Day One: arrival Kampala – Mbale:
you will be Picked by guide at the airport then set off on eastbound road to Mountain Elgon via Jinja and Mbale towns. Mountain Elgon is a 4,321 metre high extinct volcano which in prehistoric time stood taller than Kilimanjaro does today. It first erupted 24 million years ago. Spectacular scenery is the main attraction for hiker on this undemanding mountain with a variety of forest monkeys, small antelope, with elephants, buffalo and about 300 bird species not recorded elsewhere in Uganda. Overnight at Mbale Resort hotel – B/B; 3 -4 hours drive.
Day Two: Park headquarters- Sasa Camp (2,300m): After breakfast, drive to trailhead at the Budadiri park headquarters to begin 4- hour hike walking through slopes of montane and bamboo vegetation, arriving at the Sasa River Camp. Overnight at Sasa River Camp.
Day Three: Sasa Camp – Mude Cave Camp (3,900m):
After breakfast, continue to ascend through landscape of extraordinary moorland vegetation. The climate and vegetation often changes with altitude until you arrive at the Mude Cave. Overnight at Mudde Cave Campsite. (3 hours)
Day Four: Mudde – Wagagai peak 4,321m):
After breakfast, proceed to Wagagai, the highest peak. You will have spectacular views of rare high altitude vegetation and the Jackson summit. Many photo opportunities. Overnight at Mudde Camp Site. (4 hours)
Day Five: Mudde – Hunter’s Cave Camp:
On this day, you will trek from Mudde Cave to the Caldera and the hot springs, a journey of three hours. From the caldera, continue to Hunter’s Cave Camp, a three-hour trek. Overnight at Hunter’s Cave Camp.
Day Five: Hunter’s Cave Camp – Tatum Cave:
If you are keen about exploring more, you would proceed to the famous Tatum Cave with ancient cave paintings and overnight at the Tatum Camp, a trek of two hours. Overnight at Tatum Cave Camp.
Day Six: Tatum Cave – Sipi Caves:
Trek from Tatum Cave Camp to the Park headquarters about 4 hours and later transfer to Sipi Falls and take a walk to the caves on the opposite side of the falls. Sipi Falls is a lovely fall to behold and is where the Sipi River gushes down a steep 50-metre (160 foot) cliff. Swimming at bottom of falls may be optional. Overnight at the Lucan Lodge, which overlooks the falls.
Day Seven: Depart for Kampala.
Have a lunch break in Jinja Town, home to Source of the River Nile. If possible, take a boat trip to spot where the Nile begins and later visit the Bujagali Falls, famous for white-water rafting.
Note: After your hiking experience, you may consider a possibility of a fascinating side-trip to the mysterious Nyero Rock Paintings, 2 hours from Mbale town. The paintings, thought to be 400 years are in three shelters situated close to each other. They are said to be among the finest rock paintings in East Africa and in particular feature some good examples of geometrical paintings. They were created by Uganda’s early human residents.
Package includes:
Accommodations in Hotel/ Guesthouse (Day 1 & 6) and Camps (Day 2 -5).
Park entrances fees.
Hiking fees.
Ranger guides fees.
Porters’ fees.
Sleeping bag.
Four-wheel drive with enough legroom
Services of an English-speaking driver guide.
Bottled water on safari.
Applicable government taxes
Package excludes:
Food – own discretion
International flights
Personal nature expenses
Tips
Laundry
Phone/fax/email
Mountain climbing requirements (Special mountain gear not required!):
Sleeping bags
Sleeping mats
Climbing boots
Waterproof clothes, in case of rains.
Rain-gear
Glasses
Insect repellant
Sunscreen.
Glasses
Gloves
Food.
