Located on the Kenyan-Ugandan border, it is named after Mount Elgon an extinct shield volcano which first erupted more than 24 million years ago. Mount Elgon has the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world and its 4,321m peak is the eighth highest in Africa. Of the park’s 1,279km² surface area, the Ugandan section covers 1,110km² whilst the smaller Kenyan section covers 169km². It is a national park in Kenya and Uganda that lies 140 kilometers (87 mi) northeast of Lake Victoria. The park covers an area of 1,279 square kilometers (494 sq mi).
It is uniquely split down the middle by the Kenyan-Ugandan border. Mount Elgon is an important water catchment for the Nzoia River which flows to Lake Victoria and for the Turkwel River known as the Suam River in Uganda which flows into Lake Turkana. Elgon’s slopes support a rich variety of vegetation ranging from montane forest to high open moorland studded with giant lobelia, groundsel and heather plants. The vegetation varies with elevation. The mountain slopes are covered with Elgon olive.
It is home to 2 tribes, the Sabiny and the Bagisu. The Sabiny speak Sebei, a Nilotic language and the Bagisu speak a dialect of the Lumasaba language called Lugisu.The Bagisu believe that Mount Elgon is the manifestation of their founding father, Masaba, and call the mountain by this name. Both tribes undertake subsistence farming
Wildlife in the park.
Mammals
Elephants and buffalo frequent the lower slopes. The park is also home to a variety of small antelope and duiker as well as forest monkeys including the black-and-white colobus and blue monkey. Red-tailed monkeys have been reported after being thought to be locally extinct. Both leopards and hyenas exist there.
Birds
Mount Elgon is home to at least 144 bird species. Of particular interest are Jackson’s spurfowl the eastern bronze-naped pigeon, Hartlaub’s turaco, the Tacazze sunbird and the endangered lammergeier, due to their restricted range.[7]
The land around Mount Elgon was managed based on indigenous power structures and rules that forbade certain excessive utilization of natural resources on the communally owned upper elevations of the mountain. Demand for these resources was met sustainably because the human population density in the surrounding area was many times smaller than it is today.
Things to do at Mount Elgon National Park
Hiking
Mount Elgon’s hiking trails are one of its major attractions. Unlike other climbs in East Africa, Mount Elgon’s trails are accessible throughout the year and they require no specialist climbing equipment.
Mount Elgon’s hiking trails are less congested than other hiking trails in East Africa, allowing one to enjoy its stunning scenery without any distractions. Mount Elgon has 3 main hiking trails which vary in length and difficulty.
Hiking Trails
The Sasa trail, the shortest but most challenging trail is a four-day round trip. This is the original route to Wagagai, Mount Elgon’s 4,321m peak. The trail begins in the town of Budadiri in the Eastern Region of Uganda at an altitude of 1,250m. The first day involves a tough ascent of 1,650m. The trail then enters the forest and you reach Mudangi Cliffs which are climbed using ladders. Next, there’s a 2.5-hour walk through the picturesque bamboo forest. Day 2 features a gentler walk and you will reach Wagagai on Day 3.
The Piswa Trail
A less strenuous but longer alternative to the Sasa Trail. It covers c.49km across 7 days. The trail begins at the village of Kapkwata on the north side of the mountain at an altitude of 2,190m. The trail is famous for its breathtaking views of Uganda’s Karamoja Plains and Kenya’s Kapeguria and Nandi Hills.
The Sipi Trail
The longest trail covers 56km and takes around 4-6 days to complete. The trail begins at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre just a few kilometers from Sipi Falls. One of its highlights is the section through Tatum Cave which is famous for its ancient cave paintings.
Day Hikes
The Forest Exploration Centre has opened 3 shorter trails which are only 3-7km. These trails are perfect for less experienced hikers and travelers who want to get a taste of Mount Elgon’s beautiful landscape and wildlife within a short period.
Mountain Biking
In 2012, the Uganda Wildlife Authority opened mountain biking trails. Bikes can be rented from Sipi River Lodge. One 1 ½ hour trail runs from Sipi Trading Centre at an altitude of 1,775m to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa.
Bird Watching
The Park contains over 300 species of bird and it has been recognized as an important bird area.
Getting to Mount Elgon National Park
From Kampala, the journey from Kampala to Mount Elgon National Park is around 235km. The first leg is on a tarmac road that runs from Jinja to Mbale, a city in the Eastern Region of Uganda. The road then climbs to Kapchorwa on Mount Elgon’s north-western side.
The second leg of the journey is on dirt roads that lead off the Mbale-Kapchorwa road to reach the various trailheads. Located in the suburbs of Mbale, this mid-range accommodation was converted from an old colonial building in the 1950s. Mount Elgon Hotel offers 3 types of accommodation, Junior Rooms, Superior Rooms, and Executive Suites. The Executive Suites have hosted several VIP guests, including politicians and members of royal families.
The dining scene at Mount Elgon National Park offers a unique culinary experience for visitors, combining traditional Ugandan dishes with modern twists. From cozy outdoor cafes serving freshly brewed Ugandan coffee to vibrant street food stalls offering local delicacies, visitors can indulge in a variety of flavors and aromas.
For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, there are also fine dining restaurants that showcase the rich diversity of Ugandan cuisine. Whether you’re craving a hearty bowl of matoke or a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed passion fruit juice, Mount Elgon National Park’s dining scene has something for every palate.
4-day itinerary for a trip from Kampala to Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda
Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Mount Elgon National Park
Distance: Approximately 5-6 hours (about 250-300 km)
Accommodation: Stay in the lodges Sipi River Lodge Hotel.
Early Morning: Depart from Kampala after breakfast, traveling east towards Mount Elgon National Park.
Stopover: Stop for a lunch break at Mbale town.
Afternoon: Arrive in the park area and check in to your accommodation.
Evening: Relax and enjoy a sunset view of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.
Dinner: Enjoy a local dinner at the accommodation.
Day 2: Explore Sipi Falls
Accommodation: Stay overnight near Sipi Falls.
Morning: After breakfast, head to Sipi Falls, a popular attraction near the park. Enjoy a hike to explore the three scenic waterfalls (the lower, middle, and upper falls).
Optional: A guide can take you on a tour of the falls, explaining the area’s history, flora, and fauna.
Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit local villages around the falls for a cultural experience, learn about the indigenous tribes like the Bagisu and see how they live.
Evening: Return to your accommodation and relax.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at accommodation or a local eatery.
Day 3: Hike to the Summit of Mount Elgon
Accommodation: Overnight in a lodge or camp near the park.
Early Morning: After an early breakfast, head to the starting point of the hiking trails in Mount Elgon National Park.
Shorter Hike Option (4-6 hours): Hike to the summit of Wagagai the highest peak of Mount Elgon. You can do this with a park ranger or guide. You’ll trek through lush forests, bamboo, and alpine zones.
Longer Hike Option (Multi-day): For a more challenging option, a longer hike that may span 2-3 days will take you through more remote parts of the mountain.
Lunch: Picnic or lunch at a scenic spot during the hike.
Afternoon: Continue hiking, or if you opt for a shorter hike, return to the base of the mountain in the afternoon.
Evening: Enjoy a well-deserved rest at your accommodation.
Day 4: Departure Back to Kampala
Morning: After breakfast, relax in the morning and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Optional: Visit the local market in Kapchorwa or explore more of the surroundings.
Lunch: Have a light lunch before preparing for the journey back.
Afternoon: Depart for Kampala, aiming to arrive by evening.
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