How long does it take to climb Mount Elgon
How long does it take to climb Mount Elgon: It takes about 4 to 6 days in order to reach the Mount Elgon summit and then descend to the finishing point? The number of days one takes to reach the summit depends on the hiking route used and also the weather at the time of hiking.
The hiking trail used when hiking Mount Elgon determines the time taken to complete the whole hiking activity. There are three main hiking trails on Mount Elgon which are Sasa trail, Sipi trail, and Piswa trail. Sasa trail and Piswa trail take 4 to 5 days while Piswa trail takes 5 to 6 days.
Hikers can choose the trail to use or their tour operators can choose the best for them. Beginners climbing Mount Elgon are asked to use the Piswa trail which takes 5 to 6 days because it is not as difficult as Sasa trail or Sipi trail. From the past hikers, it was found out that those hiking for the first time require more days to acclimate successfully.
Who should choose the Sipi trail and Sasa trail are experienced hikers who have ever hiked before or athletes who are fit enough. The trails can also be used by those hikers who have been active in other high altitude environments for 5 to 6 months before attempting to climb Mount Elgon. The short hiking trails are over-demanding because hikers will need to cover long distances each day.
Hiking Mount Elgon
On the first day of hiking, hikers are driven to the park offices where all hikers gather. Here the hikers are taught about the rules and regulations of hiking and armed ranger guides are assigned to lead the hikers up and down the mountain. After the briefing, the hikers and armed ranger guides move to the starting points of the hikers trails which can be Sasa, Piswa, or Sipi trail.
At the start of the hiking trails, there are porters who help those tourists who have excess luggage at a small fee. All hikers are given walking sticks to help them balance when going through difficult terrain. Armed ranger guides do another simple briefing and the hiking begins.
Hikers must stay in the group and are not allowed to rush while hiking because this can cause some sickness and make the hiking unsuccessful. The hiking normally goes for 7 to 8 hours and the hikers rest as they prepare for the next day. Hiking to the summit of Mount Elgon takes 4 to 7 days depending on the hiking trail used.
Each day of hiking, the hikers get to see a lot of wonderful attractions along the mountain slopes and areas nearby. These attractions include lakes, rivers, glaciers, rocks, vegetation, birds, mountains, hills, and much more. Hikers are allowed to take photos and record videos of anything they want while carrying out the activity.
The day of reaching the summit is not easy because the area is so steep but when one gets there they forget what they went through. Reaching Wagagai peak is the main highlight of hiking being the summit of the second tallest mountain in Uganda. Here hikers are allowed to take photos and record videos. Descending the mountain takes just a single day.
How much does it cost to climb Mount Elgon?
The amount of money needed to climb Mountain Elgon depends on the number of days one takes to reach the summit and come back. Uganda Wildlife Authority charges the hiking fee which lasts for 24 hours. Every day, hikers pay $50 for foreign non-residents, $40 for foreign residents, and UGX50,000 citizens of East African member states.
Hikers who will take an average of 5 days do pay $250 if they are foreign non-residents, $200 if they are foreign residents, and UGX250,000 if they are citizens of East African member states. The amount of money paid is used to pay the park workers who maintain the park attractions and another percentage goes to the communities living around the park.
When to climb Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon can be hiked at any time of the year but the dry season is the best time to climb this magnificent mountain. December to February and June to September are the best months to climb Mount Elgon because they have little rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
Hiking trails are dry and easier to walk through during this season, the vegetation is short and scattered giving clear views of attractions, and roads leading to the park are passable. Hikers can still come and climb Mount Elgon in the rainy season but the hiking trails are slippery, and vegetation is too tall giving unclear views of some of the attractions in the park.
