If you are searching for what to do in Mount Elgon National Park, we have got you covered.
Mount Elgon is one of the few national parks in Africa that offers more than game viewing and bird-watching activities. Though they can still be done in addition to the more adventurous mountain climbing, there is a visit to the magnificent Sipi Falls, the Chebonet falls and nature walks along various trails. These trails include the Sasa trail, the Sipi trail – which takes you to Sipi falls, the Piswa trail and the Suam trail. You can take a 3 day hike to Mount Elgon in Uganda.
Eastern Uganda has a lot of exciting activities and sights for a memorable Uganda safari. Two of these are Mount Elgon and the magnificent Sipi falls. You can have a rich and complete safari experience just by visiting these two places. They have amazing scenic views, exciting activities such as hiking, biking, abseiling, nature walks, birding, hot springs, ancient rock painting, caves to explore and so much more.
There are various nice hotels and lodges to ease your stay in this area of Uganda. Visits to Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls are the perfect way to wind down from all the hustle and bustle of Kampala, and any other fast-paced city.
Due to the growing popularity of gorilla trekking in Uganda, most people who visit Uganda head straight to western Uganda where most safaris to Uganda happen. That means that many visitors to Uganda are missing out on the scenic beauty of Mount Elgon and the magnificent roar of Sipi Falls.
Among what to do in Mount Elgon National Park, you can also enjoy your time around Mount Elgon without climbing the mountain. You can visit the park and see some wildlife or go for bird watching, on a nature walk or explore the villages, caves and interact and learn about the Bamasaba people and their culture, who live in this area. You can also go for mountain biking.
You can visit the forest exploration center and other trails on the foothills of the mountain. The forest exploration center which is found near Sipi town used to be an educational center, but it is now a trail-head for those who want to go for mountain climbing. It, however, is still the perfect starting point if you want to explore caves and see the various waterfalls, escarpments and valleys.
The avid birder can also have some fun. There are various bird species that you can spot in the area such as Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Lemon Dove, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Dusky-Turtle Dove, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Thick-billed Honey guide, Mountain Yellow Warbler and Grey Cuckoo-Shrike.
There are also various trails for those interested in nature walks. You can go on a half day nature walk with guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and see some interesting flora and fauna or visit Sipi falls.
Mountain climbing is also done on Mount Elgon with a trail that runs from Sipi trading center to Chema hills in Kapchorwa town. It takes around 1.5hours depending on the speed you are taking. The trail provides view of various waterfalls and the Karamoja plains.
Bikes can be hired from Sipi River Lodge. Over the past few years of exploring, few main routes have been in this area. The nature of the routes are a downhill single track mostly compacted with local trails which are perfect for riding bikes since they are most of the time empty without people.
Whilst mountain biking in Sipi falls is in its infancy, there are unlimited potential since it has perfect terrain for all types of biking. Another exciting possibility is to climb mount Elgon with biking. So if you are interested in mountain biking, get yourself here for a great unforgettable experience.