Location: Budadiri
261 km from Kampala via Mbale.
Air: 217.04 km (134.86 mi) East North East (ENE) of Kampala.
34 km from Sipi via Mbale-Moroto Road.
Coordinates: 1.1701557, 34.3331552
- Set off from Budadiri to sleep at Mude Cave Camp (3,500 m).
The trail goes through the community to the perimeter of the national park. The first challenge is the intimidating Mudange cliffs (2,290 m) known as the “Wall of Death”. From the cliff the gentle hike takes you to Sasa River Camp (2,900 m) through regenerating forest. After lunch continue to Sasa Patrol Hut (3,300 m) where you will register and continue through the heathland zone which is inclined to the caldera and has a lot of giant lobelia, everlasting flowers and several species of lichen. Rest for a night at Mude Cave Camp (3,500 m). Mude has spectacular sunsets/sunrises.
- Mude to Wagagai Peak (4,321 m)
Wake up before sunrise and head for the summit through the alpine zone to reach the lip of the largest mountain caldera in the world. Enjoy Jackson’s Pool (4,050 m) and admire Jackson’s Table, a geological formation, and Jackson’s Peak (4,165 m). Pass around Jackson’s Peak and traverse the ridge of the caldera heading east towards Wagagai Peak. On the way, you will have spectacular views of the massive caldera and see various lakes and the Suam gorge. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Kenya in the distance. Continue to Wagagai Peak (4,321 m) which is the highest point of the calderas ridge.
After summiting, go back to Mude. After lunch, pack up your stuff and slop down to Sasa River camp for a night.
- Sasa river camp to the trailhead
After breakfast, begin the agonizing steep descent down to UWA’s Budadiri office and get the diploma certifying that you have summited Wagagai Peak.