Mt. Elgon Day hike

About 3.5 hours to the start point from Kitale

Kitale to Chorlim gate and up to Road end camp inside Mt. Elgon National Park

1. Hiking level – Considered Challenging due to the elevation gain (850m), altitude (4222mASL) & distance covered (14km).

2. Main attractions – wildlife, mountain, caldera & scenery.

3. Type of hike – mountain hike.

4. Atmospheric conditions – Weather is unpredictable due to it being in a mountainous region, expect cold & rain.

5. Slipping hazard – majority of the hike is across moorland vegetation, expect a lot of mud before a steep ascent to the peak where the chances of slipping are high.

6. Steepness – elevation gain is 850m, the summit push is the steepest section.

7. Hiking path condition –being moorland vegetation, in the event of rain, anticipate boggy conditions. The path is narrow, single file movement is encouraged to avoid disappearing into Uganda.

8. Water usage – moderate, about 2 litres should do.

9. Route visibility –high visibility in sunny conditions, possibility of fog in cold/rainy weather.

10. Biodiversity – heath & moorland vegetation, wildlife such as buffalos & impala, indigenous trees

• Good hiking boots – these are really needed due to the bog & rocky terrain.
• Trousers /long sleeved tshirts – due to the dense thickets and thorns, there are high possibilities of being scratched.
• Sun hat – to protect against the sun and overhead branches
• Gloves- it can get cold.
• Water – at least 2 litres
• Rain coat/waterproof jacket-in the event of rain.