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Elgon Trekking Your Professional Trekking Services
1 Day Experience

One Day Nature Walk
& Waterfall Walk

Stand below a 61-metre cascade, cross a bridge directly under the falls, and walk through arabica coffee farms and montane forest — all in one exhilarating day on the Sasa Trail.

70
Total Price
USD per person
1 Day
Duration
Start 8:00 am UWA
61 m
Waterfall Drop
Nabunyifu Falls
2,070 m
Max Elevation
Sasa Trail
Start Point
UWA Budadiri Office
Then to ETS Basecamp above Bugiboni Village
Getting There
52 km from Mbale
~1 hour drive. Pre-night stay in Mbale or Sipi recommended.
Departure Time
8:00 am
Arrive at UWA offices for an early start

Overview

A full day of waterfalls, forest & community

The best option is to have a pre-night stay in Mbale town, or stay at any lodge overlooking the mighty Sipi Falls. It is 52 km from Mbale town to the Budadiri Uganda Wildlife Authority office — approximately one hour's drive. To get an early start, be at UWA offices at 8:00 am.

The trek starts just above Bugiboni Village at Elgon Trekking Services Basecamp. From here you have two rewarding route options — the Nabunyifu Falls circuit or the Dirigana Falls trail. Both give you an authentic encounter with community life, dramatic waterfall scenery, and the rich montane forest of Mt Elgon National Park.

After your hike, enjoy a hearty packed lunch near the river — a chicken & cheese roll or ham & cheese roll, a piece of fruit, fruit juice, and a hot cup of tea or coffee — before making your way back to Basecamp.

Choose Your Adventure

Two spectacular route options

Both routes depart from ETS Basecamp and share the same price. Pick the one that suits your energy and interests — or ask your guide on the day.

Popular Choice

Nabunyifu Falls — 61 m drop

The Nabunyifu Falls circuit gives you a wonderful blend of community and nature. You pass through local homes, through gardens and arabica coffee plantations, before entering the National Park and walking below the towering cliffs towards the falls.

You cross a bridge positioned directly below the falls — where the Dirigana River drops 61 metres to the valley floor — offering spectacular photographic opportunities with mist all around you. After the bridge you cross to the end of the cliff face and climb above the falls via thoughtfully built switchbacks with fantastic views of the community far below.

The route continues up into montane forest with giant Podocarpus trees and climbing vines. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a rest shelter near the river before making your way back to Basecamp.

61 m Waterfall Bridge Under Falls Montane Forest River Lunch Spot Coffee Plantations Valley Panoramas
Nabunyifu Falls on the Sasa Trail, Mt Elgon
New Trail

Dirigana Falls — brand-new trail

Route B begins at ETS Basecamp and crosses through coffee plantations to the Gasawa steel ladders just above Bugiboni Village. There are some steep sections above the ladders before it flattens out through the community, where the main livelihoods are coffee, onions, potatoes and maize.

If conditions allow, you may ride a boda boda to 2,070 m to save energy for the National Park. From the park boundary the trail climbs below Dirigana Falls — flanked by sheer cliffs — with a large rock shelter available in case of rain. You stand beneath the falls for spectacular close-up photographs before ascending the new switchbacks to the top of the escarpment.

This is a completely new trail never before accessible to tourists. At the top you enter montane forest with enormous Podocarpus trees. About 2 km on, a bridge crosses the Dirigana River at a beautiful lunch spot, where you enjoy your packed meal before descending to Basecamp.

Gasawa Steel Ladders 61 m Dirigana Falls Rock Shelter Giant Podocarpus Trees Cliff-top Panoramas Dirigana River Bridge
Bridge over Dirigana River on the Sasa Trail

Highlights

Some of the things you will explore

Nabunyifu & Dirigana Falls
A 61-metre waterfall where the Dirigana River drops from the escarpment. Stand at the base for a truly spectacular view — and get wet!
Bridge Below the Falls
Cross a bridge positioned directly beneath the cascading falls — one of the most photogenic spots on the whole Sasa Trail.
Giant Podocarpus Forest
Enter the montane forest zone with towering Podocarpus trees, thick climbing vines, and the sounds of endemic Mt Elgon wildlife.
Arabica Coffee Farms
Walk through lush coffee plantations — the lifeblood of the Bugiboni community — and learn how local farmers cultivate Uganda's famous arabica beans.
Authentic Community Life
Pass through local homes and gardens, see farmers carrying heavy potato loads to market, and gain a genuine insight into the mountain communities.
Gasawa Steel Ladders
An exciting section via fixed steel ladders up the escarpment face above Bugiboni Village — a unique feature found nowhere else in Uganda.
Bamboo Regeneration Zone
Witness the recovery of the bamboo belt on the Sasa Trail — a conservation success story unfolding across the slopes of Mt Elgon.
Riverside Lunch Spot
Enjoy a delicious packed lunch at a rest shelter near the Dirigana River — chicken or ham & cheese roll, fresh fruit, juice, and a hot tea or coffee.

What's Covered

Inclusions & exclusions

  Included
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Packed lunch (roll, fruit, juice, hot drink)
  • Elgon Trekking Services trek fees ($35)
  • National Park entrance & camping fees ($35)
  • Forest entry & UWA ranger assistance
  • Two route options to choose from
  • Optional boda boda to 2,070 m start point
  Not Included
  • Transport to/from Mbale or Budadiri
  • Pre-night accommodation
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips & gratuities (appreciated)
  • Personal hiking gear & equipment
  • Drinks beyond packed-lunch provision
1 Day Forest Walk & Waterfalls
$ 70 / person
All-inclusive of trek fees and national park entry
Trekking fees $35
National Park fees (per night) $35
Total per person $70
 Guide & packed lunch are included in the trekking fee. National Park fees go directly to Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Book This Trek

Before You Go

Practical tips

01
Accommodation
Pre-night stay in Mbale town or a lodge overlooking Sipi Falls recommended for an early departure to catch the 8:00 am UWA start.
02
Wet Season
Expect slippery trails in heavy rain. A light waterproof jacket and good grip boots are essential year-round on Mt Elgon.
03
What to Bring
Hiking boots, rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, and a small day pack. Drinking water is available along the trail.
04
Boda Boda Option
On Route B, you can ride a motorcycle taxi to 2,070 m to save time and energy — a good option when it is not raining.
05
Photography
The bridge directly below Nabunyifu Falls is the best photo spot on the whole trail — bring a waterproof cover for your camera.
06
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required. Switchbacks and steel ladders mean some steep climbing, but it is well within reach for most hikers.

Ready?

Book your one day adventure
on Mt Elgon

Contact us to check availability and secure your spot. Group bookings welcome — we'll tailor the experience to your pace.