3 DAYS TREKKING MOUNT ELGON OVERVIEW
Embark on a thrilling 3-day Mount Elgon trekking adventure via Chorlim Gate, the main entry point to Mount Elgon National Park. This scenic route offers a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and adventure as you explore the lower slopes of this ancient volcano.
Your journey begins at Chorlim Gate, leading through lush montane forests teeming with colobus monkeys, birds, and unique flora. As you ascend, enjoy panoramic views of Sipi Falls, beautiful bamboo zones, and open moorlands. The trek also includes visits to ancient caves such as Tutum or Kapkwai, known for their cultural and historical significance.
Best Time: Best Time: June–August & December–February,Avoid (if possible): March–May & September–November due to heavy rains and Temperature Range: 10°C–25°C (lower slopes), dropping at higher altitudes.
- Route: Chorlim Gate Circuit.
- Starting Point: Chorlim Gate (2,100m).
- Highest Point: Mude or Tutum Cave Camp (3,000–3,500m).
- Ending Point: Chorlim Gate (2,100m).
- Difficulty: Moderate.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Start at Chorlim Gate (2,100m): Begin your trek through dense montane forest filled with colobus monkeys, birds, and rich flora.
- Explore Tutum Cave or Kapkwata Camp: Visit ancient caves once used by local herders and enjoy an overnight in the tranquil mountain setting.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy sweeping views of Sipi Falls, the Elgon slopes, and the plains of Karamoja.
- Unique Ecosystems: Trek through changing vegetation zones — from forest to bamboo and open moorlands.
ITINERARY
Depart early from Nairobi (or Eldoret/Kitale if nearby).
Arrive in Kitale town, have lunch, then proceed to Mount Elgon National Park (Chorlim Gate) — the park’s main entrance.
Register at the park gate, meet your ranger guide, and start your first short acclimatization walk around the lower forest trails.
Explore the lush montane forest with chances to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, duikers, and forest birds.
Settle into your lodge or campsite, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the main trek the next day.
Overnight: Chorlim Gate Bandas / Mount Elgon Lodge / Chorlim Campsite.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner.
After an early breakfast, begin your guided full-day hike through thick forest and bamboo zones towards the famous Kitum Caves.
These volcanic caves are world-known for their salt-mining elephants and buffaloes that lick the mineral-rich cave walls.
Continue hiking towards Makingeny Cave, and then gradually ascend to Endebess Bluff (2,563m), the park’s best viewpoint.
Explore the majestic caves with a headlamp.
Spot wildlife such as elephants, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, and birdlife.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Trans Nzoia plains, Kapenguria Hills, and even Mount Elgon peaks from afar.
Picnic lunch on the bluff while enjoying the scenery.Descend slowly back to the base through scenic trails.
Return to the camp/lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Overnight: Chorlim Gate campsite / Mount Elgon Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, then take a morning nature walk around the forest trails for last-minute birdwatching and photography.
Visit nearby Chepnyalil Cave, another fascinating volcanic cave near the park entrance.
Return to camp, freshen up, and check out.Drive back to Kitale for lunch, then continue to Nairobi or Eldoret, arriving in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
This tour is customizable and can be tailored to your interests, budget, and travel dates for a personalized safari experience.
LOCATION MAP
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
- Ground transport from Kitale and back.
- Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner.
- Accommodation (camping or lodge).
- Professional guide and armed ranger.
- Drinking water during trekking.
- Porters (if camping).
- Park entry fees (Kenya Wildlife Service – KWS).
- International flights & Visas.
- Tips & Gratitudes.
- Any Other Service Not Mentioned.
- Extra hotel nights before/after the climb (if needed).
- Items of personal nature.
- Any activity not listed in the itinerary.
- Snacks,Alcoholic & soft drinks.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, hiking boots, clothing, poles, etc.)
- Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.
ACCOMMODATION
- Mountain Lodges, Bandas & Campsites.
WHAT TO BRING
- Warm clothing (temperatures drop below freezing).
- Waterproof boots & gaiters (for the bog section).
- Good hiking boots.
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag.
- Waterprof jacket & trousers.
- Headlamp, sunglasses,sunscreen,hat.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Warm layers & thermal wear.
