The Sasa Trail is the fastest route to the highest point of Mt Elgon, Wagagai Peak at 4,321m. This 4-Day Sasa Trail Trek to Wagagai Peak in Mount Elgon takes you through villages, farms, montane forests, bamboo zones, and heathlands. Along the way you see waterfalls, rivers, birds, wildflowers, and wide valley views. Nights are spent in mountain huts with meals prepared by guides and porters.
Day 1: Hike to Sasa River Camp (2,880m)
Begin the trek from the community trailhead, following the path along the Dirigana River. Cross a bridge beneath the 61m Nabunyifu Falls and continue climbing into the montane forest. Stop for lunch at a quiet spot by the river before ascending gradually towards Sasa River Camp.
- Overnight: Sasa River Camp (2,880m)
- Distance: 6.8 km
- Approximate time: 3–5 hours
Day 2: Hike to Mude Cave Camp (3,472m)
After breakfast, leave Sasa River Camp and continue climbing towards Mude Camp. The trail passes through the higher montane forest where different bird species can be seen, then enters the bamboo zone. The lower areas of bamboo were once heavily harvested, but the upper parts are now recovering.
At about 3,250m, the forest begins to open into the heath zone. Here you walk across grassy hills with Giant Groundsels, Giant Heathers, and many wildflowers, especially during July, August, and September.
Mude Camp is set among Giant Heather trees with wide views of the valley. Mountain hares are common around the camp, and sometimes serval cats can be seen. From Mude, you can take an afternoon walk to Dirigana Falls, a 3 km trail each way.
- Overnight: Mude Cave Camp (3,472m)
- Distance: 6.7 km
- Approximate time: 4–6 hours
Day 3: Summit Wagagai Peak (4,321m) and Descend to Hunwick’s Camp
Start early and hike towards Wagagai Peak at 4,321m, passing Jackson’s Pool (also called Sera’s Pool) and Masaba Summit, which has cultural importance for the Bamasaba and Gisu people. After reaching Wagagai, descend on a loop trail towards Hunwick’s Camp.
- Mude to Wagagai Peak: 8.5 km, 3–4 hours
- Wagagai Peak to Hunwick’s Camp: 6–7 hours
- Distance from Masaba Summit to Hunwick’s Camp: 9 km
- Overnight: Hunwick’s Camp (2,882m)
Day 4: Descend to Base Camp (1,720m)
After breakfast, walk uphill briefly before descending alongside the Dirigana River. Pass small waterfalls and rapids, then rejoin the day one trail. Continue past Nabunyifu Falls and return to Elgon Trekking Services Base Camp.
- Distance: 7.4 km
- Approximate time: 4–6 hours
- Debrief and trek ends
- Transfer: Boda boda ride to Budadiri UWA Office, meet your vehicle, and drive back to Mbale Town
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Included in Hiking Fees
- Mountain guides
- Accommodation in huts with beds and mattresses (carry your own sleeping bag)
- Meals on the mountain (from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day)
- Porters (to carry luggage, food, and cooking equipment)
Not Included
- Transport to and from the starting point
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Insurance
- Tips
