquire about rates for this safari, please shoot us an email.
What's Included
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Transfer between airport and accommodation on day of arrival & departure
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Transport in a private 4WD safari vehicle & fuel for tour
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Professional English-speaking driver/guide
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Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
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Meals as noted in the itinerary
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Drinking water in the safari vehicle
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Park entry fees, activities, and excursions as noted in the itinerary
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VAT where applicable
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Rescue in case of emergency
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Professional cook
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Porters 25kg per person
What's Excluded
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International airfare
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Personal (medical/travel) insurance
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Meals, snacks, and drinks not noted in the itinerary
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Optional activities
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips
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extra luggage
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Equipment for hike
NOTE
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Be prepared to walk between 4-5hrs a day.
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Bring your climbing gear or hire at base camp
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Check for hiking essentials here