Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is located on the border of Uganda and Kenya and is shared by the two countries with a total area coverage of 1279 sq km (494 sq mi) where the Ugandan part covers the largest part with 1110 sq km430 sq mi) and the Kenyan part has 169 sq km (65 sq mi), the Ugandan side is situated in the eastern part of the country, northeast of Lake Victoria.

 Mount Elgon National Park derives its name from its major tourist attraction, Mount Elgon. The mountain is also known as Mount Masaba, name after the local tries that live around it called the Bamasaba. Mount Elgon is a dormant Volcanic mountain believed to have erupted 24 million years ago, making it one of the oldest physical features in Uganda. Mount Elgon was once the highest mountain in Africa but due to soil erosion it has reduced to being the 2^nd highest in Uganda, 4^th highest in East Africa and 8^th in the world with a height of 4321m. the mountain has 4 high peaks shared by its two countries, namely Mugagayi in Uganda, which is also the highest with 4321 meters, and the rest are located in Kenya which include Jackson’s Summit ( 4165 meters), Kiongo peak at 4303 m and Mubiyi at 4210 meters. Mount Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world at 4000 sq km.

Mount Elgon National Park is not known for its flora and fauna but its mountain climbing though a good a number of flora and fauna are residents in the park. the park is covered by vegetation that varies with differences in altitude, namely Montane forests in lower area, bamboo forest on the higher grounds and alpine-moorlands towards the summit. The higher altitudes provide refuge to over 400 species of plants, 143 recorded bird species, home to half of Uganda’s butterfly species and home to a reasonable amount of wildlife. The park was declared a UNESCO Man and Biodiversity Reserve in 2005.

Mount Elgon National Park governed by Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

History of Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park was first gazetted by Kenya in 1968 and later followed by Uganda in 1992. The park was first gazetted as the Mountain Crown Forest in 1940 and in 1951 renamed as the Mountain Elgon Central Forest Reserve.

Attractions at Mount Elgon National Park

Wildlife at Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park boasts hosting a number of wildlife on the lower slopes of the Mountain namely Black and White colobus monkeys, Blue monkeys, buffaloes, elephants, red-tailed monkeys, spotted hyenas, Oribi, Defassa Waterbuck, Bushbucks, Squirrels, smaller antelopes, duikers etc.

Bird Species

Mountain Elgon National Park has over 296 recorded bird species and 40 Ugandan species not found anywhere else namely Jackson’s spurfowl, the eastern bronze-napped pigeon, Hartlaub’s turaco, and the endangered lammergeier are found in the park other species include Black-shouldered Kite, Tacazze sunbird, Francolin, black collared Apalis, Alpine chat, Weyn’s weaver, Moustached green tinker bird, Hunter’s Cisticola, Tacazze sunbird, Eastern bronze-naped pigeon, Hartlaub’s turaco, Marsh Widowbird, Moorland Francolin to mention but a few.

Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon is the major tourist attraction in the park situated in the center of the park and about three quarters of the park is covered with this dormant volcano. The mountain is open for climbing to reach the 4^th highest point in Africa and 8^th in the world. This magnificent physical feature is shared between two countries, Uganda and Kenya.

Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is one of the eye-catching physical features in the park formed when the river Sipi meets the end of the volcanic rock at the edge of the cave and forms the falls. It is a Tutum Cave hidden in the middle of an extensive forest.

On your Mount Elgon National Park Safari, don’t miss out a visit a Sipi falls which makes your Safari incomplete.

Culture

Mount Elgon is home to two tribes, namely the Bagisu, also known as the Bamasaba and the Sabiny, on the other side. These two tribes have unique cultures which are worth exploring, the Bagisu consider the mountain to be the home of their founding father Masaba. The Bagishu people also hike up the mountain to get one of their local dish Called Malewa.

Activities at Mount Elgon National Park

Mountain climbing.

Mountain Climbing is the major tourist activity in the park and attracts mountain climbing lovers from all over the world to experience this activity. Hiking the mountain is easy and requires no special equipment or technical experience to hike. Hiking the park takes about 3 to 5 days depending on the physical fitness of the hikers. This activity is one of the most rewarding activities in the park. this activity is only guided by professional park guides.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Mount Elgon National Park has fertile soils and heavy rains that support the growth of thick forest and a lot of other vegetation making the park a great destination for natural walks and hiking. This activity offers visitors a chance to explore more of the park on foot and explore the nature of the park, you will pass through tropical and bamboo forests, hike up to the Khauka cave offering great views of the wildlife in the park, birds and vegetation. Note that this activity is led by experienced park guides.

Birding

Mount Elgon is a great destination for bird lovers, encountered in this activity guided by an experienced guide who knows the trails best and the birds on the park each by its name. Like Black-shouldered Kite, Tacazze sunbird, Francolin, black collared Apalis, Alpine chat, Weyn’s weaver, Moustached green tinker bird, Hunter’s Cisticola, Tacazze sunbird, Eastern bronze-naped pigeon, Hartlaub’s turaco, Marsh Widowbird, Moorland Francolin etc.

Mountain Biking

Biking in the park in the park is carried out along the Sipi treading center to Chema hills in Kapchorwa town for about 1-2 hours of cycling. This activity is led by guides who know the trails and bikes are available at the Park headquarters for hire.

Cultural Encounter

The Bagisu people have an interesting culture, with an annual cultural activity of “Embaru” which is performed to a boy, is circumcised as a symbol that he has turned into a man. This ceremony is more spiritual, cultural and unique. Enjoy Embalu dance. When you come in time of the festival you will experience the joy of African cultural rituals and how they are done.

Visit the gardens of Arabic Coffee and witness its formation from when they are planted, harvested until they are turned into coffee ready to drink, all this takes place on the slopes of Mount Elgon.

Spot Fishing.

This activity requires one to carry their own fishing equipment, it is carried out above the three waterfalls and it is quite challenging.

Abseiling

This activity is done down one of the cliffs of the sip falls, enjoy watching the park scenery as you abseil down 100m overlooking the ridge next to a pool of water, you can opt to deep into the pool before abseiling back up the cliff on top of a hill.

How to get to Mount Elgon National Park

The park can be accessed by both Air and road transport.

By Road;

this is the cheapest way to get to the park and most rewarding as you adventure the landscape, vegetation, local markets and locals as you head to the park. the park can be accessed via the Kampala-Mable-Kapchorwa highway.

By Air;

Tourists can get a chartered flight from Entebbe to Soroti and then drive backward to the park.

Best time to visit Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park, just like all other Ugandan National Park safari destinations, is open all year round, but the best time to visit is in the dry months of June to August and November to March, when the roads are accessed, less rains making the trails passable, less vegetations.

The Month of November or December offers you a delightful view of the wildflowers in bloom and bird species. The wet months make the trails slippery, making hiking more challenging.

Accommodations  Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park has a number of accommodation facilities to choose from while on Safari ranging from Luxury, Mid-range and Budget, some of which include Sipi River lodge, Casa Sipi river Lodge, Kapkwata Guesthouse (self-catering), Mbale Resort Hotel, Kayegi Hotel, Noah’s Ark Hotel, Mountain Elgon View Hotel to mention but a few.