7 Days Mount Elgon Hike – Piswa Trail
Adult
Description
Route: Kapkwata – Piswa Camp – Hunter’s Cave – Hot Springs – Wagagai – Budadiri
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Best for: Hikers seeking a longer, less crowded route with excellent acclimatization
Overview
The Piswa Trail, beginning at Kapkwata (2,190 m) on Mount Elgon’s northern slopes, offers a gentle and scenic ascent through pine forests, heathlands, and open moorlands. This route is rich in wildlife and birdlife and allows you to experience the park’s natural beauty away from the main tourist routes.
| Package Type | Price (Per Person) | Lodging & Highlights |
|---|
| Budget | US $750 | Basic lodges and camps, shared tents, guide & porters, meals, park fees included. |
| Mid-Range | US $900 – 1,150 | Comfortable lodges, private guide & porter, full board, park entry included. |
| Luxury | US $1,800 – 2,400 | Premium lodges, private chef & porter, gourmet meals, personalized trek support, private transfers. |
Included
- Accommodation
- Guides & Porters
- Meals
- Permits & Park Fees
- Trekking Support
- Extras for Luxury
Excluded
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance (medical, emergency evacuation)
- Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, sleeping bag, rain jacket, trekking poles)
- Tips for guides, porters, and lodge staff
- Optional activities not mentioned (e.g., coffee plantation tour, waterfall visits, abseiling)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival – Kapkwata (2,190 m)
Arrive in Kapchorwa or Mbale, then drive to the trailhead at Kapkwata. Meet your guides, porters, and UWA rangers. Set up your first campsite, enjoy dinner, and rest before the trek begins.
Day 2 - Kapkwata – Piswa Patrol Hut Camp (2,850 m)
Begin your trek through cultivated farmlands and pine plantations into the lower montane forest. This section is rich in birdlife — watch for Turacos and sunbirds. Overnight at Piswa Camp near the forest edge.
Day 3 - Piswa Camp – Hunter’s Cave Camp (3,870 m)
Hike through the heath zone, with spectacular views of the Karamoja plains and the Nandi and Kapchorwa escarpments. Arrive at Hunter’s Cave, an atmospheric site once used by local hunters.
Day 4 - Hunter’s Cave – Hot Springs – Mude Cave Camp (3,500 m)
Continue across the moorlands to visit the Suam Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a natural foot soak. Proceed to Mude Cave Camp, joining the main trail system for the final ascent.
Day 5 - Summit Day – Wagagai Peak (4,321 m)
tart early for the long, exhilarating climb to the summit. From Wagagai, you can peer into the massive caldera, over 40 km in diameter, and admire the rugged volcanic landscape. Return to Mude Camp for overnight.
Day 6 - Mude Camp – Sasa River Camp (2,900 m)
Descend along the Sasa Trail route through the lush bamboo forest to Sasa River Camp.
Day 7 - Sasa River Camp – Budadiri – Departure
Complete your descent back to Budadiri, where you’ll receive your trekking certificate and transfer to your hotel or onward destination.
Best trekking months: June–August and December–February (dry seasons).
Accommodation: Basic camping; some routes offer bandas or huts at lower altitudes.
What to bring: Warm clothing, waterproof gear, sleeping bag, trekking poles, and plenty of snacks.
Support crew: Certified UWA guides and porters are mandatory for safety and navigation.
Optional Add-Ons: Visit sipi falls, coffee tours, Abseiling, rock climbing, bird watching, cultural and community visits (Bagisu circumcision rituals), Photography & Scenic Viewing, Environmental Education / Guided Talks and Flora & Nature Walks
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