Information you can trace and trustHow we verifyReport an issue
Giant groundsels on the moorland of Mount Elgon

National park · UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Mount Elgon National Park

An ancient volcano with one of the world's largest calderas.

  • Eastern Uganda
  • Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
  • Entry from US$35
  • UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Gilles Bassière, CC BY 2.0

Overview

Area
1,121 km²
Highest point
Wagagai Peak, 4,321 m
Caldera
About 40 km²
Bird species
300+
Main trails
Sasa, Sipi, Piswa
Nearest city
Mbale

Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted about 24 million years ago and was once taller than Kilimanjaro. Erosion has reduced its highest point, Wagagai Peak, to 4,321 m.

Its base of about 4,000 km² is the largest of any solitary volcano, and its caldera covers about 40 km². The upper slopes are protected on both the Ugandan and Kenyan sides as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.

The mountain is home to the Bagisu and Sabiny peoples. To the Bagisu it is Masaba, their ancestral father, and the Imbalu circumcision ceremony is held in even-numbered years.

  • Wagagai summit trek

    A non-technical multi-day trek to the caldera rim and Uganda's side of the summit.

  • Rock climbing and biking

    Routes and trails on the lower slopes.

  • Bagisu and Sabiny culture

    Coffee farms, villages and the Imbalu tradition.

Things to do

  • Mount Elgon hiking

    Per day; includes entry.

    From US$50
  • Rock climbing

    Guided.

    From US$65
  • Mountain biking

    Guided.

    From US$100
  • Birding and nature walk

    Forest zone.

    From US$40

Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.

Wildlife and nature to look for

  • Blue monkey
  • Black-and-white colobus
  • Lammergeier
  • Tacazze sunbird

When to go

Trek in the drier months, June to August and December to March. Imbalu ceremonies take place around August in even-numbered years.

  1. Jan: Best
  2. Feb: Best
  3. Mar: Good
  4. Apr: Wetter
  5. May: Wetter
  6. Jun: Best
  7. Jul: Best
  8. Aug: Best
  9. Sep: Best
  10. Oct: Good
  11. Nov: Wetter
  12. Dec: Best

Fees and permits

Official rates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 – June 2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.

Mount Elgon National Park fees by visitor category
ItemForeign non-residentForeign residentRest of AfricaEast African citizen
Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–15: US$5 / US$5 / US$5 / UGX 2,500. Under 5s enter free.US$35US$25US$20UGX 15,000
Mount Elgon hikingper person per day, includes entryPorters UGX 40,000 and cooks UGX 30,000 per day are extra.US$50US$40—UGX 50,000
Rock climbingper personUS$65US$60—UGX 55,000
Mountain bikingper personUS$100US$80—UGX 50,000
  • Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
    Foreign non-resident
    US$35
    Foreign resident
    US$25
    Rest of Africa
    US$20
    East African citizen
    UGX 15,000

    Children 5–15: US$5 / US$5 / US$5 / UGX 2,500. Under 5s enter free.

  • Mount Elgon hikingper person per day, includes entry
    Foreign non-resident
    US$50
    Foreign resident
    US$40
    East African citizen
    UGX 50,000

    Porters UGX 40,000 and cooks UGX 30,000 per day are extra.

  • Rock climbingper person
    Foreign non-resident
    US$65
    Foreign resident
    US$60
    East African citizen
    UGX 55,000
  • Mountain bikingper person
    Foreign non-resident
    US$100
    Foreign resident
    US$80
    East African citizen
    UGX 50,000
  • Gorilla permit holders get one free day's entry to Mount Elgon within a month before or after their trek (activities not included).

Getting there

  • By road
    From KampalaAbout 4–5 hours to Mbale

    About 235 km via Jinja and Tororo, then on to the Budadiri (Sasa) or Kapchorwa (Sipi) trailheads.

Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.

Know before you go

  • Hikes need a UWA ranger guide; porters and cooks are hired locally.
  • Nights at the caldera are cold; carry warm sleeping gear.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does it take to reach Wagagai?

Most treks take four to five days return, depending on the trail. The Sasa trail is the shortest and steepest.

Can I combine Mount Elgon with Sipi Falls?

Yes. The Sipi trail starts near the falls, and many visitors stay at Sipi before or after a trek.

Sources

Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.

Report a mistake on this page

Combine your trip

Places to pair with Mount Elgon National Park

All Uganda places
The main Sipi waterfall dropping over a high cliffWaterfalls

Eastern Uganda

Sipi Falls

Three waterfalls on the green slopes of Mount Elgon.

Guide & costs inside
Get free trip quotes