3 DAYS SASA-SASA TRAIL
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK AT A GLANCE
Size:1,121km²
This extinct volcano is 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 reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent.
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.
Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.
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 40km² caldera.
This is considered the shortest way to get to the summit within 3 days, 2 nights but it has a steep beginning. Once this is dealt with, the rest becomes easy and gentle but intensive. You will set off from Budadiri gate on boda boda to Bumasola Village where the starting point is.
3-Day Sasa Trail
This is considered the shortest way to get to the summit within 3 days, 2 nights but it has a steep beginning. Once this is dealt with, the rest becomes easy and gentle but intensive. You will set off from Budadiri gate on boda boda to Bumasola Village where the starting point is.
Day 1: Arrival at Budadiri Gate for the registrations, briefing, meet the ranger guides, porters, and the cook. You will then board boda bodas (motorcycle taxi) to the starting point in Bumasola Village. You will hike through the wall of life, skipping the Sasa River Camp (will be for lunch), Sasa Patrol Camp and traverse to Mude Camp at Elevation of 3500m ASL for our first night. This hike takes approximately 6-7 hours depending on how you find it, and your strength level.
Day 2: Early in the morning after breakfast, you will embark on a hike to the summit, passing through Jackson Pool, Jackson Peak and a view of Jackson table. The views here are stunning. You then proceed to the Wagagai Peak, walking along the Caldera rim. It’s 9km to the peak and 9km back making a total of 18km. After summiting, you will descend to Mude cave camp for your 2nd night.
Day 3: After your early breakfast, you shall exit the park by descending to Bumasola Village where you will be picked up by boda bodas transferring you to Budadiri office to receive your certificates. This marks the end of your 3 days mountain experience.
REQUIREMENTS
Good hiking shoes
Rain Jacket
Pairs of light and warm socks
Extra batteries for your camera/s
Dry snacks
Water and energy drinks
A light backpack for carrying personal stuffs.
Hand gloves to keep warm
Pain killers
Head lamp/torch
Light and heavy sweaters.