The Mt Elgon Kenya-Uganda Cross-border Trek is an adventurous journey that takes hikers through the stunning landscapes of Mount Elgon, which straddles the border between Kenya and Uganda.
Here’s an overview of what this trek entails:
- Location: Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano located in East Africa, situated on the border between Kenya and Uganda. The mountain is known for its large caldera, which is one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas.
- Trekking Routes: There are several trekking routes on both the Kenyan and Ugandan sides of Mount Elgon. On the Kenyan side, a popular route is the Chorlim Gate. On the Ugandan side, the Sasa River, Sipi Falls, and Piswa trails are also commonly used.
- Scenery: The trek offers breathtaking scenery, including lush montane forests, cascading waterfalls (such as Sipi Falls), rugged cliffs, and expansive moorlands. Hikers may also encounter a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, antelopes, and a diverse array of bird species.
- Camping: Along the trekking routes, there are designated campsites where hikers can pitch tents and spend the night. These campsites often provide basic facilities such as pit toilets and sometimes shelters.
- Altitude: Mount Elgon reaches an elevation of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) at its highest point, Wagagai Peak. Altitude-related difficulties for hikers should be anticipated, including as temperature variations and the possibility of altitude sickness.
Cross-border Experience: One of the unique aspects of the Mount Elgon Kenya-Uganda Cross-border Trek is the opportunity to experience two different countries and cultures in one journey. Hikers may encounter local communities living around the mountain and have the chance to interact with them, gaining insights into their way of life.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Nairobi – Mt Elgon
At 5:00 a.m., our driver will come to pick you up from your hotel or residence. This will be a long day drive, which will take close to 8 hours. Our first stopover is in a Nakuru shopping mall for brunch, as we will not have any other point for lunch. This will take, like 45 minutes for the break, and then proceed on to Kitale via Eldoret on the main highway. From Nakuru to Eldoret, it will take about 3 hours and then 2 hours to reach Kitale Town. Upon arrival, you will check in at the Mt. Elgon National Park gate at Chorlim. Dine and stay overnight at Rongai campsite.
Day 2: Suam border post, full-day exploration.
Wake up early and drive to the Suam border post for pre-immigration formalities. Today is set for exploration of the National Park by car and on foot. There are buffalos, elephants, leopards, and several antelope species available here. The greatest attraction, however, is ancient caves, the largest being Kitum. Here, elephants and buffaloes visit regularly for a mineral lick. A picnic lunch will be served at one of the scenic picnic sites before returning to the Bandas in the late afternoon. In the evening, we take the Chelulus nature circuit trail in search of waterfalls.
Day 3: Rongai Camp – Road End
After breakfast, we shall be transferred to the forest edge, from where we start our hike. A 3-hour hike takes us to the road head at 3400m, where our crew will have pitched tents. There will be a lunch stop on the way to open your picnic box. A short acclimatisation climb will be done near the camp. Dinner and overnight will be in a fly camp. Dinner will be served at 18:30 hrs. at Road End Camp.
Day 4: Road End – Koitobos Peak – Mude camp.
When you wake up at 3:00 a.m., you will be served hot coffee or chocolate and some biscuits. The trekking to the summits starts at 03:30 hrs. We will pass through the moorland, and a bit of descent will be experienced. At about 6:15 a.m., you will have an opportunity to see the sunrise. Then, at about 4,000m, we will have a steep climb for about 220m to reach the summit. The ascent is almost similar to the Barranco wall in Kilimanjaro, the guests are advised to walk at their own pace to avoid altitude-related complications. The trek from Road End to Koitobos (summit) is 4km, taking 3–4 hours to hit the summit of 4222m. This is the real crossing day on the Mt. Elgon Cross-border Trek.
After taking the photos, we then descend to the floor of the caldera on our way to cross the hot springs of the Suam River. We are now in Uganda, continuing along the trail to Mude cave camp. This trail was once used by coffee smugglers selling their coffee in Kenya. During that time, there was political instability in Uganda. We arrive at the camp late in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay. {On this day, the vehicle drives back to Kitale and proceeds to the Malaba border to enter Uganda for our pick-up at Bumasola after a successful crossover hike}
Day 5: Mude camp – Wagagai peak – Mude Camp
This is the day of our Elgon Summit challenge: hiking to Wagagai (4321m), the peak of Mt. Elgon. As we approach the summit, the trek leads along the rim of one of the world’s largest calderas. The glaciers of the last ice age left behind several small lakes. We will return to Mude Caves Camp for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 6: Mude camp – Mbale town
It is time to make the final descent. After breakfast, we hike through the moorland, which gives way to the forest at 3,000m. On the way, we are likely to encounter troops of black and white colobus as well as blue monkeys and a variety of bird species. We shall have a lunch stop on the way. We soon enter the small-scale farmland zone to reach Bumasola (1770m) in the mid-afternoon. Our vehicle will meet us here and take us to Mbale town, to sign the visitors’ book for UWA at their Mbale offices. A refreshing hot shower and a well-spread bed are all your body yearns for. Dinner and overnight will be at a Mbale Town Hotel.
Day 7: Travel back home.
We will have a long day’s drive after breakfast. Expect to cover about 500km in ten {10} hours of driving. Our first stop will be the Malaba border post for immigration formalities. The route will pass through Bungoma, Webuye, Eldoret, and Nakuru and eventually reach our destination, Nairobi. Eldoret or Nakuru would be a perfect stopover for the night. A whole week of satisfying activities on the Mt. Elgon Cross-border Trek.
You can also opt to proceed with any Ugandan safari excursion of your choice.