Description
The Elgon Trail stretches from Jinja to the border of Karamoja in Eastern Uganda. The trail builds up with relatively flat stages until it passes through Tororo after which the great battle on the slopes of Mount Elgon will commence. This trail is around 360km long and covers more than 5,000 meters of climbing. It includes two stages (#15 and #16) that include a single climb of more than 700 meters vertical ascent. Breathtaking panoramic views, especially the one from Wanale ridge, and wonderful waterfalls are inseparably connected to this route.
Stages
6
Distance
370 km
Unpaved
87%
Climbing Meters
5000
Stages Overview
Stage 12: Jinja-Iganga
Great trail on mostly unpaved tracks through the backlands of Busoga Kingdom. You will ride through massive sugar cane fields, small villages and pass the royal palace of the local tribe’s King.
Stage 13: Iganga-Bugiri
The Iganga-Bugiri route is short and easy and mainly has wide dirt roads. Bugiri doesn’t have much to offer but offers the only inbetween stop on the way to Tororo.
Stage 14: Bugiri-Tororo
The route is a nice combination of wide dirt roads and some singletrack. At around 35km you will pass through a swamp. Depending on the season you can encounter muddy parts or some sections where you might need to wade through water or use a boat.
Stage 15: Tororo-Mbale
Great route on the slopes of Mount Elgon with an adventurous off-road single track section with some tough climbs that are not for the faint-hearted. However, once reached, you will be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in Uganda.
Stage 16: Mbale-Sipi
One of the toughest stages of the Uganda Cycling Trail as you are climbing the slopes of Mt Elgon all the way to Sipi. It starts relatively easy, but the real deal comes later with one of the longest continuous ascents in Uganda.
Stage 17: Sipi-Pian Upe
You will pass through coffee plantations right next to Mount Elgon National Park. A challenging stage on unpaved trails with steep short climbs, long technical descents and ends on flat murram roads that enter into Karamoja.