Explore Sironko Town
Sironko is a town in Eastern Uganda and one of the most outstanding and secluded places to explore during Uganda safaris. It has been in existence since 2000, after being created from Mbale district one of the largest districts in the region.
This part is part of the 446-square-kilometer Sironko district bordered by Mbale to the southwest, Bududa to the southeast, Kenya to the East, Bulambuli to the North, Bukedea to the west, as well as Kween and Kapchorwa to the Northeast.
Interesting things to see in/around Sironko Town
Thanks to Sironko’s incredible location, it is home to part of Mount Elgon National Park. This Protected Area was named after the extinct volcano towering at 4,321 meters above sea level and with the World’s largest volcanic base at 4,000 square kilometers.
Mount Elgon is the 4th highest and 8th highest peak in East Africa and Africa respectively, and is one of the country’s oldest physical features having erupted over 24 million years ago.
Extending for 1,121 square kilometers, Mount Elgon National Park was recently declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve, and the commonest mammal species here include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, forest elephants, duikers, the Elgon shrew, buffaloes, squirrels, Oribis, and other small antelope species.
Also, Mount Elgon National Park is one of the excellent Birding Areas in Uganda with over 300 species such as the endangered lammergeyer, Tacazze sunbirds, African Goshawk, Hartlaub’s turaco, Chubb’s Cisticola, Jackson’s francolin, the Elgon francolin, Sharpe’s longclaw, Black-collared Apalis, the Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, and others.
Activities around the town
The exciting activities to enjoy in/around Mount Elgon National Park include Mountain climbing. It is interesting to know that the Sasa trailhead (one of the 3 major trails on this Mountain) starts in Sironko Town, especially at Budadiri Trading Center.
Visitors also have opportunities to enjoy guided nature/forest walks (through the Bamboo Trail, Khauka Cave Trail, and others), Cave tours (especially the large ones that include Makingeny, Kitum, Chepnyalil, and Ngwarisha), and birding tours.
Another interesting thing to see in Sironko Town is a visit to Sipi Falls, set at the border of Sironko with Kapchorwa. This is a series of three magnificent waterfalls on the foothills of Mount Elgon. These falls were created by Sipi Falls flowing from the upper slopes of Mount Elgon- the largest/main waterfall stands at 100 meters, the second one at 65 meters tall, and the third waterfall drops at 85 meters.
The adventures enjoyed by visitors exploring the Sipi Falls area include rock climbing and abseiling, nature photography, guided nature walks/hikes, bird watching, and community tours.
The coffee farms/plantations are also a must-visit attraction in Sironko Town, and these have been favored by the terrains marked by hills and Valleys. These make it possible for coffee lovers to embark on guided tours to learn about how their favorite beverage is grown, harvested, dried, roasted, and brewed before savoring the aromatic coffee in the cup.
Where to stay in Sironko Town
The accommodation options for Sironko Town visitors include Hotel Rostows, Sabunyo Hotel Sironko, Dyvan Lounge & Cottages, Sipi Traveller’s Lodge, Marina Terraces Hotel, Hotel Wagagai, and many others.
Sironko Town is only 22 kilometers from Mbale Town and for this reason, it offers excellent options for accommodation that include Mbale Resort, Mbale Courts View Hotel, Lacam Lodge, to mention but a few.
Other mountain hiking safaris can be arranged for any visitor who wishes to go for hiking Rwenzori mountains experience, one of the most exciting experiences in Uganda. Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain ranges. The national park hosts more than 70 mammals and over 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
You can also compliment this adventure with a visit to either Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla national parks, for an amazing gorilla trekking experience.
