3 Day Kigali City Tour Lake Kivu Chimpanzee Trekking Safari is a classic 3 day tour which offers just enough time to take in the highlights of Rwanda. The highlights include Kigali City Tour, Lake Kivu Tour and Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

Discover Kigali City, Kigali is a beautiful city that’s often rushed through in favour of gorillas and other out-of-town attractions. The city is very safe, very green, very clean, and has more to offer than a visitor might expect.

Our city Tour includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, market and souvenir shopping, art galleries and some local Rwandis food. Lake Kivu is about 4 hours away from Kigali.Visit Ndaba Rock; learn the history behind this rock.

Children earn living narrating the story of this legendary rock, visit Environmental Museum, take boat rides visiting Amahoro (peace in English). Amahoro Island has a small restaurant, campsite and you can swim or play volleyball.

The next ride will take you to on shores of Lake Kivu while observing the calm sea-like water. The island features a brigade of fruits bats. Have your lunch and dinner in Napoleon Islands hotels.

A visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park is included in the tour. Early breakfast (4:45am); then drive to the chimp trekking point. After trekking, the Canopy Walkway follows depending on the time available. Aparts from Chimp Trekking, Nyungwe National Park offers other activities like Kamiranzovu trail, bird watching, hiking, and other trails of activities.

Later we transfer to Kigali by road.

Notes
* Tour Highlights include: Kigali City Tour, Lake Kivu Tour, Chimpanzee Trekking

3 Day Kigali City Tour Lake Kivu Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Inclusions;
* National Museum fees
* All National Park entrance fees
* Pickup and drop-off from Kilgali
* Private tourTransport by private vehicle
* Professional English speaking Driver/ Guide
* Visit to the genocide memorial site + Kigali city tour
* 2 Nights accommodation and meals on Full board basis as per itinerary

3 Day Kigali City Tour Lake Kivu Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Exclusions;
* Tourist insurance
* Local health insurance
* The tour excludes flight fares
* Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
* All other personal nature expenses not included in the itinerary
* Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/ to your home country

3 Days 2 Nights Rwanda Safari Holidays Wildlife Tours may include a visit to any of the 3 famous National Parks namely; Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Volcanoes National Park in the north-west of the country is the most famous of Rwanda’s parks and is the place that most people come to on holiday because of its renowned residents, the mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s gorilla trekking is its biggest attraction.

Akagera National Park is located in the north east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is home to many large plains game species as well as species restricted to the papyrus swamps such as the Sitatunga and the sought-after Shoebill Stork.

Notable plains game includes elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, waterbuck, roan antelope and eland. Other antelope are duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, bushbuck and impala. Of the primates, olive baboons, vervets and the secretive blue monkey are seen during the day, with bush babies often seen on night drives.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the South West corner of Rwanda is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It is home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus).

Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.

Our 3 Days 2 Nights Rwanda Safari Holidays Wildlife Tours also include Kigali Day Tours – the modern capital of Rwanda, Lake Kivu – one of the freshwater lakes in Africa's Great Rift Valley and Gishwati-Mukura National Park – a newly established National park connecting the Gishwati and Mukura Forests.

2 days nyungwe tour for the canopy walk and chimpanzee tracking. – See more at: http://www.adventure-travellers.com/2-days-nyungwe-tour.html#sthash.8TTofrSd.dpuf

Booking & Reservations for 3 Days 2 Nights Rwanda Safari Holidays Wildlife Tours Contacts;
Booking Office Tel: + 254 718-179-967
Mobile/ WhatsApp : + 254 721-242-711
Mobile: + 254 780-242-711
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.africanspicesafaris.com

2 Days 1 Night Nyungwe National Park Rwanda Safari is a is a short overnight trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park located in south western part of Rwanda, about 5 hours drive from Kigali capital. The park is 225 km from Kigali, 90 km from Butare and 54 km from Cyangugu.

Nyungwe National Park is home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus).

Nyungwe is also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal. During our 2 days in Nyungwe National Park, we enjoy Ngyungwe forest canopy walk and chimpanzee tracking.

