Mt Elgon national park.
Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano which is located at the boarder of kenya and Uganda in the north Kisumu and kitale. Mount Elgon national park has the largest volcanic base in the world and it’s also the oldest and the largest solitary and volcanic mountain in east Africa. Mount Elgons’ cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below with the higher altitudes proving a refuge for flora and fauna. The park was established in 1992 covering an expansive area approximately 1121 square kilometers. The Sabiny and Bagisu are the two tribes that reside in Mount Elgon national park. The Bagisu speak lugisu and lumasaba dialect and sabiny speaking sebei.
Mount Elgon is a volcano and one of Uganda’s oldest physical features estimated to first erupt around 24 million years ago. It was once Africa’s highest mountain far exceeding Kilimanjaro at 5895 but millennia of erosion reduced its height to 4321m currently which relegated it to the 4th highest peak in east Africa and 8th on the continent
Activities in Mount Elgon national park
Mountain climbing.
Mountain climbing is the most popular activity in Mt elgon national park and it is one of the prime. Climbing this mountain is not simply to reach the peaks like it’s for most mountain hike but it’s rather one of exploring the vast wild life along the mountain slopes. Mount Elgon is easy to trek with no experience required but only basic experience. The mountain can be climbed in only 3 days, to and from the peaks, with one night camping on the mountain.
Bird watching.
Mont elgon national park boasts over 300 bird species including 40 restricted species for this region. Mount Elgon bird species are of variety ranging from forest, water to highland birds.56 of 87 Afrotropical highland biome species live here, namely the moorland francolin, mustached green tinker bird and alphine chat. The park has different areas where you can experience bird species in the park. These sections include the kapkwai forest exploration center located in inside the park with excellent birding opportunities and the bird species that can be found include the African goshawk, chubb’s cisticola, white-chinned prinia, arican blue fly-cather and chinspot batis.
Nature walks.
Nature walks on Mount Elgon gives you a chance to discover the hidden treasures of Mount Elgon national park which is among the safari destinations in Uganda. The nature walks shall also give you an opportunity to include yourself in the pristine rainforest that makes up this protected area. It is possible to walk on your own but you a recommended to take a local guide who can explain the flora and fauna and also negotiate the passage through private property.
Mountain biking.
Biking on Mount Elgon is one of a kind adventure that combines nature and culture into a truly unforgettable experience. The journey begins in the foothills of Mount Elgon where the fresh mountain air and lush greenery set the tone for an exciting ride. The climate at Mount Elgon makes biking comfortable even during more strenuous climbs. The biking trials take tourists through different areas of the park where they meet some of the attractions recorded there. Its important to note that the terrain can be challenging while mount climbing on Mount Elgon. Be prepared for uphill climbs, rough trails and varying weather conditions. It’s advisable to have prior cycling experience and a moderate level of fitness to fully enjoy the journey.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is done above the highest of the three water falls at sipi outside the park. It provides exciting challenges to anglers who take pride in battling with the rainbow trout because of its beautiful coloration and fighting ability. Fishing is restricted to designated sites and places so, advance booking is necessary. Interested sport fishers are urged to bring their own equipment and secure a permit from sipi river lodge.
Attractions on Mount Elgon national park.
Birds
Mount Elgon national park boasts over 300 bird species including over 40 restricted species for this region. The park has different areas where you can experience Mount Elgon bird species. These sections include the Kapkwai forest exploration center with excellent birding opportunities. Birding in Mount Elgon national park is one of the great activities in Mount Elgon national park especially for avid birders who would love to tailor bird watching.
Mount Elgon is one of the few places in Uganda where endangered Lammergeier or bearded vulture can be seen, soaring above the caldera and Suam gorge. Other species spotted while birding in the park include; the African Goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, white-chinned Prinia among others.
Falls
Mount Elgon is a home to a breathtaking collection of water falls with many streams flowing beneath the surface. While the iconic Sipi falls often take the spotlight. The northern and western side of Mount Elgon rise in a series of massive basalt cliffs, often 7 kilometers in length, over which the Mountain’s Rivers plug as beautiful water falls. The best known are 3 waterfalls at Sipi on the Kapchorwa road outside the park. The lowest of these falls is the most spectacular as it cascades over a 100m cliff. The 2nd known as Simba, plugs 69m over the entrance to a cave. Visitors can stand in the cave and enjoy a view of the back of the falls. The 3rd water fall also known as Ngasire, gushes over 87m high ridge.
Rivers on Mount Elgon.
River Sipi; river Sipi originates from the mountains slopes and cascades down dramatic cliffs , creating picturesque landscapes and providing hydropower to nearby communities.
Muyembe River; the Muyembe River contributes to the parks hydrology, enhancing the fertility of the soil and supporting the growth of vegetation along its banks. The river flows from the western side of Mount Elgon.
Namugwanya river; the river is a life time for both human settlements and wildlife surrounding the park. The clear waters of the park sustain diverse ecosystems and serve as a source of drinking water for local communities
Caves.
Mount Elgon’s slopes are comprised of various caves left by moving lava and erosion of soft volcanic deposits that erupted some years back. The most accessible of these caves are Kapkwai cave which is near the forest exploration center and khauka cave on wanale ridge. Long ago the precious features acted as shelters for livestock for the local people who were traditional in habitant of the mountain. Recently, the caves are used by climbers and their porters as their resting grounds when hiking the mountain
The elgon community of Budadiri.
The Budadiri community offers visitors unique cultural encounters, including home stays, traditional dances, guided village walks and coffee tours. Arabica is a high quality coffee type grown on the slopes of mount elgon and during your visit, you can tour the farms and processing plants in the area. Visitors can also explore the regions cultural dances, food preparation and the famous malewa (bamboo shoots) dish. The community has relied on the fertile soils and the abundant resources of the mountain for their livelihoods, engaging in subsistence agriculture, livestock rearing.
Getting to Mount Elgon national park.
The distance between Kampala city and the park is about 230km. it takes between 4 to 5 hours to reach Mbale town from Kampala through the towns of Jinja and Iganga. The journey by road offers opportunities to stop and see amazing places like the source of river Nile and Mabira forest.
For visitors who don’t like long road journeys can book a chartered flight from Entebbe international airport to Soroti airfield near Mount Elgon.
When to visit Mount Elgon national park.
The preference of the visitors and the desired activities and the weather determine the best time to visit Mount Elgon national park. Dry season i.e. June to august, December to February make it the best time to visit Mount Elgon national park.
Accommodation in Mount Elgon national park.
Accommodation facilities can be secured within and outside the park . Most of the hotels offer a combination of luxurious, midrange, and budget rooms . The luxurious hotels facilities are found in Mbale town, Kapchorwa town and the Sipi falls area.
Mbale resort hotel.
This is a luxury hotel with beautiful gardens , palm trees, and a large parking space . Other services include a restaurant, a large swimming pool, a bar, gym and sauna.
Kayegi hotel.
The hotel offers midrange priced rooms. Though the prices are affordable, the quality of the rooms and services are good. There are conference rooms, bar and restaurant, and large parking place and free wireless internet.
Mount Elgon view hotel.
This is a budget hotel room with a very clean table and chair with facilities like a restaurant and a bar.
