Overview
A cross-border climb up Mt Elgon
This 4-day Mt Elgon Sasa Trail trek climbs Africa’s eighth-highest mountain from the Kenyan side, combining a game drive past the famous Kitum elephant caves with a cross-border ascent over the vast caldera to the summit of Wagagai (4,321m) in Uganda.
Day by Day
Your 4-day Mt Elgon Sasa Trail itinerary
Game drive & ascent in Mt Elgon National Park
An early 7:00am start allows time for game drives in Mt Elgon National Park by 4x4, with the chance to see elephants, buffalos and antelope. Lunch is at Kitum, one of the famous caves where elephants and buffalos come for a mineral lick. Afternoon drives continue to higher altitudes around 3,000m before camp.
Koitobos Peak & crossing into Uganda
Today’s hike is about 4 hours, escorted by Kenya Wildlife Service rangers, up to Koitobos — the highest peak on the Kenyan side — before crossing the caldera into Uganda, where armed Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers receive you and lead you down the Ugandan trail. Dinner and overnight in a fly camp at the Mude caves (3,500m).
Summit Wagagai (4,321m)
The day of the summit challenge, trekking to Wagagai (4,321m), the peak of Mt Elgon. You walk along the rim of one of the world’s largest calderas, dotted with small lakes left by ice-age glaciers, then return to your Mude caves camp for a well-earned overnight.
Descent to Bumasola
Your descent leads through scenic montane forest and mixed bamboo, with lunch on the way. Heath and moorland give way to forest at 3,000m and then smallholder farmland; look for troops of black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys and varied birdlife. Reach Bumasola (1,770m) around 2:00pm to meet your driver.
What to expect
What’s included & excluded
Included
- Return transport from the agreed start point
- Professional mountain guide, rangers, cook & porters
- National park entry, camping & rescue fees
- Camping / hut accommodation & all meals on the mountain
- Hire of group camping equipment
- Drinking water on the trek
Not included
- International flights, visa & insurance
- Personal hiking gear & sleeping bag (hire available)
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal items, snacks & drinks
- Anything not listed under “Included”
Why book with us
Why travellers choose Nairobi Tour Promoters
Mountain experts
Experienced with Mt Elgon & Rwenzori treks, with strong local guides and porters.
Safe, supported climbs
Guides, rangers, cooks and porters focused on your safety and a successful summit.
All-inclusive pricing
Park fees, camping, meals and crew included — no hidden costs.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How high is Mt Elgon and which peak do we summit?
Mt Elgon’s highest point is Wagagai at 4,321m, on the Ugandan side. This trail also takes in Koitobos, the highest peak on the Kenyan side, and crosses one of the world’s largest calderas.
How fit do I need to be for the Sasa Trail?
This is a non-technical but demanding trek with long days and high altitude. Good general fitness is needed, and guides, rangers and porters support the group throughout.
Is the Sasa Trail a cross-border trek?
Yes. It starts on the Kenyan side in Mt Elgon National Park, crosses the caldera into Uganda where Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers meet you, and descends the Ugandan side.