Things to do and see in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Hiking in Nyungwe Forest, Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest, Grey Cheeked Mangabey and Ruwenzori Colobus Monkey Tracking, Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Hike and Nyungwe Forest Birding among others.

Kyaka Hotel Machakos Accommodation Conference offers premium accommodation, self catering accommodation and Conferencing facilities in Machakos Town. The hotel is an hour’s drive from Nairobi and less than 5 Minutes drive from Machakos city centre.

The hotel is an hour’s drive from Nairobi and less than 5 Minutes drive from Machakos city centre. The resort is located behind The Kenya Red Cross and next to the Machakos Golf Club. Machakos is a Metropolitan Town located 64 kilometers South-West of Kenya's Capital City, Nairobi.

Kyaka Hotel takes pride in being the only establishment in Machakos County offering conferencing and accommodation facility with refreshing hospitality that guarantees you that unforgettable experience.

Our restaurant offers traditional and international cuisine. Special dietary meals are available upon prior request. Kyaka Hotel offers Conference packages for small meetings to large corporate functions.

The conference halls are fitted with the latest audio-visual technology. The hotel has apartments ideal for short and long stays, where guests can make their own meals as they come with a kitchen.

The apartments also have a sitting room each fitted with an LCD/ TV. Included is also a dining room with a dining table and four seats. Kyaka Hotel has free Internet (WIFI) and DSTV. Airport transfer services and car hire and safaris are available from the hotel. Contact [email protected]

The hotel is located near various tourist sites like Wamunyu, famous for Akamba carvings and Kyaume, where nature has defied the force of gravity and Katoloni areas. The resort is a stone’s throw away from Machakos Golf Club.

Notes
* Children aged 12 years – Pay the full adult rates
* Children aged 3 – 11.99 Years pay 75% of the adults rates in their own room
* Children aged 3 – 11.99 Years – pay 50% of the adults rates if sharing with an adult
* No charge for children under 3 years occupying the same room with an extra bed.(Maximum of two children)
* Buffet Meals : Breakfast – 1,500 Kenya Shillings; Lunch – 1,900 Kenya Shillings; Dinner – 1,900 Kenya Shillings

Notes
* Checkout time 1030 Hours

Notes
* Breakfast Meeting = 2,000 Kenya Shillings

Kyaka Hotel Machakos Conference Package Include:
* Free Hall
* Secretarial room
* Writing materials
* Wireless Internet
* Sweets and mints
* Break away room
* Flip chart and felt pen
* Mineral water (500 ml)
* Buffet Lunch + 1 Soft Drink
* AM/ PM tea/ Coffee and Snacks

Mt Elgon Hike 4 Days 3 Nights Sasa Sipi Trail is recommended as our most popular trip that sees the most of the mountain in the best use of time, it also sees the most beautiful parts of the mountain as you hike up the Simu valley and cross the Caldera.

Mount Elgon is a 4321 meters high extinct volcano that straddles the border between Uganda and Kenya.It is the second highest mountain in Uganda and the eighth highest in Africa. Mount Elgon is a relatively easy hike with good quality well established trails and no technical climbing or steep slopes.

With porter support Elgon is achievable by anyone with an ok level of fitness. The biggest consideration is altitude and it is recommended to be acclimatised to 1500 meters – 2000 meters for a few days before undertaking either the 3 or 4 day trip.

This trip is guided by professional guides in Mt Elgon National Park and is undertaken in conjunction with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. We offer standard 3, 4 or 5 day trips using the Sasa and Sipi trails, however we can offer a bespoke trip on other trails if you prefer a more unique experience.

Highlights include: Hiking from Mude Cave camp up through the Simu valley during sunrise, crossing the caldera and exploring rock formations and wildflowers. Being alone on a vast mountain looking out across the whole of Uganda.

Reaching Wagagai summit at 4321m. Climbing the loose boulders to ascend Jackson’s summit. Spotting a wild duiker sprinting through the caldera. Bespoke trips are available.

