The best hikes outside Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon. It is a hiker’s paradise. First of all, the beauty of its nature is unsurpassed. Secondly, the people are extremely welcoming. And, the trails are friendly too! Over the past couple of years we have mapped new routes. Off-the-beaten track. Along the way, we carefully selected and trained our local guides. Guides with a passion and responsibility for their Community. With ample knowledge about the history and culture of their people. I am excited to present you our top-5 of spectacular hikes on the slopes of Mount Elgon you can’t miss out on your adventure through Uganda:
1. Mosopisiek Trail (2-3 days)
A hike into a timeless world. Full of hidden gems. Stunning waterfalls. And hidden caves. Apart from the nature, it is the Mosopisiek culture and people who make a lasting impression. The Mosopisiek form a minority tribe, who have managed to preserve large parts of their lifestyle and customs. Not long ago, up to the 1990’s, this tribe lived in a dense rainforest (nowadays Mount Elgon National Park).
Learm more about this more-day hike on our dedicated Mosopisiek Trail page.
What not many people know is that all Uganda’s Olympic champions from the last decade have Mosopisiek roots. Read more about it on page 14 of our Adventure Tourism magazine.
2. Kapchorwa Nature Walk (1-4 hours)
Sometimes you don’t need to go far to encounter beautiful nature. Natural caves, gentle village trails and banana & coffee plantations are awaiting you just outside the gate of our Guesthouse. Our trained junior guides Romy and Poul allow you to fully immerse into Kapchorwa’s nature and culture. Choose your favorite route depending on your fitness level and preferences.
All hikes in one overview? download our touristic map
3. Kapchorwa-Benet Trail (6-7 hours)
It was in March 2020, just before the Covid19 lockdown, when a group of local and international hikers explored and mapped the Kapchorwa-Benet Trail. Expedition lead: David, our Kween head guide and Jan Bakker, a Dutch hiking expert. This hike is 19 kilometer long and for the experienced hiker. It goes through small villages, over rocky terrain and through large plantations. Because the higher you go on the mountain, the lower the population, so the larger and more organised the farmlands.
NB: Please note that it takes a boda boda ride to take you back from the end point of this trail to our Guesthouse.
4. Kalenjin Wilderness Hike (6-10 hours)
We developed this hike in conjunction with the senior Sipi tour guides George, Moses, Juma and Joel. Unlike our other hikes, this trail takes you to the lower belts of Kapchorwa. Due to the drier climate, the lifestyle is different here. Less farming, more livestock. If you take the longer loop you will reach the stunning Sirinda viewpoint and the hidden Cheptoi waterfall.
5. Sipi Falls Hike (1-4 hours)
The classic and oldest touristic hike in the region. Last on our list, because already done by so many. There must be a reason why this hike was the first:) The Sipi Falls hike is simply stunning. Your guide takes you passed the Sipi waterfalls, through lush farmlands and cute villages.
Two Dutch visitors @ Sipi Falls in December 2021. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
I am curious to hear what you think of this blog. Let me know by leaving a comment below.
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur who is based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Daan manages Home of Friends Guesthouse, together with his fiancé Eliza. He is passionate about documenting Mount Elgon’s beautiful nature and remarkable culture. Daan is also engaged in Community & youth empowerment through adventure tourism.