Help Ugandan teenagers to Mount Elgon peak

Aim

The team from the Butterfly Project want to raise awareness of wildlife conservation in Uganda, while reaching the top of Mt Elgon's Wagagai

The Butterfly Project is a project that trains young Ugandans to be social entrepreneurs and changemakers.  Its main purpose over the last few years has been raise the awareness of environmental issues and, in particular, wildlife conservation.  So this inspirational projects aims to achieve outcomes in a number of different areas:

1. Build the self esteem of our trainees by enabling them to have a lifetime memory of climbing one of the largest mountains in East Africa.

2. Teach them to develop a fundraiser for a project that they are passionate about, as well as design a compelling project which has wide-ranging social impact

3. Raise the awareness among young people in Uganda of the importance of conserving wildlife  by learning on this journey and writing blogs about their experience.

REASON FOR GOING TO MOUNT ELGON HIKE

Am Dickens Ebong one of the cohort six members leading in the fund raising for the mount elgon hiking trip. The main reason that I have and that is making me to be interested in this hiking are include

 To adventure and physical fitness. I have heard of many interesting stories that people come with after an adventure like seeing the world's largest volcanic baseor caldera and by climbing the mountain, people gain fitness since they will be doing exercise.

 To explore nature and wildlife. People say Mount Elgon has beautiful landscape, forest, waterfalls,unique plants and wildlife which helps in study purposes by getting to know about other unique plants.

  To boost teamwork and social connections. This is by strengthening friendship, developing teamwork, building trust, and learning how to support  one another during challenging times.

Ronald Ocaya

The main reasons why I would like to visit Mount Elgon are the following;

To learn about the wildlife of Mount Elgon.

To learn the culture of the people around mount Elgon and to strengthen cooperation and team work between cohort six members.

Emmanuel Obong

Mt. Elgon has got quite an adventure in where many people would feel like going there. Going to the Elgon will help me to learn about the animal migration where some animals migrate to Kenya because of unfavourable conditions, going to Elgon will also help me to know how people around co-exist with the animals, and also the different species.

Daniel Ducu

My objectives of going to Mount Elgon are  to experience hiking for the first time I'm my life and have the real sense of hard work to reach Wagagai. 

To feel the temperature at the peak with nice beautiful scenery.

To have a view of Elgon's caldera, flora and fauna and the nature at the Elgon region eg Forest elephants

Ambrose Agwe. 

My main reason that is making me interested in this trip is cultural touring. This is because there is a lot to learn about the cultures, traditions and the ways of life of community members living around mount Elgon.

Ceaser Okene.

My main reasons are; to study more about the rare species on mount elgon, To study and know about the challenges facing the different wildlife and birds around mount elgon and suggesting the possible solutions to the challenges.

Emmy Opota

The main reasons that is making me interested in going to Mt Elgon are  to explore the peak of Mt Elgon, to tour the exciting physical features, to findout the climatic factors of the area, To findout the economic activities carriedout within mount Elgon, to findout the cultural practices carriedout within the area of Mt Elgon.

Daniel Owiny

      This trip to Mt. Elgon is really a very impressive one since I myself have grown in an area where there is no mountain and ever since I have been dreaming about reaching on top of many and many mountains, this could be the first step towards achieving my dream. Discovering different species of animals, birds and plants found around the mountain is what I am looking forward to on this trip to Mt Elgon.

     Discovering what our teacher for biology taught us about low concentration of oxygen around the mountains is what I am looking forward to experiencing.

Colline Atim

The most reasons for the tour to Mt Elgon is for study purpose, this can help to prove wether the things taught in the classroom are true or false, to inspire the rest of the world that the act of exploring more, it cannot only be mountain but also other physical features, To interact with people outside and promote the spririt of socialisation.

Sharon Akullu

My objectives are to find out the major physical features around Mt. Elgon, find out the problem facing the people living near mt. Elgon, to find out the factors that have led to the development of mt. Elgon as a tourism site, to find out the land use activities that are carried out around Mt. Elgon.

Samantha Hope

My reasons for the trip includes, Learning about the different animals living around mt. Elgon, to study about climate and weather in the Elgon region, to study about the type of farming and types of crops grown around mt. Elgon, To inquire about the language used at the hiking site. 

Andrew Nyero

The reasons for going for Mt Elgon trip include;

To understand human- wildlife coexistence strategies practiced by the local communities surrounding the park. And find out how human-wildlife conflict is deterred without harming wildlife,

To Learn about the sustainable land management systems practiced for controlling other calamity occurrences,To find out the conservation mechanisms used to restore lost habitats,To have a clear view of animal travel corridor between Uganda and Kenya at the boundary of the two East African countries

Lydia Abonyo

   My main reasons are ;

To carry out research (study purposes) for example how Mt Elgon was formed ( historical background) because some of them are examinable. So this helps for fast remembrance hence excelling in exams. 

 To relax the mind. During the tour we are going to see many things both living and non living things. We are going to have fun. Through this trip, we are going to tour a new place e.g. that will be my first time seeing mount Elgon since I was born so this will help me have experience.

Our Hiking Route

Our Mount Elgon adventure will take us on a three-day hiking journey through the beautiful landscapes of Mount Elgon National Park in eastern Uganda. Using our route map, we will follow the planned trail, explore the mountain’s natural beauty, and experience its unique vegetation, wildlife, and scenic views.

During the hike, we hope to discover different natural features along the route, learn about the importance of protecting the environment, and appreciate Uganda’s rich biodiversity. We will travel as a team, supporting one another throughout the journey and learning valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and environmental conservation.

DAY PLAN 

Day 1:

A motorcycle ride  from the hotel (in Bududa) to Bushiyi Ranger Post which is run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. After checking in, briefing  on the activity, and meeting the chef, guides, rangers and porters, start hiking towards Dubi Camp which is 19 kilometres away.  have a lunch break at Shilonko camp. The first day ends at Dubi camp where you’ll spend the night.

Day 2:

On the second day, have breakfast at Dubi camp and take the 9km hike to Wagagai peak. Move from heather zone to moorland, enjoy the beautiful scenery and feel a sense of freedom as you walk over the soft grassland.

At the summit, feel a sense of accomplishment, having conquered the eight highest peak in Africa. After the long hike,  feel exhausted but happy at the same time since you’ve reached the destination.

Enjoy the picturesque view, take some photos and relax for a while before descending to Dubi camp.  Relax and calm down as the sun sets. After the dinner, enjoy the second last day in the forest and get some good rest.

Day 3:

Finally, descend to Bushiyi ranger post. This will mark the end of your stay in the forest. Check out at the ranger post and head on to your next destination.

EVENING AFTER WALK ACTIVITIES

Day 1

Activities

1. Two Truths and a Lie

Each person says three things about themselves; others guess the lie.

Helps people learn interesting things about each other.

2. Partner Introduction

Pair people who don't know each other. They interview each other and introduce their partner to the group.

Builds communication and helps people remember names and stories.

3. Singing 

Group songs, traditional dances.

Creates happiness, reduces shyness and strengthens group spirit.

4. Storytelling Circle

Everyone shares a funny, memorable or inspiring personal story.

Helps participants understand each other's experiences.

Day 2

1. Compliment Circle

Participants give positive compliments or appreciation to one another.

Builds confidence, friendship and a positive atmosphere.

2. Fun Outdoor Games

tug-of-war, treasure hunts

Creates excitement and encourages interaction.

3. “Get to Know Me” Session

Each person shares their interests, dreams, talents and something people may not know about them.

Helps participants understand one another more deeply.

4. Talent Show

Participants showcase singing, dancing, poetry, comedy, storytelling or other talents.

Builds confidence and gives everyone an opportunity to shine.

Day 3

1. Evening talk

Songs, stories, jokes, evening gathering.

Creates a strong feeling of togetherness and belonging.

2. Gratitude Session

Everyone mentions something they enjoyed or someone they appreciate during the hike.

Promotes positivity and strengthens relationships.

3. Secret Friend Activity

Each participant secretly supports or encourages another person during the trip.

Encourages kindness and creates new friendships.

4. Group Reflection

Discuss: What did I learn about someone today? What made me happy?

Deepens connections and encourages meaningful conversations.

5. Closing Circle

Everyone shares their favourite moment and one person they are happy to have met.

Ends the hike with appreciation, unity and strong memories.

FLORA AND FAUNA ON THE JOURNEY

A population of African bush elephants is present around the mountain that ventures deep into caves to access salt licks. This population was formerly present around the entire mountain, but has since been reduced to the Kenyan side, where they venture into Kitum Cave.[14]

There are several disjunct populations of mammal species that are restricted to Mount Elgon, including the Elgon shrew (Crocidura elgonius), Rudd's mole-rat (Tachyoryctes ruddi), and Thomas's pygmy mouse (Mus sorella). There are also several disjunct populations of rare bird species, including Sharpe's longclaw (Macronyx sharpei), Hunter's cisticola (Cisticola hunteri), Jackson's spurfowl (Pternistis jacksoni), and the Elgon francolin (Scleroptila elgonensis).[15]

An endemic subspecies of the bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus heterochrous) is restricted to the mountain. The possibly extinct Du Toit's torrent frog (Arthroleptides dutoiti), considered an EDGE species due to its evolutionary distinctiveness, is known only from a single specimen collected on the Kenyan side of the mountain.[16]

Some rare plants are found on the mountain, including Ardisiandra wettsteinii, Carduus afromontanus, Echinops hoehnelii, Ranunculus keniensis, and Romulea keniensis.[17]

Ardisiandra

 On fauna, there is also this African Buffalo that is very exciting to see. A lot of people from the part of the country always fail to get the chance of seeing the beauty of the animals making them to know theoretically only. Learning and knowing about these species always make people to know how to coexist with the animals and birds.

African Buffalo

Mount elgon has got also black and white colobuses which is mostly identified by their physical appearance which is black and white. People say that the most exciting and surprising thing about black and white colobus monkeys is that their bright snow white babies act as a visual signal for a community babysitting system called alloparenting 

Black and white colobus

BUDGET

The participants for the Mount Elgon hike is 16 which includes 13 cohort six members, and three teachers.

Trekking package – €255.81 per person for 16 people

The €255.81 covers the following services for the three-day Mount Elgon trekking trip which includes the following;

- Hiking fee for (3 days)

- Two porters for (3 days)

- Cook for (3 days)

- Camping fee for (2 nights)

- Tent for (2 nights)

- Sleeping bag and mat for (2 nights)

- Food and water for (3 days)

- Boda boda facilitation (to and from)

- Accommodation (1 night, bed and breakfast)

Total trekking package: €255.81 per person × 16 participants = €4,093.02.

Other essential items and expenses for 16 members.

T-shirts – €3.49 per person for 16 people (€55.81 total).

The T-shirts will help identify participants as one group during the Mount Elgon hiking trip.

Backpacks – €13.95 per person (€223.26 total).

Backpacks are essential for carrying personal belongings, drinking water, extra clothing and other necessary supplies throughout the hike.

Power banks – €10.47 each (€52.33 for 5 units).

Power banks will help keep phones charged for communication, navigation and taking pictures or photos.

Rain jackets or coats – €10.47 per person (€167.44 total).These will protect participants from rain and wind and help them remain comfortable in changing mountain weather.

Hiking boots – €18.60 per person (€297.67 total).

Hiking boots provide grip, support and protection when walking on steep, rocky areas. This is to reduce the risk of accident during the hike.

Water bottles – €4.65 per person (€74.42 total).

Reusable water bottles will enable participants to carry drinking water and maintain proper hydration during the hike.

Warm sweaters – €9.30 per person (€148.84 total).

Sweaters will help participants stay warm in cold mountain conditions, especially at higher peak and during the night since the temperature tends to be low at some point.

Head torches – €9.30 per person (€148.84 total).

Head torches provide hands-free lighting during evening activities and movement in dark conditions.

Sunglasses – €3.49 per person (€55.81 total).

Sunglasses help protect participants' eyes from dust and wind.

Other travel expenses

Fuel to and from Mount Elgon – €186.05.

This will cover fuel costs for transporting the participants to Mount Elgon and back home.

This is due to the increasing prices of the fuel in Uganda.

Medical items – €46.51

The medical budget will be used to purchase essential first-aid supplies, such as bandages, pain-relief medicines, plasters, gloves and other basic medical items. These supplies will help provide immediate first aid for minor injuries, blisters, cuts and other common health problems that may occur during the three-day Mount Elgon hike.

Feeding to and from – €111.63.

This amount will provide meals for the 16 participants during the outward and return journeys, at €3.49 per person per journey.

Emergency fund – €46.51.

This money will be reserved for unexpected expenses, such as repair due to mechanical issue.

Grand total: €5338

As part of our fundraising efforts, we are creating beautiful paintings to sell and raise money for our Mount Elgon hiking expedition.

Although the money raised from our artwork may not cover most of the costs, every painting sold will help cover some of our expenses and bring us closer to our goal. We believe that small contributions, creativity, and teamwork can make a meaningful difference.

You can support us also by purchasing our paintings or sharing our campaign with others.

Bread and Cake Production

In addition to selling paintings, we are planning to start a small baking business to generate more funds for our Mount Elgon hiking project. We aim to produce bread for supply to the school canteen and other local shops, with the intention of gradually expanding production as the business grows.

We also plan to bake cakes on special order for school events, celebrations, and other programmes both within and outside the school. Customers will place their orders, and we will bake and supply cakes to individuals, schools, and other customers in the market.

We made quite a number of things which includes the banana cakes make in the shape of Mount Elgon, round ginger cookies, star ginger cookies and ice doughnuts during our parents visitation day which was on the 31st Saturday. Most of the parents that decided to buy found it so delicious.

Through this initiative, we hope to raise additional funds, develop practical business skills, and build a sustainable income-generating activity that can grow over time. Although the business may not cover all our hiking expenses, every contribution from these activities will help us move closer to achieving our goal.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 8th December 2026 at 10:14am