Nature walks on Mount Elgon gives you a chance to discover the hidden treasures of Mount Elgon National Park, which is among the leading safari destinations in Uganda. Mountain Elgon National Park is set suitably in the eastern part of Uganda, that is about 5 to 6-hour drive from Kampala, the capital city.
Nature walks on Mount Elgon shall also give you an opportunity to indulge yourself in the pristine rainforest that makes up this protected area. The vegetation here includes distinct species of trees, with high chances of sighting varied monkey species, and birds like Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Turaco, dusky crimson wing, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, handsome francolin, strange weavers, and Grauer’s rush warbler, among others.
Exploring Mount Elgon National Park take visitors on Ugandan safari through exceptional trails and each trail rewards travel endeavors with unique experiences. Nature walks usually start at 7:30 am after early morning breakfast, with a briefing from the guides on what this guided safari experience is all about. This walk may take you approximately 2 to 5 hours and beyond.
More About nature walks on Mount Elgon
Visitors on nature walks on Mountain Elgon are accompanied by an experienced park ranger to guide to guide through various trails, such as the Bamboo trail. The Bamboo trail heads to the Kapkwai Exploration Center and many guests like it because there a lot more interesting views and species to encounter. Expect species like a variety of bird species, tree species like ‘Sipathodia Copanurata‘, Elgon olive, some primates like olive baboons and monkeys, and animals like elephants, among others.
While taking this route of the bamboo trail you will also enjoy a cave adventure to the Tatum cave which is a 11km hike. You can even decide on camping and having an overnight inside this cave. Ahead of the Bamboo trail is a famous bird watching spot, so tourists who are mostly looking forward to birding can also take this trail for ‘a dream-come-true experience.
The Budadiri short hike trail has a lot of things to see such as the Sasa river camp, the Mudadili cliffs, and the Drigna lower falls. This place is also good for tourists who want to a memorable bird watching experience. When taking a nature walk along the Budadiri trail it is also possible to have an overnight stay by camping within the area because the climate conditions are usually favorable.
Khauka cave trail nature walk is located in Wanale which takes you through a distance of 3 to 4 hours. It has a good view at Nabuyoga loop viewpoint where one can see the Jackson’s summit and even the highest peak of mountain Elgon, Wagagai peak, which is 4,321m above sea level.
What to carry for nature walks
Nature walks require you to pack appropriately, starting with essentials first. Your packing list for nature walks on Mount Elgon should include waterproof hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt/t-shirt, bottled water, snacks, and a waterproof day pack among others.
The best time to go for nature walks on Mount Elgon
Nature walks on Mount Elgon are ideal throughout the year, however, June – September and December – February are the best months of the year for nature walks in Mount Elgon National Park. Low rainfall is received during these months and the habitat remains relatively drier which makes it easier for you to hike or walk through different habitats within and around the mountain.
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.