Lying 256 kms north east of Kampala, bordering with Kenya in eastern Uganda, Mount. Elgon covers an area of 1155 sq. kms. It offers a diverse variety of scenery, vegetation and cultures. Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano with a gradual slopes to the crater rim, lying at 4,321 metres above sea level. Mountaineering skills are not required. The whole region is excellent for hikers and climbers, with caves, rock painting, gorges, waterfalls providing excellent scenery. Sipi Falls, at the foothills of the mountain is a favourite destination.
At 4,000km² Moun Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna.
This National park is 140 km north of Lake Victoria. It covers an area of 1, 279 sq km and is divided by the border of Kenya and Uganda. The Ugandan part of it also covers 1,110 sq Km and that of Kenya covers 169 sq km and the Kenyan part was gazetted in 1968 and that of Uganda in 1992. This national park was also named after Mount Elgon as an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya.
The National park is divided down the middle by the Kenyan Ugandan boarder and it’s an important water catchment for the Nzoia River that flows to the Lake Victoria and for the Turkwel River that flows into Lake Turkana. The climate is also moist to moderate dry and the annual rainfall received here is 270mm, the dry season also runs from June to August and from December to March but it can rain anytime.
Species
Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. Small antelopes, forest monkeys, elephants and buffaloes also live on the mountainside. The Mount Elgon National Park has a variety of small game including, duiker, hyena, leopard, chimpanzee, buffalo and elephant and numerous species of birdlife.
The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.
A climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40km² caldera.
Park at a Glance
Size: 1,121km²
This extinct volcano is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 million years ago.
Mt Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent.
Mount Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet.
The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name.
Mount Elgon slopes also support variety of vegetation that ranges from Montane forest to the high open moorland that is studded with the giant lobelia and the groundsel plants. This vegetation also varies with the altitude and the mountain slopes are covered with the olive olea, wet montane forest. at the higher altitude it changes to Olive, bamboo heaths and the giant groundsels.
The main diversity of the park also includes the Juniper and Elgon olive trees, giant podocarpus, the pure stands of the podocarpus gracilior and many orchids. There are also elephants, buffaloes, small antelopes, duikers, forest monkeys, black and white colobus, blue monkey, red tailed monkeys, as well as lions and leopards.Mounta Elgon is also home to over 144 bird species and some of these include; eastern bronze naped pigeon, the Jackson’S Francolin, the Lammergeier as well as the Hartleaub’s Turaco.
The invertebrates found here also include the endangered dragonfly, the Mathaais long leg that was discovered in 2005 and was named after Nobel Prize winner Wangari Mathaai. The park has also got many butterfly species.
About the conservation management, the land around Mount Elgon was managed based on the indigenous power structures and the rules that refused certain utilization of the natural resources on the communally owned upper elevations of the mountain. This national park was gazetted in 1929 and became Mount Elgon crown Forest in 1940 and in 1951 became a central Forest Reserve.
The main attractions found here include the fauna and flora and the park has got scenery that includes the cliffs, caves, gorges, waterfalls, calderas, the hot springs and the mountain peaks. And the most common areas are the 4 explorable caves where you can find the frequent night visitors like the elephants and the buffaloes who come to lick the natural salts that are found on the cave walls. There are also the panoramic views of the area escarpments, the gorges, mesas and the rivers. The main activities here include; the vehicle circuits that lead to animal viewing areas, the self-guided walking trails, the hiking to the endebees bluff, the primate and bird watching tours, the cave adventures and the camping photography.
Things to Do in Mount Elgon Forest Reserve
Hikes On Mount Elgon Forest Reserve
Forest climbing requires one to be reasonably fit and can be climbed any time of the year, done with guidance of well trained and experienced armed guides and tour guides.
There are two main trails in the forest namely the Sasa and the Piswa and any combination of these two is possible depending on your fitness, interest, and time available. Ideally you should allow at least four days which includes climbing to the highest peak, Wagagi.
Although the six -day trip is more comprehensive, also allowing you to visit the caldera and climb Jackson’s point the second highest peak.
The cost of mountain hike is US$50 for the foreign nonresident and 40US$ for the foreign resident 50000 UGX for the East African residents.
