The Best Time for hiking Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon is one of the top places to visit for hiking but when is the best time to hike it? The best time for hiking mountain Elgon in Uganda is during the peak dry months. The ideal dry months to have a rewarding hiking adventure on Mount Elgon are from June, July, and August, to September and December, January to February. These are favorable months of the year to explore and experience the most of Mt. Elgon. During the peak dry season/months, there is very low rainfall with the hiking paths also kept relatively drier. Because of the dry trails, hiking to the summits of Mt. Elgon becomes easier. Besides, there is no undergrowth on the routes to the great summits of Elgon Mountain.
Hiking Mount Elgon from June to September
June, July, August, to September are among the preferred months of the year to explore Elgon Volcano. These are characterized by low or no rains with no undergrowth to disrupt climbers on their hike to the summits of Elgon Mountain. It is around these months when the sky is clear and the vegetation is not dense. This makes photography better as you hike to the summits of Mount Elgon. Along the trails to Wagagai Peak on Mt. Elgon, expect to come across unique flora, fauna, caves, gorges, hot springs, and scenic waterfalls.
Mount Elgon hike from March to May
March, April, and May are part of the wet or off months of the year. Visiting Elgon Volcano for hiking during these months may pose a challenge. Due to heavy rains and considering the nature of the soil, the hikes may not be as successful as it is during the dry season. The trails can easily become slippery and impassable due to heavy rains. The soft soils can easily be carried by rains and it is due to these challenges that Elgon Volcano receives fewer hikers around these months.
October to November
Like March-May, visiting Mt. Elgon for hiking safaris from October to November also comes with related challenges. Heavy rains are recorded making the trails muddy and slippery. These may not make it easier for hikers to reach the Wagagai peak smoothly.
Hiking safaris in Mount Elgon from December to February
These are part of the short dry months in Mount Elgon. They are suitable for hiking due to the less rain that the park experiences. The hiking trails usually become passable during these dry months. They are also considered to be the peak months of the year for hiking adventures on Mount Elgon.
Hiking routes to Mt. Elgon
On a hiking expedition on Mt. Elgon Uganda, expect to conquer several trails. Each of the Mount Elgon hiking trails enriches hikers with thrilling experiences. The popular hiking trails to explore on the Uganda hiking tour in Mount Elgon include;
Sasa hiking trail
The hikes through the Sasa begin from Budadiri town just near Mbale town. You begin ascending to the summits of Mt. Elgon. This is considered among the direct routes to Wagagai Peak on Mt. Elgon Uganda. Conquering the Sasa trail requires at least 4 days and expect to navigate through the elevation of 1600 meters and also cross the lush bamboo forest.
Sipi hiking route
The hike through the Sipi starts from Kapkwai not far from the scenic Sipi waterfalls. A complete trek through the Sipi waterfalls may take at least 7 days. Along this route, expect to explore the Tatum caves and also the exploration center. Other features to explore on this route include Kapkwai caves, and Chebonet waterfalls, and then enjoy the breathtaking views of the plains.
Saum route
Hiking through the Saum route begins from Saum village and extends beyond the Kenyan border. This route has also many opportunities including exploring the Saum River and you can navigate via the steep and scenic Saum Gorge and then get to the hot springs which are on the Eastern part of the caldera.
The Wanale Ridge
Wanale Ridge should be a must hike and you can explore either before or after hiking Mt Elgon. Wanale features dramatic cliffs overviewing Mbale city.
Piswa route
This route requires at least 7 days to complete hiking through it. The hikes along it begin from Kapkwata, about 30 km beyond Kapchorwa. It is the longest hiking route to take while conquering the Mt. Elgon. The hikers challenge themselves with higher elevations and later get to the caldera. Besides, hikers can also have sight of some wildlife and the lush podocarpus forest.
Healthy hiking tips to observe
Hiking Mount Elgon requires absolute preparation. This includes making yourself fit for the hike. You can do early exercise as a way to acquaint yourself with the high elevations. The elevation sickness never discriminates and when faced, consider advice from your team leader. Consider packing right for your hiking adventure. This includes having good and waterproof hiking boots, a camera, insect repellents, a daypack, and others. Respect other hikers –the hikes attract different climbers and respect for each other should be observed. Carry with you some warm sleeping bags, clothes –fast drying, and other supplies for your hike. Begin the hike with the presence of an experienced guide.
Hiking Mount Elgon
Hikes through Mount Elgon involve conquering Wagagai Peak (4321m). This is the highest point on Mount Elgon, Uganda. It is the perfect volcano to explore without worries of overcrowding like Mt. Kilimanjaro. Elgon Volcano has the biggest base worldwide measuring 4000 sq. km. Elgon Volcano is known to be the oldest and solitary volcanic mountain with a diameter measuring up to 80 km. At the base of Mt. Elgon, there are plenty of animals freely roaming including oribis. Defassa’s waterbucks, forest elephants, leopards, oribis, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, and over 300 species.
Birds of Mt. Elgon include among others collard apalis, the white-browed crombec, the crowned eagle, the chestnut-throated apalis, the emerald-spotted wood-dove, fan-tailed raven, and Doherty’s bush shrikes. Other birds include the cinnamon bee-eaters, African goshawk, Luhders bush shrikes, Mackinnon’s fiscal, Chubb’s cisticola, Moustached tinker bird, chin spot batis, and white-chinned prinia Baglafetch weaver.
What should you pack for your Elgon Mountain hiking safari?
The list of items to pack for your hiking safari in Mount Elgon is long but better to keep it within essentials only. Things to consider packing include a camera, waterproof hiking boots, a daypack, comfortable clothes, a first aid kit, insect repellents, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of binoculars, a pair of socks, a rain jacket, and others.
How difficult is hiking Mt. Elgon?
Hiking to the summits of Mt. Elgon can be exhausting but so rewarding. Before embarking on the actual hike, ensure that you do some exercise to keep you fit for your adventure. Also, consider traveling during the peak dry season when the trails are drier and smoother to navigate through. Besides, always pack right considering waterproof hiking boots, and also hire a porter in case of heavy luggage.
Is it safe to hike Mt Elgon?
Hiking to the top of Mt. Elgon is safe and secure. What is most important is to ensure that you get there during the dry season and check your fitness level. On the actual trek to Wagagai Peak, all hikes begin with the ranger guide on the lead. In addition, come along with some hiking gear for protection, and don’t forget insect repellents, a rain jacket, a safari hat, and comfortable hiking clothes.
