1 Day Elgon Trekking A Nature And Waterfall Walk Itinerary Challenge

Ascending to the Mukoola Ridge, with breathtaking views of the valleys and towns below, is the culmination of our One Day trip, an extraordinary trekking adventure that begins at the base of the 61-meter-high Dirigana Falls and continues past its base. We then follow the Dirigana River as we rise to the falls’ crest. The ascent of 2,694 meters occurs during the course of six hours of a twelve-kilometer hike.

After entering the park, you’ll begin your one-day nature trek along the cliffs to Nabanyifu Falls, where the Dirigana River plunges 61 meters into the valley below. Along the way, you’ll pass by the homes of the locals, stroll through their gardens, and see arabica coffee farms. You can get some breathtaking photos as you cross a bridge that goes right under the falls. Following the bridge, descend to the base of the cliff. From there, follow the trail that ascends above the falls, where you’ll find a number of switchbacks for easy hiking and breathtaking views of the town below. Trekking beneath the hanging cliffs, across the river just below the Nabunyifu Falls (61m), into the montane forest adorned with climbing vines and giant Podocarpus trees, to a rest shelter by the river for a hearty lunch, and back again provides a wonderful glimpse into nature and the magnificence of Mount Elgon.

Explore Mount Elgon National Park | Uganda

Detailed 1 Day Elgon Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Beauty of Mt Elgon as you climb up past the Dirigana Falls into the montane forest

Ascending past Dirigana Falls into the montane forest, the one-day nature walk offers a wonderful glimpse into nature and the magnificence of Mount Elgon, in addition to a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local community.

Starting at Elgon Trekkers Base Camp, the journey winds its way through coffee plantations to the Gasawa steel ladders, which are located just above Bugiboni Village. The ascent to the ladders is not without its steep stretches. Coffee, onions, potatoes, and maize are the principal crops grown in the area where the river flattens out and flows through the town.

Or, if the weather is nice, you can take a boda boda up to 2,070 meters before beginning your climb, saving you energy and time to explore more of the national park. Directly below Dirigana Falls, which stands at 61 meters and is surrounded by sheer cliffs on all sides, begins a steady ascent to the park boundary. The trail has been modified with switchbacks to provide easier ascent to the cliff top. Thanks to this brand-new segment of the Sasa Trail, which has never been open to the public before, the route is even more impressive. Continuing along the Dirigana Valley and the base of the cliffs, the trail ascends to the base of the falls. At this point, you can stand below the falls to capture great photos. Afterwards, you can continue to the top of the escarpment, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley. A large rock shelter is there in case you need shelter during rainy weather. Entering the montane forest, characterized by dense foliage and towering Podacarpus trees, the trail passes over the falls. A little shelter and picturesque picnic location beside the river are located around two kilometers after you cross the Dirigana River at the top of the falls.

Return to Base Camp after you’ve had a hearty lunch of chicken and cheese, ham and cheese rolls, fruit, juice, and hot tea or coffee.

End of the 1 Day Elgon Trekking Itinerary