7 Days Mount Elgon Hiking Trip
This 7-day Mount Elgon hiking trip is designed for travelers who want to experience eastern Uganda through an active mountain adventure. The journey combines a challenging trek through Mount Elgon National Park with time in the Sipi region, where you will explore three waterfalls and experience the area's traditional coffee culture.
The trek follows the Sasa Route from Bumasola toward Mude Cave Camp before continuing to the Wagagai summit area, the highest point of Mount Elgon at approximately 4,321 metres above sea level. You will then descend through Tutum Cave and Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre before transferring to Sipi. The final days provide an opportunity to recover while exploring the waterfalls and local coffee-growing communities before returning to Kampala.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
This trip is ideal for active travelers, hikers, mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers who enjoy physically demanding adventures and spending time outdoors.
It is particularly suitable for travelers looking for a combination of mountain trekking, high-altitude landscapes, forest exploration, waterfalls and cultural experiences, rather than a traditional wildlife-focused safari.
Why This Safari Is Best
- Trek Mount Elgon – Experience the mountain's diverse landscapes on foot.
- Follow the Sasa Route – Take a challenging route through Mount Elgon's slopes.
- Reach Wagagai – Hike toward the mountain's highest point at 4,321 metres.
- Experience Mountain Camping – Spend nights at Mude Camp and Tutum Cave.
- Explore Sipi Falls – Hike to three impressive waterfalls.
- Discover Local Coffee Culture – Experience how coffee is grown and traditionally prepared.
- Travel With a Trekking Crew – Trek with rangers, porters and a chef.
Tour Highlights
Tour Map
Tour Features
Day 1
Transfer to Mount Elgon National Park
After an early breakfast, you will begin your journey toward Mount Elgon National Park. The drive takes most of the day, with a stop for lunch en route as you travel toward eastern Uganda. The changing scenery provides an introduction to the landscapes surrounding Mount Elgon.
Later, you will proceed to Budadili and register with the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will have time to prepare for the mountain trek ahead before enjoying dinner and settling in for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle; full-day transfer to the Mount Elgon area with a lunch stop en route.
Day 2
Hike to Mude Camp via Sasa Route
After an early breakfast, you will meet the hiking crew, including the rangers, porters and chef who will support you during the trek. You will then take a motorcycle transfer to Bumasola, located at approximately 1,770 metres above sea level, where the Sasa Route hike begins.
From Bumasola, you will start the steep and rugged climb toward Mude Cave Camp at approximately 3,500 metres above sea level. As you gain altitude, the trail passes through changing vegetation and increasingly mountainous terrain before reaching your overnight camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Motorcycle transfer to Bumasola, followed by a guided mountain hike along the Sasa Route to Mude Camp.
Day 3
Hike to Wagagai Peak
After breakfast, you will begin the trek toward Wagagai, the highest point of Mount Elgon at approximately 4,321 metres above sea level. The route takes you toward the summit area, including Jackson's Pool and the surrounding high-altitude landscapes.
After reaching the Wagagai summit area, you will begin the descent back to Mude Camp. The return journey is approximately 18 kilometres and will be completed at a steady pace with appropriate rest stops. Dinner and overnight will be at Mude Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Full-day mountain hike from Mude Camp to Wagagai and back; approximately 18 km for the return route.
Day 4
Mude Camp to Tutum Cave
After breakfast, you will leave Mude Camp and continue your descent toward Tutum Cave, located at approximately 2,667 metres above sea level. The trail takes you through changing mountain vegetation as you gradually descend to a lower elevation.
The hike may take approximately 10 hours depending on your pace, trail conditions and rest periods. Upon reaching Tutum Cave, you will settle into camp, enjoy dinner and rest for the following day's descent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Full-day mountain hike from Mude Camp to Tutum Cave; approximately 10 hours depending on pace and trail conditions.
Day 5
Tutum Cave to Kapkwai Forest
After breakfast, you will continue descending from Tutum Cave toward Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre. The hike covers approximately 8 kilometres and takes you through the forested lower slopes of Mount Elgon.
At Kapkwai, you will meet your driver-guide and begin the transfer to Sipi. After arriving at your accommodation, you will have the evening to relax and recover from the mountain trek before dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Approximately 8 km hike from Tutum Cave to Kapkwai, followed by private vehicle transfer to Sipi.
Day 6
Sipi Falls Tour & Cultural Coffee Experience
After breakfast, you will begin a guided hike to explore the three Sipi Falls. The walk takes approximately three hours depending on your pace and provides an opportunity to experience the waterfalls and surrounding landscapes on foot.
After returning to your accommodation for lunch, you will spend the afternoon enjoying a cultural coffee experience. You will learn about local coffee-growing traditions and the process of preparing coffee before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Walking and hiking during the Sipi Falls and coffee experiences, with private vehicle transfers where required
Day 7
Transfer to Kampala
After breakfast, you will leave Sipi and begin your journey back to Kampala. The drive takes you through the landscapes of eastern Uganda as you gradually leave the Mount Elgon region behind.
Upon arrival in Kampala, your 7-day Mount Elgon hiking trip comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle; transfer from Sipi to Kampala.
Important to know
The prices below are per person and are approximate for 2026.
There are multiple season changes across the year and numerous room categories that can change the price of any trip.
Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation, and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary.
Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.