Mountain Elgon Climbing

Mountain Elgon Climbing. Mountain Elgon is one of the Top Best Mountains to Hike in Africa, an extinct volcano one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 million years ago. Mt Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have since reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent. A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40 km² caldera.

Mt Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet. The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name. At 4,000km² Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form 80km in diameter rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna. A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40 km² caldera.

Best Time for Mountain Elgon Climbing.

Given the fact East Africa is crossed by the Equator countries here generally have equatorial climate weather. Mountain Elgon Climbing is best done during the dry season because during this time the trails are a bit dry making the hikes easy and accessible, then as well the roads leading to these mountains are okay drying this time of June to September and December to February throughout the year. However, given the fact these are mountains and standing high above sea level when you get to the top areas you will still experience drizzles and slippery grounds with this we do advice you have a good hiking wears to make your hike a success. On top of Mountain Elgon Climbing there are many other activities that can be added to your itinerary either before or after the hike in a given country, activities include wildlife viewing, Gorilla tracking, Chimpanzee tracking, Golden Monkey tracking among others.

Equipments and packing list for Mountain Elgon Climbing.

Clothes

Recommended to carry silk clothes and those that dry very fast and wicks away moisture, long sleeved shirts. This protects you from the sun burns and the amount of clothes to carry depending on the number of days you have. In most cases you would need to carry clothes that cover half the days you will be on the tour. Trousers you need tracksuits and those that are light and flexible while tracking. Also carrying less and light weight makes it easy for you to carry. They should also be water proof from rain.

Hiking Boots

These are a must for any hiking trip, specifically made to maneuver up hill, climbing stairs and navigating soggy grounds can be challenging if you have the wrong type of boots. They should be water proof from rain and soggy grounds, also hiking boots are much comfortable in hot temperatures, so protect your feet and be able to complete you hike with easy.

Sandals

With all the hiking and moving that is done all day, do your feet some justice and put on fresh sandals to feel free and allow your feet to breath. These are used after taking a bath and relaxing around a camp fire before sleeping.

Rain jacket

An essential and a must carry during a hiking trip, in Uganda it rains a lot and chances of rain finding you on the hike are high and make sure to carry a rain jacket to protect your bags and camera equipment. If you don’t have any packed, you can buy one in Uganda in any town you’re in.

Pairs of stocks

You need these as you can’t put on shoes without stockings; it absorbs the moisture that your feet produce. You need to carry a couple of these. Pack as much as you want for this trip and also during the need it gets very cold and you need to wear a very pair on your feet.

Backpack

A backpack is important for your trip, to carry all your things together for the trip and since most hikes are for days you have a lot to carry. They are easy to carry and can be filled in with lots of these.

Sleeping bag and tents

Most of the hikes are out-door with few places offering accommodation and temperatures can be extreme some time like in the Rwenzori, so most of the time tents are encouraged and a sleeping bag for the night.

Snacks

With meals only provided at specific times you need to carry your snacks before you start the hike and carry enough that will take you the duration of your stay on the hike. These are very good at boosting your engery levels and keep you going when the food is not ready yet.

Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses

These are basic important from sunburns and heat. With many people having skin problems when they get exposed to the sun

Water filter

With a limited amount of water that you can carry with you on the hike, you are more likely to drink water from the streams coming from the mountain, so you need to carry with water purifier and water filter before you drink it.

Gloves

To regulate your temperature and also protect you from cuts and bruises during the hike, this is a basic importance for any hiking trip and in case you don’t have any you can buy from within Uganda before the trip.

Headlamp

With no electricity in these places you need a headlamp or flashlight for the night time as you move from your tent. On some hikes you need to start much early in the night and this is where it becomes helpful because you have to make up the ground to the next destination.

Face towel.

As you hike you sweat a lot, this is when you need this or during the cold times you tend to get a running nose hence need to blow. Also it’s important to always carry one no matter where you are going.

First aid kit

Accidents are very common during hiking trips and anything can happen at any time especially cuts and dislocations of joints. Your First Aid Kit should have all the essentials that you need like bandages, pills, moleskin, pain killers and medications for complications that arise because of the high altitude.

Extra camera battery and extra memory cards

There is no charge on which camera you carry for your trip and its only with memories that you can truly say the trip was good one. You are allowed to carry with you your camera equipment and being that there are a lot of beautiful sceneries along the way opportunities for good photos are available hence an extra memory card and with limited charging on the mountain extra batteries will save your trip.

Why book Mountain Elgon Climbing with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator based in Uganda, we take pride in customizing tailor made hiking trips throughout Africa. Including Mountain Elgon Climbing. We have a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 20 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences.