How hard is climbing Mount Elgon

How hard is climbing Mount Elgon: Situated on the Uganda Kenya borders, Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano standing 4321 meters above sea level. The mountain is found in Mount Elgon national park in Mbale district north northeastern side of Uganda. Mount Elgon is the eighth tallest mountain in the world and the second tallest mountain in Uganda.

How hard is climbing Mount Elgon? A lot of hikers especially first hikers usually ask different questions and among those is how hard is climbing the mountain. Well, there is no right answer to this because it depends on so many things among which include the hiking trail used and the physical fitness of the person.

Hiking Mountain Elgon is not as hard as hiking mountains like Rwenzori in Uganda and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. There are a few challenges faced when hiking but they are always solved in the shortest time. Hikers are led by armed ranger guides all throughout the hike and they are always helping hikers on a few problems.

Armed ranger guides advise the hikers from the beginning to walk at a slow speed so as to complete the hike without any difficulty. Hikers should know that those who try to hike at a high speed normally get altitude sickness which can make them fail to get to the summit of the mountain. There are rest breaks at different stages of the mountain to help people relax, drink water, and eat their snacks.

Hiking trails on Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon has three main hiking trails each with its length, ease, and also difficulty.  The three main hiking trails are Mount Elgon are Sipi trail, Sasa trail, and Piswa trail.

The Sipi trail

The Sipi trail is the longest trail on Mount Elgon taking 5 to 6 days to complete. Sipi trail begins from Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre a small distance from the popular Sipi falls in the region. One of the special moments hikers who use Sipi trail will get is the time they will pass through the Tatum cave which is popular for the cave paintings.

The sasa trail

The Sasa trail is the shortest trail of all on Mount Elgon national park but is very challenging. Sasa trail takes only 4 days and hikers would have ascended and descended the mountain. The Sasa trail is the original trail to Wagagai peak which is the tallest point on Mount Elgon at 4321 meters above sea level.

It’s from the town of Budadiri that Sasa trail begins at an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level. Hikers who use this trail only find it difficult at around 1650 meters above sea level and then also at the Mudangi cliffs where ladders are used to get to the next levels. The next hiking takes you through the bamboo forest and then a gentle walk to Wagagai peak in just 3 days. The 1 day is for descending the mountain.

Piswa trail

Piswa trail is a very nice trail to use when hiking Mount Elgon but hikers should know that it’s a very long trail. The trail which starts from Kapwata at 2190 meters above sea level in the northern side of the mountain takes 7 days to get complete. Hikers who go ahead to use this long trail have an opportunity to see the Karamoja plains and also Kapeguria as well as Nandi hills in Kenya.

How to make Mount Elgon hiking easy for you?

The best way hikers can make Mountain Elgon hiking easy for them is by doing training before the hiking time. Hikers can do exercises for 3 to 2 months back at their homes to prepare them to the hiking. Hikers can hike small hills, go to the gym, and also run for a few kilometers a few days or a week. It’s not about age or physical appearance, hiking Mount Elgon to the summit is about physical fitness.

What to carry for Mount Elgon hiking

The things you carry for Mountain Elgon hiking make the hiking easy or hard for you. The hiking gear is very helpful at different stages of the mountain and they help hikers to successfully get to the summit. After confirming a trip to Mount Elgon national park, there is a list of hiking gear the tour operator will send you or you can google it yourself and this will be of help during your hiking time.

Equipment needed for Mount Elgon hiking includes Duffle bag, day backpack, waterproof drug bag, waterproof bag covers, walking stick or trekking pole, sleeping bag, water bottle, rain jacket, long-sleeved pants, lightweight walking trousers, long sleeved shirts, warm gloves, neck gaiters, ankle gaiters, long cotton stocks, and umbrella.

Other things to pack include a pair of gaiters, waterproof shoes, sneakers, woolen hat, sun hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, insect repellents, headlamp and extra batteries, flash torch and spare batteries, ear plugs, toiletries, camera and extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, headphones, solar power bank, waterproof cell phone case, notebook and a pen, drinking water bottle, energy giving snacks to mention but a few.

when to hike Mount Elgon

The dry season from June to September and December to February is the best time to go hiking on Mount Elgon. This is because these months are characterized by plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. The hiking trails are dry and easy to walk through during the dry season which increases the chance of hiking getting to the summit. The vegetation is dry, short, and scattered which gives clear views of different attractions on the mountain.

Hiking Mount Elgon in the rainy season is still possible for Mount Elgon national park is open all throughout the year. March to May and October to November are months when the park receives too much rainfall and little sunshine. The hiking trails are muddy and slippery, the vegetation is tall with unclear views of some of the attractions, and the roads leading to the park are in poor condition.