Difficulty: 5/ 10 Our difficulty rating takes into account both technical difficulty and fitness required. Mount Elgon trips do require a good basic level of fitness however the trip can be tailored to take into account lower fitness levels (by adding days) and therefore the mountain remains accessible to most people.

On all trips expect to have hike from between 5 – 10 hours per day in all weather conditions, consider the need to acclimatize to altitude especially if you consider yourself a little unfit. (A day or two with small hikes around Sipi Falls at 1800 meters – 2100 meters is a good option.)

The below itineraries are the most popular 3 options however we can tailor the trip to suit you and your groups needs. Please contact us for any special requests and for a personalized itinerary.

Notes
* The itinerary below starts and finishes at Mt Elgon National Park gate in Budadiri or Kapkwai
* Based on minimum of 2 guests including all meals and drinks on the mountain. Including all taxes and surcharges
* We will provide transport on all trips to and from these points for your group from either Sipi or Mbale. Let us know you accommodation requests at booking and we can book you your pre and post trip accommodation

Day 1. Bumosola to Mude Camp (1770 Meters – 3500 Meters). (6 – 10 Hours)
After meeting at UWA headquarters in Budadiri (1220 Meters) we take a short boda-boda ride to the trailhead at Bumosola (1770 Meters). From here it’s a strenuous few hours up to the ‘ladders’, a set of metal staircases that bring us up and into the national park and the rainforest.

These first few hours are some of the toughest of the whole trip with a steep incline, rough terrain and often hot mid-morning temperatures. After a rest and snack at the top of the ladders and a refill of our water bottles we hike on wide dirt trails through the forest and to Sasa River Camp.

Here we take a rest for tea and coffee and either lunch or snacks depending how we feel / our timing. This is our half way point for the day.  As we continue up from here we move from rainforest to bamboo forest and eventually break through the forest entirely into alpine heather, shrub and giant lobelia.

We take a short rest to sign the visitor’s book as we pass the ranger’s outpost before a couple more km to our stop for the night at Mude Camp.

Day 2. Mude Camp to Wagagai summit, Jacksons Peak (Optional) and back to Mude.
(3500 Meters – 4321 Meters – 3500 Meters) 5 to 10 Hours
Summit day! Depending on prevailing weather conditions this is often an early start to get the best opportunity for a clear summit. We leave our gear and porters behind and head for the top. A strenuous day as we cross the 4000 Meters mark and start to feel the effects of altitude slowing us down.

Highlights on the way up are sunrise over the mountain, views of the Simu valley and Jacksons pool, everlasting flowers, alpine lichen and all the various Lobelia.

After reaching the summit we have the option on the descent to ascend a side summit on Jackson’s peak – this is the summit Jackson’s team in 1890 thought was the highest point due to its more striking profile but is in fact just 4160 Meters.

It is well worth the effort! We get back to camp mid to late afternoon ready for an early dinner and an early night. 

Day 3. Mude Camp to Kajere or Tutum Cave Camp. (6 – 12 Hours)
Today is the day of beauty and wonder!! This is the most picturesque day of the trip. The first hour starts the same as day 2 before we take the left hand trail into the Simu Valley and follow the rocky trail and pass old smugglers caves as we ascend into the Caldera.

If the weather is being kind we get an incredible sunrise here, a truly stunning part of the natural world! As you climb up the far side of the caldera we pass stunning rock formations and huge vistas that warm the soul!!

Depending on the fitness of the group, the weather and how we are all feeling we can either finish today at Kajere Camp or Tutum Cave Camp – Tutum cave being further by around a further 3 hours of hiking, but makes for a shorter last day.

Day 4: Kajere/ Tutum to Kapkwai/ Sipi Falls. (4 to 8 Hours)
We traverse the mountain dropping down into, crossing and climbing back out of numerous streams and small rivers, passing waterfalls and seeing an abundance of wildflowers, fungi and a variety of monkeys.

As we pass back into the rainforest we descend back towards civilization, and eventually to the Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai. The hike to Sipi Falls is a further hour from the Park gate at Kapkwai but is very enjoyable and driving doesn’t save much time.

