If you are passionate about mountain climbing, make it a priority to visit this extinct shield volcano that stands astride the border of Kenya and Uganda. It is the oldest extinct volcano in the great lakes region, estimated to be at least 24 million years old. Few places exemplify the raw, untamed beauty of volcanic beauty like this natural wonder, which rises to (4,321 meters (14,177 ft)).
And while the mountain’s name Elgonyi originates from the Masai (Kenyan tribe), its highest peak, named “Wagagai”, is located entirely within Uganda. The mountain features the largest caldera in the world. Measuring roughly 60 kilometers long and 40 kilometers wide, it resulted from magma getting drained from the bottom of the mountain (during the volcanic eruption that formed it). In turn, this led to the collapse of its cone.
Mountain Elgon overflows with natural wonders, including Uganda’s highest waterfall: the 3,100-foot cascades of Sippi Falls. Located towards the foothills of the mountain, it is by far the region’s most popular attraction. It is made of three levels, the lowest of which drops 95m.
Compared to Mountain Rwenzori& Kilimanjaro, hiking Elgon is less expensive, less vigorous, and has bearable temperatures even at the summit. There are three start points, all of which double as exit points. These are Pisa Trail, Sipi Trail, and Salsa Trail also known as the Buddukiro trailhead. Of these, the Salsa Trail also known as the Buddukiro trailhead is shorter but with very steep climbs.
The hike to and fro the mountain’s highest peak can be done in 4 days(average). During this expedition as organized by Gonja Safaris, you will be accompanied by a porter, cook, and 2 rangers who double as guides. The hike is not particularly difficult, though the higher you go, the more breathless you become.
On your first day, you will start from an elevation of 1700m elevation as destined for the first campsite which is at 2,900m. During the first few hours, you will pass through villages, where you will come across cheerful children eagerly awaiting to say jambo and wish you luck. Once you are inside the park boundaries, you might not see anyone else, apart from black and white colubus monkeys confined to the lower wooded areas. Other animals include buffalos, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, oribi, and the like.
It is usually on the third day when you will cover quite some distance. You have to hike for about 9 hours, covering 35 Km. the adventure will be crowned with a final descent through all the vegetation zones on day 4.
Vegetation
The vegetation en-route changes with altitude. The heathland vegetation at Wagagai summit is such a beauty to behold, with lots of tree heather, giant lobelias, and giant groundsel. Other zones include bamboo forests, followed by alpine moorlands. Over 143 birds have been recorded across these vegetation zones.
Though it rains sometimes, each day’s experience usually ends well. There is always part of the day that is sunny.
On the mountain, you will always have a hot meal per your diet preferences.
About what to wear, you will be just fine with T-shirts, fleece, a coat and a glove considering the temperature doesn’t go below freezing point. The guides who will take care of you during this hike are competent, friendly, and great travel companions. Both know the area extremely well having lived in its neighbourhood since childhood.
What else to do during your visit to Elgon
Apart from the hike, you can also experience a farm-to-cup coffee tour where you will discover what happens behind the scenes of coffee growing and processing. At a nearby farm, you will harvest the ripe coffee berries, thereafter deshell and grind them with a traditional mortar and pestle. In the end, you will roast them on an open fire, and finally enjoy a treat of strong Arabica coffee.