Budadiri town is located in eastern Uganda near Sironko district, approximately 215km (133mi) from Kampala city, the capital of Uganda. Budadiri town is one of the urban major centres in Sironko district and it’s about 13km (8.1mi) by road southeast of Sironko’s district headquarters. The town is situated at the foothills of Mount Elgon and is a popular staging area on a base camp for climbers who would like to scale the mountain.
Accessibility of Budadiri Town
Budadiri is where the hike to Mount Elgon starts from. It is about another 1 hours drive into the national park down some pretty bumpy dirty roads where a Pajero 4×4 wheel drive is required! There are two (2) ways to get from Mbale to Budadiri, but the better route takes you along a relatively good road up to Sironko. While Budadiri can be quite hard to reach, it is however easy to find on your way back.
Nearby Attractions
Depending on your travel schedule, you might want to pay a visit to some nearby towns, including Bulambuli, Sironko, Bududa, Manafwa and Mbale town. To further explore this place, you can visit Sipi Trading Centre located in Eastern Uganda which lies about 60km from Mbale on the Kapchorwa – Suam road. Sipi Trading Centre derives its name from Sipi Falls which are approximately 20 minutes away after reaching the trading centre.
Sipi Trading Centre is the most popular walking trail to Sipi Falls because in only 20 minutes in either direction, behind the post office, you will be led to the base of the main waterfall.
Most travelers who visit Mount Elgon National Park, have also expressed interest in hiking Rwenzori Mountains situated in western Uganda. That is about 440km west of Kampala city, along the equator crossing. In the districts of Kabarole, Kasese and Bundibugyo rests Africa’s third highest mountain, the Rwenzori.
After visiting Mount Elgon National Park, you can extend your journey with an amazing wildlife game drive in the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park or extend further west for a wildlife safari to Murchison Falls National Park. Here, you will encounter the Big 5 including the rhinos, African elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards, making Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife reserve. You can also opt for the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.