Mount Elgon National Park is located in Eastern Uganda on the border with Kenya covering an area of 1145 square kilometers.
Mountain Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted about 20 years ago. It was at one time Africa’s tallest mountain (even surpassing Mt. Kilimanjaro, 5895m) but was gradually eroded over time and is currently 4321 meters high. It is now the 4th tallest mountain East Africa. Mountain Elgon has the largest caldera in the world measuring 48 square kilometers, and also has the largest base in the world at 3840 square kilometers. It is also the largest solitary volcano mountain in East Africa.
The highest peak of Mt. Elgon, Wagagai (4321m), lies in Uganda.
Wildlife in Mount Elgon National Park
The lower areas of the contain most of the wildlife in Mountain Elgon. There are 296 species of birds and 40 species whose Ugandan range is limited to Mt Elgon, these include Black-collared Apalis, Jackson’s Francolin, and Moustached Green Tinker bird. Animals include Defassa waterbuck, Elephants, Oribi, Bushbuck, Buffaloes, Spotted Hyena, and Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys among others.
Things to do in Mount Elgon National Park
Mountain Climbing and Hiking
Mount Climbing is the most popular activity in Mt. Elgon National Park and it is one of the prime mountain climbing and hiking destinations in Uganda. Climbing this Mt is not simply about targeting to reach the peaks like it is for most mountain hikes. But is rather one of exploring the vast wildlife along the mountain slopes. Going through forests and other habitats you will observe monkeys, antelopes and an array of bird species. You also get to explore a series of caves and catch great views from the mountain.
Mountain Elgon is easy to trek with no experience required but only basic fitness.
Mount Elgon can be climbed in only 3 days, to and from the peaks, with one-night camping on the mountain. However, depending on the trail or combination of trails it can be as long as 6 days.
Birdwatching
When it comes to birdwatching trips in Uganda Mount Elgon National Park is not popular among the birders yet the park provides one of the biggest numbers of bird species in Uganda, rivalling the popular parks Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park when it comes to number of birding species one can see on a birding trip.
Nature walks
There are walking trails in the forest along the lower areas of the park where plenty of wildlife can be observed including monkeys and birds.
Community and cultural tours
While at the park you can take a tour of an organized community the park. The dominant tribe here is called the Gisu which are famous for their cultural tradition of male circumcision “Imbalu”. Visit the communities to learn about their cultures, way of life and association with the mountain.
Coffee tours
Arabica coffee is the main crop in this region. You will take a tour to one of the farms, and be taken through the growing and processing of coffee. At the end of the day, you will come out with processed coffee ready for consumption.
Sipi Falls hike
The Sipi Falls are a set of three beautiful waterfalls located in the foothills of the mountain. The falls provide one of the best hiking opportunities in Uganda, plus they also provide one of the starting areas for mountain Elgon climbing. More about hiking the Sipi Falls
How to reach Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park can reached from Kampala via Jinja – Mbale – Kapchorwa by a 5 hours drive. You can also take a chartered flight from Entebbe to Soroti, then an hour’s drive to Kapchorwa.
Lodges/hotels near Mount Elgon National Park
- Sipi River Lodge
- Lacam Lodge
- UWA bandas
