Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is home to the 4^th highest mountain in the East African region, rising at 4,321 meters above the vast Karamoja and Kalenjin plains.

The national park covers an area of 1,279 square kilometers, and the mountain ranges stretch for 80 kilometers in diameter. The Kenyan part of the park covers 169 km2.

Mount Elgon National Park is a pristine wilderness and is less frequently visited compared to other national parks in Uganda. It’s the best place for tourists seeking solitude and privacy during Uganda tours and safaris.

Mount Elgon National Park is a water catchment area for various rivers such as the Lwakhakha, Saum, and Nzoia rivers. Several uncommon plants like Ardisiandra wettsteinii and Carduus afromontanus are found in Mount Elgon.

The park derives its name from Mount Elgon, which is a dominant attraction in the park. The park is mostly characterized by montane forests, bamboo zones, and moorland zones. 400 species of unique plants can be found in Mount Elgon.

History and Location of Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda was established in 1992, while Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya was gazetted in 1968. The Ugandan part was first set as a forest reserve in 1929, a crown forest in 1940, and a central forest reserve in 1951 before becoming a park.

Mount Elgon National Park is located along the Uganda-Kenya border. In Uganda, it’s situated in the eastern region near Sipi and Mbale towns, 235 kilometers from Kampala city.

The local Bagisu people, also known as BaMasaba, know Mount Elgon as Mount Masaba, and it’s a very significant spiritual influence to them. The name Mount Elgon was derived from the Elgeyo tribe, who used to inhabit the caves of Mount Elgon.

Frederick Jackson was the first European to climb Mount Elgon in 1890. UNESCO declared Mount Elgon National Park a Man and Biosphere reserve in 2005.

Attractions at Mount Elgon National Park 

Mount Elgon National Park boasts several tourist attractions, which can be seen below: 

1. Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon, also known as Mount Masaba by the locals living in the area, is the major attraction in Mount Elgon National Park. It used to be Africa’s highest mountain before millennia of erosion reduced its height.

The magnificent Mount Elgon first erupted about 24 million years ago, making it one of the oldest physical features in East Africa. Mount Elgon boasts the largest volcanic base in the world at 4000 km base area.

2. Elgon Mountain Caldera

One of the scenic attractions at Mount Elgon National Park is the stunning caldera found in Wagagai Peak. It covers an area of 40 kilometers squared, making it the world’s largest mountain caldera.

3. Jackson’s pool and Jackson’s peak

Jackson’s Pool is a beautiful natural pool found at 4050 meters above sea level in Mount Elgon, towered by 4165 Jacksons Peak.

4. Wildlife in Mount Elgon National Park / Animals of Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is a habitat for several wildlife species such as forest elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, buffalos, duikers, red-tailed monkeys, leopards, hyenas, and many others.

5. Forest Exploration Center

The forest exploration center is one of the major points of interest in Mount Elgon National Park; it’s a good spot for those interested in botany. Various trails have also been established at the center to explore the forests, caves, and waterfalls.

6. Mount Elgon Caves

Mount Elgon caves are some of the unique attractions found in the park; some of the notable caves are Cheworoi Caves, Chebui Caves, Kapkwai, Tutum Cave, Wanale Ridge, Mude Caves, Siyo Caves, Hunter Caves, and Khauka Caves.

7. Wagagi Peak and Other Peaks on Mount Elgon National Park

Wagagi Peak is the highest peak in Mount Elgon, rising at an elevation of 4321 meters above sea level (Uganda), followed by Sudek Peak rising at 4302 meters (Uganda and Kenya), then Koitobos Peak at an elevation of 4222 meters (Kenya), followed by the 4211 Mubiyi peak in Uganda, and finally Masaba peak at 4161 in Uganda.

8. Waterfalls in Mount Elgon National Park 

Mount Elgon National Park slopes are home to a unique array of beautiful waterfalls, with the most outstanding being the three beautiful falls known as Sipi Falls.

Other attractions at Mount Elgon National Park include hot springs, gorges, spectacular scenery, cliffs, mesas, ancient rock paintings, and unique vegetation zones.

Activities at Mount Elgon National Park

Tourists visiting Mount Elgon National Park can engage in several activities, which can be seen below: 

1. Mountain climbing

Mountain climbing is one of the major activities done at Mount Elgon National Park during the Uganda tour. There are 3 main climbing trails used for summiting the mountain. 

The number of days for climbing Mount Elgon varies according to the trail you choose but can be from 4 to 7 days.

2. Hiking Mount Elgon

For those who don’t want to explore Mount Elgon’s peaks but are interested in having a thrilling experience of the park’s flora and fauna, half-day to one-day hiking expeditions can be organized during Uganda safaris at Mount Elgon National Park.

3. Exploring Sipi Falls in Mount Elgon

The magnificent Sipi Falls is a series of 3 waterfalls cascading down the mighty Mount Elgon; these are some of the major attractions at Mount Elgon National Park. All three waterfalls can be hiked in a day Uganda tour.

4. Coffee Tours at Mount Elgon National Park 

The majority of Uganda’s Arabica coffee is grown on Mount Elgon’s fertile lower slopes; coffee is a major source of income for many local farmers in the area. 

Coffee tours around Mount Elgon National Park give tourists an insight into the whole process of coffee growing and processing in Uganda trips at Elgon National Park.