If you have arranged to spend the night in Sipi Falls then you can walk to your lodge and enjoy all the things you’ve missed for the last 4 days!

Mt Elgon Hike 3 Days 2 Nights Sasa Trail Uganda. Mt Elgon is an year round climbing destination. Mount Elgon is a 4321 meters high extinct volcano that straddles the border between Uganda and Kenya.

It is the second highest mountain in Uganda and the eighth highest in Africa. Mount Elgon is a relatively easy hike with good quality well established trails and no technical climbing or steep slopes.

With porter support Elgon is achievable by anyone with an ok level of fitness. The biggest consideration is altitude and it is recommended to be acclimatised to 1500 meters – 2000 meters for a few days before undertaking either the 3 or 4 day trip.

This trip is guided by professional guides in Mt Elgon National Park and is undertaken in conjunction with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. We offer standard 3, 4 or 5 day trips using the Sasa and Sipi trails, however we can offer a bespoke trip on other trails if you prefer a more unique experience.

Highlights include: Hiking from Mude Cave camp up through the Simu valley during sunrise, crossing the caldera and exploring rock formations and wildflowers. Being alone on a vast mountain looking out across the whole of Uganda.

Reaching Wagagai summit at 4321m. Climbing the loose boulders to ascend Jackson’s summit. Spotting a wild duiker sprinting through the caldera. Bespoke trips are available.

Difficulty: 5/ 10 Our difficulty rating takes into account both technical difficulty and fitness required. Mount Elgon trips do require a good basic level of fitness however the trip can be tailored to take into account lower fitness levels (by adding days) and therefore the mountain remains accessible to most people.

On all trips expect to have hike from between 5 – 10 hours per day in all weather conditions, consider the need to acclimatize to altitude especially if you consider yourself a little unfit. (A day or two with small hikes around Sipi Falls at 1800 meters – 2100 meters is a good option.)

The below itineraries are the most popular 3 options however we can tailor the trip to suit you and your groups needs. Please contact us for any special requests and for a personalized itinerary.

Notes
* The itinerary below starts and finishes at Mt Elgon National Park gate in Budadiri or Kapkwai
* Based on minimum of 2 guests including all meals and drinks on the mountain. Including all taxes and surcharges
* We will provide transport on all trips to and from these points for your group from either Sipi or Mbale. Let us know you accommodation requests at booking and we can book you your pre and post trip accommodation

Day 1. Bumosola to Mude Camp (1770 Meters – 3500 Meters). (6 to 10 Hours)
After meeting at UWA headquarters in Budadiri (1220 meters) we take a short boda-boda ride to the trailhead at Bumosola (1770m). From here it’s a strenuous few hours up to the ‘ladders’, a set of metal staircases that bring us up and into the national park and the rainforest.

These first few hours are some of the toughest of the whole trip with a steep incline, rough terrain and often hot mid-morning temperatures. After a rest and snack at the top of the ladders and a refill of our water bottles we hike on wide dirt trails through the forest and to Sasa River Camp.

Here we take a rest for tea and coffee and either lunch or snacks depending how we feel / our timing. This is our half way point for the day. As we continue up from here we move from rainforest to bamboo forest and eventually break through the forest entirely into alpine heather, shrub and giant lobelia.

We take a short rest to sign the visitor’s book as we pass the ranger’s outpost before a couple more km to our stop for the night at Mude Camp.

Day 2. Mude Camp to Wagagai summit, Jacksons Peak (Optional) and back to Mude Camp
(3500 Meters – 4321 Meters – 3500 Meters) (5 to 10 Hours)
Summit day! Depending on prevailing weather conditions this is often an early start to get the best opportunity for a clear summit. We leave our gear and porters behind and head for the top.

A strenuous day as we cross the 4000 meters mark and start to feel the effects of altitude slowing us down. Highlights on the way up are sunrise over the mountain, views of the Simu valley and Jacksons pool, everlasting flowers, alpine lichen and all the various Lobelia.

After reaching the summit we have the option on the descent to ascend a side summit on Jackson’s peak – this is the summit Jackson’s team in 1890 thought was the highest point due to its more striking profile but is in fact just 4160 meters. It is well worth the effort!

