With the size of 4,000km², Mount Elgon National Park has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda – Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary and volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. Therefore, mountain Elgon’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna.
Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. There are also small antelopes, forest monkeys, elephants and buffalos living on the mountainside. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in both Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which was declared as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Mount Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveil a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach which is common to many mountains. So, the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mount Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4,321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40km² caldera.
Size of Mount Elgon: 1,121km²
This extinct volcano is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 million years ago. Mount Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent.
Mount Elgon is home to two main tribes, the Bagisu (Bamasaba) and the Sabiny. The Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet. The Bagisu, also known as the Bamasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name.
Trekking Mount Elgon National Park offers some of East Africa’s most memorable climbing experiences, and boasts a milder climate, lower elevation and much more reasonable prices than climbs in the neighboring Kenya and Tanzania. Mount Elgon has five major peaks and the highest, Wagagai (4321m), is on the Ugandan side. It’s the second tallest mountain in Uganda, the fourth in East Africa and eighth in Africa.
The lower slopes of Mount Elgon are covered in tropical montane forest with extensive stands of bamboo. Above 3,000m the forest fades into heath and then afro-alpine moorland, which blankets the caldera and a collapsed crater covering some 40sqkm. The moorland is studded with rare plant species, so you’ll often see duikers bounding through the long grass and endangered lammergeier vultures overhead. In September, it’s decorated with wildflowers. You’ll probably see a few primates and lots of birds, including the rare Jackson’s francolin, alpine chat and white-starred forest robi.
Exciting Tourist Activities in the National Park
Hiking Sipi Falls is among the numerous day hikes around Mount Elgon. You will depart from the Forest Exploration Centre near Sipi Falls, which is the most popular being a trio of short loops taking in valleys, ridges and caves. From Mbale side of the mountain it is possible to access the Wanale Ridge where day-long hikes can be organized to pass through a variety of heath and moorland landscapes with caves along the way.
The Forest Exploration Centre has three day trails ranging between 3 and 7km. These trails offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mount Elgon’s unique plants and wildlife in shorter time period. A fourth trail has recently been opened to reach the enormous Tutum Cave, which is 11km from the centre. This trail also passes through a range of vegetation types and offers opportunities to see wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys and a variety of birds.
Excellent birding watching opportunities exist around Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre, in particular in the secondary forest and thick shrub along the loop trails that extends to cover Cheptui Falls. It supports the African Goshawk; Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catcher, Chinspot Batis, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Dohertys and Luhders Bush-shrikes, Baglafecht Weaver, Cinnamon Bee Eater, Moustached Tinkerbird, Hartloub`s Turaco, Tacazze Sunbird, Olive- and Bronze-naped pigeons, Black Kite and Black-collared Apalis.
In Uganda, most visitors seeking for mountain climbing experiences will always compliment their visit with hiking the Rwenzori Mountains. In addition, a safari game drive in the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park is also exciting for many visitors.