Kenya · Western Kenya
Mount Elgon
Koitobos Peak, 4,222 m · Challenging · from $890 per person
About the trek
The world's largest volcanic caldera, walked almost entirely alone. Elephants mine salt inside Kitum Cave, hot springs steam on the crater floor and you will not pass another trekking party.
Health & safety
Altitude & acclimatisation
- This trek tops out at 4,321 m — altitude sickness (AMS) is the main risk, not fitness.
- Ascend slowly: our itineraries never gain more than 500 m of sleeping altitude per night above 3,000 m.
- Hydrate to 3–4 litres a day and avoid alcohol for the duration of the climb.
- Report any headache, nausea or dizziness to your guide immediately — descent is the only cure that matters.
Medical & insurance
- Travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover to the trek's maximum altitude is a condition of booking.
- Carry a personal first-aid kit plus any prescription medication in your daypack, not your main bag.
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country; malaria prophylaxis recommended for the coast and lowlands around your trek.
- Tell us about any heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions at booking — we will flag the right itinerary pace and, where needed, request a doctor's letter.
On the trail
- Every trek is led by a licensed, Wilderness First Responder-trained guide; hard routes carry a second guide or porter-medic.
- Stay behind the lead guide and in front of the sweeper — never walk ahead of the group alone.
- Pole-pole: the slow, steady Swahili pace is how summits are reached. Walk slower than feels necessary.
- Wildlife on the lower slopes is handled by your guide (armed ranger where required by the park) — follow instructions without discussion.
Weather & exposure
- Mountain weather changes in minutes: carry a waterproof shell every single day, whatever the forecast.
- UV intensity at altitude is roughly double sea-level — SPF 50+, a brimmed hat and Category 3–4 sunglasses are essential.
- Leave a copy of your route plan with your emergency contact; our office tracks every group daily.
Guidance is indicative and not medical advice — consult your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Routes
Koitobos Caldera Trek
4 days · 48 km · Challenging · 90% success · Camping and bandas
From $890 pp
- Kitum salt caves
- Suam hot springs
- Endebess Bluff
Reserve with 50% depositBest for: Solitude seekers
Sasa Trail (Uganda side link)
5 days · 56 km · Strenuous · 85% success · Camping
From $1,190 pp
- Wagagai high point
- Cross-border finish
- Giant groundsels
Reserve with 50% depositBest for: Long-distance trekkers