We get back to camp mid to late afternoon ready for an early dinner and an early night.

Day 3. Mude Camp to Bumosola. (4 to 10 Hours)
Information pack and expedition plan. Down down down the way we came. This is a long and unrelenting descent. The key is to take it real steady. After the ladders the trail becomes even steeper than it was and this can be a sting in the tail and real make your legs hurt.

So a slow start and a steady descent are the name of the game.Though hard on the legs it’s a lot easier coming down than it was going up so after just 3 – 4 hours we will be down and ready to boda back down to Budadiri.

We can celebrate with a drink here at the wonderful Roses’ Last Chance guesthouse before onward travel to your next destination.

• Water bottle 1 – 2 liters
• Hiking poles – highly recommended!
• Gaiters – optional can be useful in rainy season
• Entertainment – Camera, kindle, iPod etc to fill any dead time in camp
• Minimal gear. Try not to pack too much. If you need help just get in touch
• Personal medication and personal medical kit. You should carry your own basic
• Socks – bring at least 2 pairs of socks to hike in so one can dry while you wear the other
• Waterproofs, a rain jacket is essential and trousers optional but could be nice in rainy season
• Hiking clothing – it’s warm during the day, so lightweight shorts or trousers and t-shirt are perfect
• Day sack – around 30L is ideal to carry your jacket, fleece, lunch, snacks, water and any other essentials
• Shoes – Hiking books or hiking shoes are great – something with a good strong sole and that you have worn before are worn in to avoid blisters
• Sun protection. Hat, long sleeved clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must – we will be in the elements for long hours at altitude so this is a big consideration
• Warm weather gear. During the day a lightweight fleece or base layer for easy access in you daypack. For evenings, wool socks, warm trousers, down jacket, beanie, gloves personal medical kit with plasters, blister dressings, antiseptic ointment and any personal medication

Booking & Reservations for  Mt Elgon Hike 3 Days 2 Nights Sasa Trail – Uganda
Booking Office Tel: + 254 718-179-967
Mobile/ WhatsApp : + 254 (0) 721242711
Mobile : + 254 (0) 780-242-711
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.africanspicesafaris.com

6 Days 5 Nights Mount Elgon Hiking Safari Uganda; Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano located in Mount Elgon National Park on the border of Uganda and Kenya. The mountain's highest point, named "Wagagi", is located entirely within Uganda and is at 4,321 meters (14,043 feet).

Mt Elgon, the fifth highest in East Africa, straddles Uganda and Kenya, about 140 km northeast of Lake Victoria and 280 km from Kampala with estimated driving time of about 6 hours.

Measuring 80 km from north to south and 50 km from east to west, more than half of it lies on the Ugandan side. Its caldera in particular is almost entirely in Uganda. 

The ascent traverses fertile cultivated foothills (coffee and fruits), montage forest, bamboo and low canopy forest, heath and, above 3,800 meters (12,350 feet), Afro-alpine moorland, supporting rare plants.

The larger animal residents are rarely spotted, though the forest abounds in monkeys and, of the hundreds of bird species, many are restricted to this location.

There are 3 climbing trails; The Sasa River trail (Western side of the mountain), The Sipi trail (northwestern side of the mountain) and the Piswa trail (northern side of the mountain).

Our Mt Elgon Hiking Safari Uganda begins at Budadiri and ends at Budadiri. Budadiri centre/ town is located within Mount Elgon National Park and is situated at 1,240 meters (4,070 feet) above sea level, at the foothills of Mount Elgon.

The town is a popular staging area and base camp for climbers who would like to scale Mount Elgon. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices are located here and that is where we make payments and arrangements for the Mt Elgon climb.

The drive from Kampala to Mbale is 4 hours then from Mbale to Budadiri is a 1 hour drive (30 km). The road can be muddy and slippery in wet season). The hike takes about 4 to 5 Nights.

