Climbing Mount Elgon in December

Climbing Mount Elgon in December: The last month of the year is actually a good time to go hiking the second tallest mountain in Uganda after Mountain Rwenzori. Within the dry season, is the month of December characterized by good weather, plenty of sunshine, clear skies and little rainfall which favors the hiking activity.

Mount Elgon is located north of the equator and it’s always summer during December. There is little rainfall and plenty of sunshine during the dry season in Mountain Elgon. The hiking trails are dry and easier to walk through which makes the hikers get to the summit of the mountain at the right time. vegetation is short and scattered all over the mountain and this helps the hikers to get a clear view of attractions.

What to expect on a climbing safari to Mount Elgon in December?

Fewer Crowds

With many preoccupied by the Christmas holiday festival, December might turn out to be the best time to climb Mount Elgon. December is good for those hikers who prefer less crowded places. The hiking trails won’t be overcrowded because a few people are in for the activity. This makes the hiking experience for those who like a quieter environment much better.

Good weather

December comes at the end of the rainy season which happens from October to November. It’s the start of summer in Mountain Elgon national park therefore hikers should expect good weather characterized by little rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The good weather keeps the hiking trails dry and passable and the vegetation stays short giving good views of different attractions along the way.

Wildlife and beautiful scenery

Mount Elgon is found within Mountain Elgon national park home to various fauna and flora. December comes at a time when the vegetation is still green and harbors lots of animals within the park. Hikers will meet animals such as buffalo, leopards, elephants, and a few monkey species. Birds also have enough food in the park during that month so birders will spot several bird species.

The skies are clear

There is little rainfall and plenty of sunshine in Mount Elgon park during the month of December. Hikers will be lucky to find the skies very clear and this enables them to have a good view of the different attractions on the slopes of the mountain and the surrounding areas. Hikers will also be able to take good photographs and record very clear videos.

Hiking Mount Elgon in December

Climbing Mount Elgon in December is actually a good time because the weather is very good. Like any other month, the activity starts with a briefing from the park authorities who teach the rules and regulations of the activity and then get armed ranger guides to lead you throughout the hike.

After the briefing, hikers get back to the safari vehicle together with the armed ranger guides and drive to the starting point of the hiking. At the start of any hiking trail used, there are local porters whose role is to help hikers carry excess luggage at a small fee. The armed ranger guides one more time teach the hikers the rules and regulations of the activity and hiking beings.

During December the hiking trails are dry and hikers will easily walk through. The hiking is done for about 7 to 8 hours to a certain level of the mountain where hikers find accommodation. Hiking to the summit takes 4 to 6 days depending on the hiking trails used. While hiking, hikers get to see different attractions along the way for example the animals, birds, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and vegetation to mention but a few.

After 4 to 6 days of hiking, hikers will reach the summit of Mount Elgon at Wagagai peak. Hikers here have so much joy for reaching that far and being at the highest point of the tallest mountain in Uganda. At the summit, there is a caldera lake which happens to be the largest in the world. Hikers take photos, record videos of the summit and the areas surrounding the mountain.

What to pack for Mount Elgon hiking in December?

Even though December is summer, hikers are asked to bring all the hiking equipment on their hiking safari to Mountain Elgon. The hiking essentials include hiking bag, day backpack, walking stick, sleeping bag, rain jacket, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, warm gloves, neck gaiters, ankle gaiters, long cotton stocks, umbrella, a pair of gaiters, waterproof shoes, sneakers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellents, headlamp, toiletries, a camera, a pair of binoculars, energy giving snacks and drinking water bottle to mention but a few.

What are the best months to hike Mount Elgon?

The months of June through September and December through February are the best months to climb Mount Elgon. They have little rainfall, plenty of sunshine, clear skies, and beautiful scenery. The little rainfall keeps the hiking trails dry and passable, vegetation is short with good views of attractions and the roads leading to the Mountain Elgon national park are in good condition.