Wanale Ridge is a breathtaking tourist spot in Mbale. A lot of travellers are beaconed from afar by this massive ridge which is often mistaken for mountain Elgon; for new visitors to Mbale city.
Wanale Ridge or Nkokonjeru Hill; as Semei Kakungulu named it due to its shimmering rocks and the white waterfalls, offers an exhilarating adventure and spectacular views.
Wanale Ridge is visible from far away in Mbale city and the surrounding areas, it is because it is about 6864ft above sea level. Traditionally, wanale ridge or Hill is sacred for the Bagisu tribe, who believe in the cultural folklore about the ridge.
It is believed that the circumcision of males began on Wanale Hill when the Kalenjin woman that Masaba wanted to marry demanded that he first get circumcised and thus the ritual of male circumcision as the way into manhood. It is also believed that the name Wanale is derived from Masaba’s first son who lived in one of Wanale Hill caves.
For all adventure lovers, Wanale Hill poses such a challenge for hiking safaris to Mbale which is combined with Sipi Falls to make an “ultimate ninja challenge”. The wanale hill hiking journey starts amidst banana plantations and through a Bagisu village.
The hike to Wanale waterfalls, also known as Namatsyo, the first waterfalls, before its fall, is a 25-minute walk filled with cultural encounters and natural beauty. You can enjoy the view of Mbale city as you elevate during the first waterfalls hike on Wanale Ridge.
Climbing and Views at Wanale
Ascending Wanale Ridge reveals the region’s untamed beauty. The steep climb leads to an awe-inspiring viewpoint at 1,749 meters. Here, panoramic views of Mbale Town and the districts of Sironko, Kumi, and Bukedea and the exhilarating view of the eastern undulating hills, unfold.
The experience is enriched by refreshing local pools and encounters with fellow hikers; you can carry your swimming gear in case of need to dive in one of the pools as you climb the wanale hill/ ridge.
Cultural Insights and Local Art
The journey continues to the historic ‘Whakwhasi’ cave and through Mount Elgon National Park’s boundary; also Wanale Hill is a foothill of the great mountain Elgon, in the region, marked by a distinctive tree line.
As you hike up, on each elevation, you will encounter painted houses of the local bagisu. The Bagisu’s vibrant culture is showcased in their holiday-themed wall paintings, illustrating important events like the birth of Jesus and Easter celebrations. These artistic expressions offer a unique glimpse into local traditions and history.
Taking photos of the different paintings can add value to your African cultural encounter gallery.
More than just a hike in Mbale
The descent, though challenging, is an exhilarating end to the Wanale adventure. The descent of Wanale Hill is termed by the locales as the ladder of the brave.
Wanale Hill is not all as Mbale’s surprises extend beyond hiking, with the discovery of a local zoo, home to monkeys, snakes, and camels; it is a small place, but the short visit adds a lot to the experience of all the travelers to Mbale city.
Mbale Zoo, though small, is a must-visit, especially for families, and is currently expanding its offerings, hinting at future savannah mammal exhibits. The Wanale Ridge experience in Mbale is a blend of adventure, culture, and natural splendor, not to be missed.
Where to stay during the Wanale Hill adventure
Mbale City has many accommodation facilities from budget to luxury hotels and cozy amenities to make your stay memorable. However, if you wish to experience a more epic adventure, the cozy resorts and cottages on Wanale Hill offer the best choice of accommodation in that case.
Some of the hotels and lodges in Mbale include Breks eco-lodges, Marina Terraces Hotel, Wanale Falls Lodge, and Friends Inn and Gardens.
The accommodation in Mbale city is cozy and comfortable for everyone looking for a modern touch to their experience.
Alternatively, the authentic cottages on Wanale Hill/Ridge offer an epic element to your nights, as the swash of the falling waters and the rapids create a background lullaby to your sleep and serenity during the day.
Where to stay during the Wanale Hill adventure
Reaching Mbale City, the location of Wanale Ridge/hill, the drive will take about 15-30 minutes to Wanale Hill which is located about 6km from Mbale town.
Mbale is located in eastern Uganda and is a renowned tourist town, especially for Mount Elgon safaris and Sipi Falls tours and safaris. Via Jinja Highway road, it’s about 5hrs drive over a distance of approximately 223 kilometers.
However with the enroute to Jinja, for visits to the source of the Nile; an adventurous spot of Uganda, for white water rafting, bungee jumping and more, the duration of the journey can be a bit lengthened, but still for a heightened experience for your Uganda safari.