Day 1: Kampala – Transfer to Mbale, Budadiri Tourism Center
Day 2: Hike to Sasa Camp (2,900 meters)
Day 3: Hike from Sasa to Mude Camp (3,500 meters)
Day 4: Hike from Mude Camp to Wagagai Peak (4321 meters)
Day 5: Descend from Mude Camp to Budadiri. Stay at Lacam Lodge or Similar
Day 6: Return Trip to Kampala

 Notes
* Bring your own warm clothing, hiking boots
* All visitors will be required to produce valid ID's in order to determine their resident status
* The most popular route is the Sasa Trail, which starts in Bumasola, about 40 km from Mbale and 75 km from Sipi Falls
* Sasa Trail – Sipi Trail Combination: This is a new route and the most popular option trekking from Budadiri to Wagagai Peak to Sipi Falls. It is possible to do the trail in the reverse direction. The route follows the Sasa Trail path via Maude Cave to Wagagai summit descending on the Sipi Trail to Sipi Falls by way of Kajeri Peak and the Forest Exploration Centre

6 Days 5 Nights Mount Elgon Hiking Safari Uganda Prices include:
* Cook
* Guides allowances
* Park Entrance fees
* Accommodation as per the itinerary
* Full board and meals during the hike
* Transportation in fueled safari vehicle
* Guide and one porter, carrying maximum 18 kgs

Day 1: Kampala – Transfer to Mbale City (Mbale District)
0700 hours: Our driver guide will pick you from your residence/ Hotel in Kampala to drive and transfer to Mt Elgon in Eastern Uganda.  On the way you will visit the Ssezibwa falls and then Nile, to arrive in the afternoon.

Overight Accommodation:  Mt. Elgon Hotel & Spa, Mbale Resort Hotel, Lucia Villas Mbale, Wash & Wills Hotel, Westend Inn
Meal Plan: {Lunch & Dinner}

Day 2: Budadiri to Sasa River Camp (2900 Meters)
On the second day, in the morning, you’ll be driven 6 km from Budadiri (1250 meters) to the trailhead at Bumasola (1711 meters). Budadiri is nearby Mbale town, at the gate of the Mount Elgon National Park. After arranging the guide and porters, with food and camping gear, you start walking to Sasa River Camp (2900 meters) for the dinner and overnight.

The trail goes through community farmlands for about 3 km to the national park boundary. It then ascends sharply for 2 km to the Wall of Death, the 300m high Mudange Cliffs that used to be climbed by ropes some years back.

Today, metal stairs have been put in place, making it easier to get past this hurdle. After climbing three sets of stairs, the trail continues along the cliff edge for a sort distance, with a frail wooden barrier as the only protection from the sheer cliff drop to the boulder-strewn fields below.

Rock falls and landslides from these cliffs have occasionally befallen the communities living below. As you make your way further up the trail, the tropical forest gets thicker with tree species like the medicinal Prunus Africana, Elgon Teak, Podocarpus and Cedar among others.

Higher up past 2500 meters, the Hagenia abyssinica becomes predominant. It will take you about 7 to 8 km hours hiking from Bumasola to Sasa River Camp at 2,900 meters. Altitude in a day: 1711 meters

Overight Accommodation: Sasa River Camp
Meal Plan: {Brakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 3: Hike from Sasa River Camp to Mude Cave Camp (3,500 Meters)
This is a short 4 to 5 hours hike that could be done on the first day, or tackled after a night over at the Sasa River campsite. Half of the trail is still under forest cover, primarily Hagenia abyssinica, hypericum, and bamboo, though the bamboo on this side of Mt Elgon is sparse.

On the second half, the forest is replaced by moorland species like the giant heather, tussock grass and white and pink everlasting flowers.

About 2 km before Mude Cave Camp, UWA rangers stationed at the Sasa River patrol base  will verify your park entry receipts. You’ll get to the Mude Cave Camp at 3,500m asl within 45m minutes after the patrol base.

Although the surrounding moorland landscape is open, the camp location is in a depression under a canopy of giant heather trees. If you climb a small hill to one side of the camp, you’ll get a view of the cliffs framing the Simu Gorge in the distant east, as well as the Sasa River patrol base on the opposite west side.

