Mt Elgon National Park: A List of the Top Things to Do and See

Located on the Kenyan-Ugandan border, Mt Elgon National Park was named after Uganda’s oldest geological formation, Elgon. It first erupted about 24 million years ago.

Mt Elgon National Park is named after the mountain, Elgon. It is one of Uganda’s oldest geological formations. The now-extinct volcano first erupted about 24 million years ago. It can be found on the Kenyan-Ugandan border.

With a peak elevation of 4,321 meters, Mount Elgon is the eighth-highest mountain in Africa and has the biggest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world.

The Ugandan section of Mt Elgon National Park occupies 1,110 km2 of its 1,279 km2 total surface area, while the smaller Kenyan section occupies 169 km2.

Fauna & Wildlife in the Mt Elgon National Park

A wide variety of wildlife may be seen in the Park, including rock and tree hyraxes, buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, elephant, oribi, bushbuck, duiker, forest hog, bush pig, leopard, civet and serval cats, spotted hyena, aardvark, and many rodent species. 

These creatures are, however, hardly seen in a woodland environment. Many animals live in Mount Elgon National Park. Elephants, buffalo, and a variety of tiny antelope live on Mount Elgon’s lower slopes.

Primates like the blue monkey and the black and white colobus monkey can be found in the deep highland forest. More than 300 different bird species, including the lammergeier and the Tacazze sunbird, may be found in the park.

The locals and their culture

The Sabiny and the Bagisu are two tribes that reside in Mt Elgon National Park. The Bagisu speak Lugisu, a Lumasaba dialect, and the Sabiny speak Sebei, a Nilotic language.

The Bagisu refer to the mountain as Mount Elgon because they think it represents their founding father, Masaba. Both tribes engage in subsistence agriculture.

The Forest Exploration Centre

At 13 kilometres away close to the Sipi village, you’ll find the centre. It serves as an educational resource for school groups that come to the park to conduct research. 

Additionally, it serves as the starting point for climbers’ hikes to the caldera on the Sipi path. Three circuits of three to seven kilometres each wind through the nearby regenerating forest, where visitors can explore caves, waterfalls, escarpments, and vistas, as well as see various birds and primates. 

There are several different bird species found in this area, including Hartlaub’s Turaco, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, African Hill Babbler, Lemon Dove, Dusky-Turtle Dove Alpine Chat, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Thick-billed Honey Guide, and Grey Cuckoo-Shrike.

Mt Elgon Caves

Beautiful caves created by flowing lava and the erosion of soft volcanic deposits may be seen all over the slopes of Mount Elgon. Kapkwai Cave and Khauka Cave on Wanale Ridge are the most well-known and conveniently accessible through the forest exploration centre. 

The residents and their animals have a cultural and historical connection to these caves. They once served as a shelter for the locals and their livestock. The caves have more recently been used by climbers and their respective potters who walk to the mountain’s summit.

 There are many campsites as well at Hunters Cave, Siyo Cave (next to the hot springs), Mude Cave, and Tutum Cave that allow hikers to go on overnight excursions.

Jackson’s Pool and Jackson’s Peak

Jackson’s Pool is a natural water hole that spans 4,050 meters and has shallow waters. This pool is shaded by Jackson’s Peak. It’s a free-standing volcanic plug rising from the mountain’s western face to a height of 4,165 meters.

Frederick Jackson, the first European explorer to trek to the Mountain’s peak in 1889, inspired the names of these features or landmarks. The people who live close to the park utilize Jackson’s Peak as a location or launching point to speak with their ancestors.

Tourist Activities to do at Mt Elgon National Park

Bird Watching

Over 300 different bird species can be found in Mt Elgon National Park. It has a large concentration of some of the rarest bird species. Bird lovers should keep an eye out for endangered species like the Lammergeier.

Additionally, keep an eye out for the African goshawk, the cinnamon-chested bee-eater, and the African blue flycatcher.

Hiking

One of Mount Elgon’s key attractions is its network of hiking trails. Different from most climbs in East Africa, Mount Elgon’s routes are open all year long and don’t call for specialized climbing gear.

Compared to other hiking paths in East Africa, Mount Elgon’s hiking trails are less crowded, allowing you to fully appreciate the area’s breathtaking beauty. There are three primary hiking trails on Mount Elgon. They all range in length and difficulty.

Different hiking trails on Mt Elgon

The Sasa Trail

The nearest but most difficult trail takes four days to complete. This is the traditional path to Wagagai, the 4,321-meter peak of Mount Elgon. 

At a height of 1,250 meters, the trail’s beginning is near the town of Budadiri in Uganda’s Eastern Region. The first day comprises a challenging 1,650m elevation. 

The trail next enters a forest, leading to the ladder-climbable Mudangi Cliffs. The next activity is a 2 to 5 hours stroll in a lovely bamboo forest. You will walk more leisurely on Day 2 and arrive in Wagagai on the 3rd day.

Piswa Trail

This is a longer and less taxing substitute for the Sasa Trail. In 7 days, you’ll travel around 49 kilometres. At a height of 2,190 meters, the trail’s beginning is at the Kapkwata settlement on the mountain’s northern flank. 

This trail is renowned for its breathtaking views of Kenya’s Kapeguria and Nandi Hills and Uganda’s Karamoja Plains.

Sipi Trail

It takes about 4-6 days to complete the Sipi Trail. At 56 kilometres, it’s the longest trail. The walk starts at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre, just a few kilometres from Sipi Falls. 

Tatum Cave’s portion, which is notable for its prehistoric cave drawings, is one of its highlights.

Daytime Hikes

The Forest Exploration Centre features three shorter routes that range in length from 3 to 7 kilometres. These routes are ideal for novice hikers and tourists seeking a quick glimpse of Mount Elgon’s breathtaking beauty and abundant fauna.

Mountain Biking

The Uganda Wildlife Authority unveiled mountain bike routes in 2012. Bicycles can be hired from the Sipi River Lodge. From Sipi Trading Centre, located at an elevation of 1,775 meters, a one-and-a-half-hour trail leads to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa.

Before you go to Mt Elgon National Park

Mt Elgon National Park is a wonderful place to visit. All the plant life and animals found there are just waiting to be seen. 

Also important is if you’ve thought of where you’ll stay while there. You could camp somewhere safe around the park or? There are options like finding a nice hotel to stay in.

It is possible to reserve lodging options both inside and outside the park. The majority of hotels provide a mix of luxurious, moderately priced, and budget rooms. 

The Sipi Falls region, Kapchorwa town, and Mbale town are where you may find the finest hotel amenities. The best accommodation near Mt Elgon national park includes Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa, Mbale Resort Hotel, Kayegi Hotel, and, Sipi River Lodge.

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