2 Days Elgon Trekking To Hunwick’s Camp & Return Via The Dirigana River Loop

Ascending to the Mukoola Ridge, with breathtaking views of the valleys and towns below, is the culmination of our two-day walk, which begins at the base of the Dirigana Falls, which is 61 meters high. We then continue climbing to the top of the falls, where we can see the Dirigana River.

Start your day off well with a satisfying continental breakfast. Then, stuff your lunch bread rolls with ham, chicken, tomato, onion, and cheese. Accompany it with your choice of tea, coffee, or fruit juice, and a fresh apple or orange. A daily soup, a main dish, and a dessert make up an evening meal. Drinks such as tea, coffee, and filter coffee made with freshly ground Arabica beans from Mount Elgon are available for those who prefer a more authentic coffee experience.

When making your reservation, you have the option to choose between two more traditional East African breakfast dishes: Katogo (matoke, meat, tomato, and onion) from Uganda or Githeri (Kenyan cuisine). The lunch menu consists of bread rolls topped with ham, chicken, cheese, tomato, and onion, served with your choice of tea, coffee, or fruit juice. Soup in the evening, matoke (boiled rice or posho), stewed beef or goat, and dessert.

Make sure to let us know at least two days before your trip starts so we can buy the essential supplies. It’s not easy to prepare mixed European and East African meals for various people on a trek, so it’s either one or the other for everyone.

As part of the Two-Day Elgon Trek and Nature Walk, you’ll ascend through the village, follow the Dirigana River as it winds its way beneath majestic cliffs, and pass a bridge that lies just beneath the breathtaking 61-meter Nabunyifu Falls. The next step is to ascend the cliff face and enter the montane forest that lies beyond. Just a little distance down the road lies our picnic area, tucked away in a river bend, where you can relax with a healthy meal while listening to the soothing water flow. From here, it’s a short ascent to Hunwick’s Camp at 2,882 meters on the Mukoola Ridge, from where you can see the towns below and, beyond the hills, Mbale city. At Hunwick’s Camp, you can connect to a cellular network.

Day 2: Following a filling breakfast, you will make your way up through the forest for another kilometer. Afterwards, you will fork off and descend to the Dirigana River. After a series of rapids and smaller waterfalls, the track returns to the riverbank and the first day’s meeting point; from there, you can return to base camp via the falls.

Detailed 2 Days Elgon Trekking Itinerary Challenge

Day 1: Trek starts at Elgon Trekkers Base Camp and crosses through coffee plantations

On the first day, you’ll hike 7.1 kilometers while climbing 1,162 meters in altitude, from Elgon Trekkers Base Camp, which is above Bugiboni at 1,720 meters, to Hunwick’s Camp, which is at 2,882 meters. If you were to sleep in Mbale City at 1,150 meters, the altitude gain for the day would be 1,732 meters. Four or five hours.

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 bridge and a picnic area by the river await you as you continue up the Dirigana valley for a while. Stunning views of the valleys below await you at the top of Mukoola Ridge, which you will reach after a little rest after a tough ascent. You can reach Hunwick’s Camp at an elevation of 2,882 meters after taking in the scenery for a kilometer and a half.

Day 2: Steady climb up through the montane forest on the edge of a 400 metres cliff to a view point

Ascending steadily through the montane forest along the rim of a 400-meter cliff leads to a vantage point around one kilometer away. To get to the Dirigana River, after you’ve taken in the scenery, descend gently through the forest. Follow the riverbank all the way to where it meets the main trail leading up. You can retrace your steps to Bugiboni Base Camp from here.

End of the 2 Days Elgon Trekking Itinerary