The 3-Day Sasa Trail Trek in Mount Elgon National Park gives you a memorable experience in Mt Elgon National Park. You will see waterfalls, green vegetation, birds, and wide views of valleys and nearby communities.
It is best to spend the night before in Mbale town or Sironko. From Mbale, it is about 52 km to the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Budadiri, which takes about one hour by car. To begin early, be at the UWA office by 8:00 am. Park entrance fees are $35 per day for foreign non-residents, $25 per day for foreign residents, and UGX 15,000 for East Africans. The trek begins just above Bugiboni Village at the base camp.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: From base camp at 1,720m, hike to Hunwick’s Camp at 2,882m
- Day 2: Hike to Sasa River Camp at 2,880m
- Day 3: Descend back to base camp
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Hike to Hunwick’s Camp (2,882m)
The first day covers 7.1 km, with an altitude gain of 1,162 metres from the base camp at 1,720m to Hunwick’s Camp at 2,882m. The trek begins with a steady climb through coffee plantations and farms of maize, potatoes, and onions, passing Kigoma Primary School.
From here, the trail leads up to the park boundary below Nabunyifu Falls, a 61-metre waterfall whose name means “cold wind.” The trail has switchbacks to make climbing easier and offers clear views of the community and distant mountains. This is a newly opened section that adds a great feature to Mt Elgon National Park.
The path continues up the Dirigana Valley through montane forest with tall Podocarpus trees and thick vegetation. You then cross the river and stop for lunch at a small shelter. After lunch, you continue climbing up to Mukoola Ridge and finally reach Hunwick’s Camp at 2,882m, with views across the hills and valleys toward Masaba Summit.
- Overnight stay: Hunwick’s Camp (2,882m)
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 2: Hike to Sasa River Camp (2,880m)
After breakfast, you walk through the forest and descend along the Dirigana River, passing several waterfalls. The trek then continues through the montane forest before you branch off and follow the river. Crossing to the right side of the river, you climb steadily to Sasa River Camp at 2,880m. The camp is set in the forest near the river and is home to many birds, especially active in the morning.
- Overnight stay: Sasa River Camp (2,880m)
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Descend back to Base Camp (1,720m)
On the last day, you descend through the forest along the original Sasa Trail. The path then turns and leads across to the top of Dirigana Falls, passing through an area with giant tree ferns. From there, you continue down to Elgon Trekkers Base Camp at Bugiboni.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