Bird Watching Experience
Mount Elgon Forest is a haven for the bird lovers and Uganda’s paradise and should be must for one to do birding, it’s always done in two sessions in the morning because most birds have left their nests to go and search for food and afternoon hours when some birds are returning back.
Birding is done with the guidance of well trained and experienced armed rangers and guides, it rewards visitors with incredible sight at the bird species namely the white -collared olive back, grey parrot, fly catcher grey capped warbler, black bee eater, dusky long- tailed cuckoo, blue throated roller, blue headed sun bird white winged tern malachite, pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek papyrus canary, African mourning dove among others.
Also expect seeing a variety of butterfly species namely the great blue turaco butterfly, African queen butterflies, citrus swallow tail, giant swallow tail, green-banded swallow tail Uganda gilder that look so nicely dotted with attractive colors.
The cost of birding is 40US$ for the foreign nonresident and 30US$ for the foreign resident 30000 UGX for the East African residents
Guided Nature Walk
While at Mount Elgon Forest Reserve nature walk always begin at 7:30 and starts with the briefing about the dos and don’ts, it may last for about 2 to 5 hours gives you a chance to discover the hidden treasure while walking on foot while exploring the pristine rain forest.
Sighting varied monkey species like the vervet monkeys, white and black colobus, red-tailed monkey among others and birds like Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco dusky crimson wing, Rwenzori double collared sun bird handsome francolin among others for each trail reward endeavor’s uniqueness experience.
The cost of nature walk is 40US$ for the foreign nonresident and 30US$ for the foreign resident 30000 UGX for the East African residents
Guidelines for Visiting Mount Elgon National Park
Uganda’s Mount Elgon National Park provides a wide choice of outdoor pursuits for both adventure seekers and environment lovers. Wandering and exploring waterfalls are just two of the many ways the park’s breathtaking scenery and abundant species offer chances for learning. Mount Elgon National Park offers the following top activities:
Walks and Hikes
The world-class climbing and trekking possibilities on Mount Elgon suit hikers of all skill levels. Frequently used hiking trails consist of:
Saga Trail
Climb through the forest to the Sasa River Camp, which provides sweeping vistas of the surrounds.
Sipi Trail
Discover the stunning Sipi Falls and go to vantage points with views of the plains of Karamoja and the falls via verdant trees.
Canyon of Piswa
Travel through the bamboo and deep montane forest zones, where you will come upon a variety of plants and animals.
Accommodation
Nestled on the border between Kenya and Uganda, Mount Elgon provides a range of hotel choices for tourists touring the region.
There are five designated campsites at Sasa River, Mude Cave, Hunters Cave, Piswa Patrol Hut and Kapkwata with basic amenities. Visitors needs to carry their own tents and food. Our community accommodation facilities around this park are the Crows nest, Moses Campsite. Please see our community holidays. Kapkwata Guest House has three main rooms with a sleeping capacity for seven people. There are several hotels in Mbale town ranging in price and quality.
Notable lodges on Mount Elgon include:
African Sipi River Lodge:
Beautiful views of Mount Elgon and the Sipi Falls may be had from this lodge. It offers cozy lodging in cottages or safari tents together with a range of activities including bird watching, guided hikes, and cultural excursions to nearby villages.
Hotel Mbale Resort (Uganda)
Though it’s not on Mount Elgon itself, Mbale Resort Hotel in Mbale town makes a handy base from which to explore the mountain. A swimming pool and spa services are among the facilities the hotel provides along with cozy rooms and dining options.
Mountain Elgon Hotel (Kenya)
Situated in the Kenyan side of Mount Elgon, in the village of Kitale, the Mount Elgon Hotel offers lodging to those trekking the mountain. Along with food choices and convention facilities, it provides cozy rooms.
Rinnati Nature Resort, Kenya:
This resort provides lodging among Mount Elgon’s breathtaking scenery in the Cheptais area of Kenya. Activities available to visitors include bird watching, cultural encounters, and nature walks.
Summertime Camping:
A more daring experience might be had by camping on Mount Elgon. Both the Kenyan and Ugandan sides of the mountain have set aside camping spots. But be sure you get permission and adhere to the rules established by the relevant national park authorities.
Conveniently located bases for touring Mount Elgon and its environs, which include waterfalls, caverns, cultural sites, and a variety of flora and animals, are these resorts. In particular during the busiest travel seasons, it is advised to reserve lodging in advance.