How high is Mount Elgon
How high is Mount Elgon: Mountain Elgon is an extinct volcanic mountain rising up to 4321 meters above sea level. At the height of 4321 meters above sea level is Wagagai peak the highest point and one of the peaks on this mountain. Mount Elgon is the second tallest mountain in Uganda after the snow-capped Mount Rwenzori.
Mountain Elgon is found on the eastern side of Uganda and the western side of Kenya at the Uganda Kenya borders. It’s situated inside Mountain Elgon national park in Mbale district where it covers a total area of 1110 sq. km while in Kenya it’s 196 sq. km.
Can I hike to the summit of Mount Elgon?
With the highest peak at 4321 meters above sea level, we believe that everyone can hike to the summit of Mount Elgon. Mount Elgon hiking is not as challenging as hiking Mount Rwenzori or Mount Kilimanjaro. The hiking trails are well-designed and easy to walk through which increases the chances of every hiker getting to the summit.
Sasa trail, Piswa trail, and Sipi trail are some of the hiking trails used to get to the summit of Mount Elgon. Hikers take 4 to 6 days to get to the summit of Mount Elgon therefore believing in oneself and training well enough can help you get to the summit of the mountain.
Hike Mount Elgon
Mountain Elgon is the second tallest mountain in Uganda rising up to 4321 meters above sea level. The mountain can be hiked by all hikers who are physically fit in 4 to 6 days. The time taken to reach the Wagagai peak depends on the trail used for example Sasa trail and Sipi trail take 4 to 5 days while Piswa trail takes about 6 days.
With the hiking permits, hikers move to the park offices where they meet the park officials. These teach the rules and regulations of hiking and then find you armed guides to lead you throughout the hike. The armed ranger guides join hikers in the safari vehicle and get driven to the starting point of the hike.
At the starting point of the hike, there are porters who help tourists who have excess luggage. Armed ranger guides get the hiking stick to help them balance while passing through difficult terrain. The armed ranger guides teach the hikers the rules and regulations of the hiking and the activity begins.
Ascending Mountain Elgon can be very challenging but by walking slowly and following the rules hikers will get there. While hiking, there are opportunities to meet some animals, birds, vegetation, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and much more on the slopes of the mountain. Hikers also get a great view of the areas surrounding the mountain while ascending the mountain.
Hiking is a 7 to 8 hours activity done during day time and after 4 to 6 hours, hikers finally get to the summit. Wagagai peak is one of the tallest points in Uganda and from here, hikers do get an opportunity to take photos and record videos. At the summit of the mountain, there is the largest caldera lake in the world and about 2 hot springs.
After a good time at the summit of Mountain Elgon, hikers start descending the mountain. While moving down, there are still chances of seeing some of the attractions along the way, the beautiful scenery of the surrounding areas, and much more. Hikers are allowed to take photos and record videos of all the things they find beautiful throughout the activity.
What to carry for Mount Elgon hiking?
To increase your chances of reaching the Mount Elgon summit and make your hiking a little bit easy, you need to carry the right hiking equipment. Some of the things to pack 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 hiking 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.
When is the best time to conquer Mount Elgon?
Mount Elgon is best hiked in the dry season June to September and December to February. This is a period that has little rainfall and plenty of sunshine which favors the hiking activity. During the dry season, hiking trails are dry and hikers easily walk through, the vegetation is short giving clear views of wildlife and the skies are clear enabling each and every one to see surrounding areas and attractions clearly.
During the rainy season, hikers can still climb Mount Elgon but the months have plenty of rainfall and little sunshine. This season favors budget travelers and those who want less crowded places. In the rainy season, the hiking trails are muddy and slippery, vegetation is tall with unclear views of attractions, and roads to the park are impassable.