5. Rock Climbing at Mount Elgon National Park

Rock climbing is one of the unique and rare activities done at Mount Elgon National Park. Several 14 rock climbing trails can be traversed. Much as some of the climbs are tough and require technical experience, the hustle is worth every penny.

6. Abseiling in Mount Elgon National Park 

Abseiling in Mount Elgon National Park can be done in Sipi Falls. Adrenaline lovers will enjoy the 100-meter abseiling safari on Sipi Falls. Abseiling at Sipi is safe with all the needed equipment provided during the activity.

7. Nature Walks in Mount Elgon National Park 

Various trails, such as the bamboo trail, were established for nature-guided walks in Mount Elgon National Park. You will be accompanied by an experienced ranger guide who will give you an insight into the park’s flora and fauna.

8. Mountain biking in Mount Elgon National Park 

Adventure lovers and mountain bikers can opt to go mountain biking during Uganda safari tours in Mount Elgon National Park. This exciting activity will take you through villages, plantations, forests, and so much more along the way.

9. Cave Exploration

Mount Elgon National Park is cluttered with enormous and beautiful caves to be explored during Uganda tours to the park. Tourists can explore some of these, such as Kitum Caves, Makingeny Cave, Ngwarisha Cave, Chepnyalil Cave, and many others.

Mount Elgon caves usually attract animals like elephants which lick salt deposits on the cave walls.

10. Bird Watching at Mount Elgon National Park

About 300 species of birds have been documented at Mount National Park; these include 56 afro tropical species and some endangered species such as lammergeyer, taccazze sunbird, Jackson’s spurfowl, and Hartlaub’s turaco, among others.

Other birds include alpine chat, mustached green tinker bird, chinspot batis, black kite, black collared apalis, golden-winged sunbird, red-chested owlet, red-fronted parrot, and olive-naped pigeon.

11. Cultural Experiences 

There are distinct cultural groups that live around Mount Elgon, the Sabiny and Bagisu at the lower elevations, while the Ndorobo dwell at higher elevations.

Each of the above tribes has distinct and unique cultures; tourists can explore traditional homesteads to get an insight into the people’s way of life while on a Uganda holiday to Mount Elgon National Park.

Mount Elgon National Park Hiking Trails 

Mount Elgon National Park hiking trails are less congested compared to other peaks in East Africa like Kilimanjaro Mountain, Mount Kenya, and Mount Rwenzori. 

On the Ugandan side, tourists can summit the mountain using the following trails:

1. The Sasa Trail on Mount Elgon 

The Sasa Trail is best for experienced mountaineers; it’s the toughest trail for summiting the peak but also the shortest trail, only taking 4 days to ascend and descend Mount Elgon.

2. The Piswa trail in Mount Elgon 

Piswa Trail is the easiest trail for climbing to Wagagi Peak in Mount Elgon. It takes 7 days to ascend and descend using the Piswa Trail.

3. The Sipi Trail in Mount Elgon National Park

The spectacular Sipi Trail takes 4 to 6 days to complete, depending on the pace of the climbers.

NB: Combined trail hiking is also possible while climbing Mount Elgon; it’s possible to ascend and descend the mountain using all three peaks. Transboundary mountain climbing is also possible for tourists to ascend in Uganda and descend to Kenya.

Where to Stay at Mount Elgon National Park / Accommodation at Mount Elgon National Park

Accommodation at Mount Elgon National Park is limited, but tourists can sleep in hotels like Noah’s Ark, Sipi River Lodge, Kapkwai Cottages, and Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa, among others. These can be booked the day before or after the climb.

While hiking or climbing the mountain, accommodation is available by camping along the trails.

Best Time to Visit Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon has a moderate climate, receiving up to 1270 millimeters of rainfall annually. The best time to go to Mount Elgon for a Uganda safari is during the drier months of June to August and December to March, when the weather is most favorable for several activities.

FAQs about Mount Elgon National Park

1. What is Mountain Elgon National Park Known For?

Mount Elgon National Park is known for being home to the oldest physical feature in East Africa; it’s also known for outstanding natural beauty and spectacular landscapes.

2. What Animals Are In Mount Elgon National Park?

Mount Elgon National Park animals include forest elephants, leopards, hyenas, duikers, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Olive baboons and many others.

3. What Is The Traditional Name Of Mount Elgon?

Mount Elgon is referred to as Mount Masaba by the local Bagisu people while the Masai know Mount Elgon as Elgonyi Mountain. 

4. Where Is Mount Elgon Found?

Mount Elgon is found at the border of Uganda and Kenya. The nearest towns to the park are Mbale and Sipi, while the nearest town to Mount Elgon on the Kenyan side is Kitale.

5. What Is The Highest Peak In Mount Elgon?

Rising at an elevation of 4321 meters above sea level, Wagagi Peak, located on the Ugandan side, is the highest peak of Mount Elgon.

6. What Kind Of Trees Are In Mount Elgon?

Mount Elgon National Park is home to unique species of trees as well as plants. Some of the trees found in Mount Elgon include Elgon teak, Olive oleahochstetteri, and podocarpus trees, among the rest.

7. Does Mount Elgon Have Snow?

Yes, Mount Elgon has snow, although snow is not permanent on the mountain but can be seen seasonally, especially during the wettest months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mount Elgon National Park is one of the unique tourism destinations in Uganda. Travelers seeking to traverse uncongested tourism destinations can choose to explore Mount Elgon National Park for Uganda tours and Safaris.