Tororo Rock

Tororo Rock is the plug of an extinct volcano standing about three hundred metres above the plain and rising directly out of the town of Tororo near the Kenyan border, a bare grey cone visible for a long way. A path with steps and ladders climbs it in about an hour, and from the top the view runs over the town, the surrounding plains, Mount Elgon to the north and into Kenya. Rock climbing routes have been put up on the steeper faces.

Background

The rock rises some 5 kilometres from the town's central business district, to the southeast, and reaches 4865 feet, while the town averages 4189 feet, so the summit stands 676 feet above downtown. Four ladders carry the path up the final sections, though the walk needs no climbing skill. A guide is recommended, and as of December 2017 non-nationals paid USh 10,000 each. The summit holds a radio mast with its power substation, along with cell towers of Airtel Uganda, MTN Uganda and Uganda Telecom. A cable car was also built here, but it has been closed and unused for a number of years.

Source: Wikipedia, "Tororo Rock"

What's there

• The climb - a stepped path with ladders reaching the summit in about an hour.
• The summit view - Tororo, the plains, Mount Elgon and Kenya from the top.
• The volcanic plug - a bare cone standing three hundred metres above the plain.
• The climbing routes - bolted routes on the steeper faces.

When to go

June to September and December to March are driest. Early morning is coolest and clearest for the climb. The rock is dangerous in wet weather.

What to expect

The path includes exposed sections and ladders that are not for anyone uneasy with heights. The rock is slippery and dangerous when wet. There is no shade on the climb.

Nearby

Tororo is below, and Mount Elgon is north.

Key facts