Altitude of the day: 600 meters

Overight Accommodation: Mude Cave Camp
Meal Plan: {Brakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 4: Mude Cave Camp to Wagagai Summit (4321 Meters) & Return to Mude Cave Camp
Mt Elgon has one of the world’s largest calderas, 8km in diameter, with a number of summits on its rim. The highest of these is Wagagai on the Ugandan side at 4,321 meters above sea level.

The second highest, Sudek at 4,302 meters is on the Uganda/ Kenya border, while the third highest, Koitobos at 4,222m, is on the Kenyan side. From Mude Cave camp, the trail to Wagagai summit heads towards the distinctive Jackson’s summit and Jackson’s table.

Various species of white and pink everlasting flowers, and tussock grass are the predominant vegetation on this trail, with a few Senecio trees dotting the landscape.

About 3 km along the way, you’ll encounter a signpost for the Hot Springs to the left; keep going straight ahead. Next, you’ll come upon the shallow Jackson’s Pool, its surface shimmering in the sun.

The trail then circumvents the Jackson’s summit, keeping to the left of this peak. If you look closely at the back view of this peak to your right, you might notice what appears to be the likeness of a Gorilla head curved into the rock.

The trail then descends into a small valley, before climbing to the caldera rim, and your first view of the impressive caldera floor.

As you follow the trail anti-clockwise along the rim, you’ll get different views of the undulating landscape and crater lakes on the caldera floor, other peaks across the caldera, as well as the Suam Gorge breech on the far side of the caldera rim.

The final part of the trail is a short rocky climb to the small plateau on which Wagagai summit is located. There is a small signpost marking the summit at the top, panoramic views of the caldera, and hills and valleys stretching into the distance on all sides.

The return trip for this hike is about 18 km, and should take you about 8 to 9 hours to complete.

Altitude of the day: 820 meters.

Overight Accommodation: Mude Cave Camp
Meal Plan: {Brakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 5: Mude Cave Camp back to Budadiri
Most of the route for this hike is an old smuggler’s trail used during Idi Amin’s rule in the 1970’s. Amin’s repressive regime disrupted Uganda’s market structures, leaving coffee farmers on Mt Elgon’s slopes with no means to sell their black gold.

They braved the freezing conditions on the mountain, and risked getting shot if caught, to sell their produce in Kenya. Follow the common trail to Wagagai and the Hot springs. At the signpost 3km from Mude Cave camp, turn left and follow the trail as it contours along the steep slope on one side of the Simu Gorge.

You’ll go past the Mang’ong’o Caves to your right, where smugglers used to break for the night on their way to Kenya. The trail then makes its way to the head of the Simu Gorge, one of the two breeches on the caldera rim, before going over a low saddle onto the caldera floor.

At this point, you’ll probably feel like you are walking on an alien planet as you find yourself going through a forest of the endemic Dendrosenecio Elgonensis trees. As you get further into the caldera, you’ll get excellent views of Wagagai, Koitobos and other summits on the caldera rim.

Along the way, you’ll go past the intersections for Sipi trail, Piswa trails, and other trails used by poachers on the mountain. Eventually, you’ll get to an intersection where trans-boundary hikes to Kenya normally pass on their way to the handover point.

Turn left at this junction, and descend till you see a small waterfall to your right. The river you’ll cross at this location is one of the tributaries feeding the Suam River further ahead at the Hot springs. The start of Suam Gorge is a short distance ahead after the waterfalls.

Cross the river and follow it’s course towards the cliffs with white streaks; those are chemical deposits from the hot water at the springs. You’ll notice the smell of the chemicals in the spring water, as you explore the area, or soak your feet in the delightfully warm pools in the vicinity.

The return trip for this hike is about 24 km, and should take you about 8 to 10 hours to complete.

Overight Accommodation: Wagagai hotel, Roses' Last Chance, The Crows Nest, Sipi Falls Resort
Meal Plan: {Brakfast, Lunch & Dinner}

Day 6: Return Trip to Kampala
Transfer back to Kampala
Meal Plan: {Brakfast}