Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano that straddles both the Ugandan and Kenyan borders. Two million years ago, after its last major eruption, the top of Mt. Elgon collapsed, creating one of the largest calderas in the world. The caldera resembles a large ‘bowl’, 8 km in diameter, surrounded by a ring of rugged peaks. The collapsed crater covers approximately 40 sq km with hot springs inside and shallow ‘crater’ lakes throughout. Trekking to the top of Mt. Elgon will take you through four distinct vegetation zones. The lush Montane Forest, occurring between 2,000 and 2,500m, along with the Mixed Bamboo zone (2,400-3,000m) contains the largest biodiversity on the mountain. Dense scrub and brilliant wildflowers characterize the Heath Zone (3,000-3,500m). Higher up the mountain at 3,500-4,231m, you will find the highest number of endemic plant species including clusters of peculiar so-called big game plants-giant fleshy herbs such as lobelias and groundsels that can reach up to 6m in height. There are few mammals to be seen here, but occasionally Chanler’s mountain reedbucks can be spotted near the caldera rim. There are several species of raptors to be seen, most impressive of which is the lammergeyer.
Day 1: Arrival –Airport pick
1000 Shades of Green representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at Laico Hotel Entebbe or Two Friends guest House (B&B).
Day 2: Entebbe – Jinja
Our guide will pick you from your hotel in Entebbe and drive you Entebbe international airport for your flight to Jinja. ON arrival, our guide will pick you up and drive your hotel. You will check in, have lunch and our guide will drive you through Jinja town and take a boat to the Source of River Nile. The falls avail opportunities for kayaking, sky diving, bungee jumping, canoeing, white-water rafting and fishing along a spectacular scenic section with Kilometres of raging rapids, forested islands, and an abundance of bird life. Fish delicatessen central! Spend the night in Jinja. Dinner and Overnight at Jinja Nile Resort (B.B)
Day 3 Jinja – Mbale
After breakfast, our guide will pack your bags in our 4X4 Safari vans and drive you to Mbale. You will arrive in the afternoon, have lunch and later, you will be transferred to Sipi falls, hike to the falls and return to your lodge for Dinner and Overnight at Sipi Falls Lodge B.L.D
Day 4: Mount Elgon
Early morning breakfast, and then start hiking following the Kapkwata Trail head. A scenic hike through the Bamboo, heath and moorland gets you to the Piswa Camp 2850m. (Meal Plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
Day 5: Mount Elgon
Hike up to the rim of the Caldera through beautiful columns of Lobelia Elgonensis visiting the Hot springs and the Suam Gorge before descending to the Hunters Cave Camp. 3870m for overnight. (Meal Plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 6: Mount Elgon
Morning breakfast, and then ascend to the top of the Caldera moving to the Wagagai Peak 4321. Descend thereafter through the Jackson’s Summit and the Jackson’s pool to overnight at the Mude Camp 3500m. (Meal Plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 7: Elgon – Jinja
Early morning, descend through the Sasa trail to Budadiri then travel to Jinja arriving in the afternoon. Check in your hotel, lunch and relax at the resort for Dinner and Overnight at Jinja Nile Resort B.L.D
Day 8: Jinja-Entebbe
Early morning breakfast and our guide will transfer you to the airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe International airport. Our guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to 2Friends Entebbe for Dinner and Overnight. B.L.D
From $2,260
Inclusions
- Airport transfers
- Local scheduled flight
- Ground transport per 4WD safari vehicle
- English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, based on double room
- Three meals a day except for your stay in Kampala
- Mineral water in the safari vehicle
- Park entrance fees & permits
- All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
Exclusions
- International flight
- Visa (USD $50 per person)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Items of personal nature
- Tips &; laundry service
- Christmas supplement if any
