The Mount Elgon Caldera was formed as a result of magma being drained from the chamber. When it could no longer support the overlying volcanic cone, it collapsed into a depression-like shape.
In the eastern corner of the caldera, hot springs are found at the start of the deep Suam Gorge. In the northwest, Simu Gorge was formed by the sheer weight of the water in the caldera cutting two stream beds out of the weak volcanic ash and agglomerate walls. Mount Elgon caldera is one of the largest intact calderas in the world.
The mountain not only has one of the largest surface areas of any ancient extinct volcano in the world, but is also peppered with cliffs, caves, gorges and waterfalls with the most notable being the romantic Sipi falls. The caldera covers some 40 sqkm at the top of the mountain.
The mountain is named after the Elgeyo tribe, who once lived in huge caves on the south side of the mountain Elgon. It was known as ‘Ol Doinyo Ilgoon’ (Breast Mountain) by the Masai of Kenya and as ‘Masaba’ by the Bagisu or Bamasaba of Uganda.
Other Features of Mount Elgon Caldera
Mount Elgon is a massive caldera and when you reach the rim, the vast interior is an amazing sight. It is lush and green with lakes and hot springs (the Piswa trail can take you to the hot springs inside). You skirt the caldera rim and slowly gain elevation towards Wagagai summit, with the interior to your left and beautiful mountain range out to your right, which includes a ridge that forms the Uganda – Kenya border.
Reaching the summit with your guide, is a memorable moment and there you can get a few picture snaps and hang around for short time, due to it being quite windy and exposed. On the descent, the mountain looks different during the midday light as you certainly try to take it all in while being careful with your footing every step of the way.
There is a net descent over the day but there is some testing short climbs along the way as you pass through some amazing alpine landscape, into the alpine forest. Finally you will end up in an amazing rainforest which is just another world. This rainforest feels so much different to that around the Sasa River.
You can choose to combine your experience of hiking Mount Elgon with a primate safari deep in the natural forests. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is so exciting to consider, while other visitors can choose to track mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable forest. This is one of the most popular safari experiences in the world. Plan to visit Uganda and hike Sisiyi waterfall ant anytime of the year.