Trek One of East Africa’s Hidden Volcanic Giants
Mt. Elgon’s highest point is Wagagai Peak at 4,321 m and stands directly on the border of Kenya and Uganda. Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the largest surface area in the world, being 50 by 80 kilometres, and has an enormous crater which covers 40 kilometres at the top of the mountain. The land around Mt. Elgon is highly fertile and is known for cultivating excellent quality coffee.
Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the largest surface area in the world, being 50 by 80 kilometres, and has an enormous crater which covers 40 kilometres at the top of the mountain. The land around Mt. Elgon is highly fertile and is known for cultivating excellent quality coffee.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi / Kitale
Today, we begin with a transfer from Nairobi heading towards Eldoret via Nakuru, and then onto Kitale town, which is in Western Kenya, stopping for lunch en route. You will have dinner and sleep at Mt Elgon lodge tonight, or in the case of arriving late, you may spend the night in a hotel in Kitale town.
Day 2: Kitale / Rongai Camp
After breakfast, you will head to Rongai gate in Mt. Elgon National Park to settle into your ‘bandas’ (African-style hut), where you will have lunch at your campsite. Afterwards, you can go for a nature walk to the nearby Kiptum caves, which are truly stunning and where you may have the fortune of spotting the elusive Genet cat. You will then return to your campsite in time for dinner and a good sleep before your mountain trek begins tomorrow.
Day 3: Rongai / Bamboo Camp
After breakfast, you will be joined by the KWS rangers, who will accompany you and your guide on your trek up Mt. Elgon. You can make a stop on the way, at the popularly known ‘Famous Elephant Caves’, where buffalo and elephants visit to lick the minerals that are found in these magnificent caves. After lunch, you can continue to the campsite where you will have dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Bamboo / Road head Camp
After breakfast, you can continue to the Road Head, which is the base of the highest Kenyan peaks of Mount Elgon. You can have a picnic lunch on the way, with dinner and overnight being at the Road Head campsite.
Day 5: Road head / Koitoboss peak (4187m) / Kitale town
Early morning, we hike up to Koitoboss peak at 4187m, the highest on the Kenyan side of Mt. Elgon, just in time for a glorious sunrise. We will return to the Road Head Camp site in time for breakfast, and then descend back to Rongai gate using a different route for easier descent. You can then return to Kitale town, where you may transfer to your next chosen destination, such as Lake Bogoria, one of the Great Rift Valley’s famous saltwater lakes, renowned for its hot springs and staggeringly massive flocks of pink flamingoes.
Important Information
Safari Inclusions:
- All transfers to/from Nairobi
- Park entrance fees, ranger escorts & permits
- Professional local guides, porters & cooks
- Full board meals on the trek
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking gear)
- Accommodation in Kitale before and after the climb
- Support vehicle & logistics
What to Bring:
- Sturdy trekking boots
- Warm layered clothing for cool summit nights
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Sleeping bag rated to -10°C
- Trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Personal medications, first aid kit, camera & extra batteries
