There is quite a lot for what to see on Mount Elgon, so expect to see the gradual change of vegetation belts as you go higher. On the lower slopes, you will find a dense forest and due to the rainfall in the area, the trees are often covered with lichen, vine-like liens, and epiphytes while the forest floor seems to be carpeted with ferns and flowering plants such as wild orchids.
The Bamboo forest region is next, at about 2,000-meter elevation. Beyond that, is the open woodland, and further on up you have giant heathers in meadows of grass and flowers. Onward and upward to the Afro-Montane zone with its giant lobelias and groundsel.
The climb is an exhilarating exercise and a good way to spend a few days of your safari. There is a lot of history and geography to be learned as you climb and explore this great caldera. On the foothills of the mountain, you can hear the sounds of the Sipi Falls, which are also a must-see on your visit to eastern Uganda.
For birders, don’t miss the variety of bird species which are found in secondary forest and thick scrub along the Chebonet River. The area is habitat for African Goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catchers, Chin-spot Batis, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Doherty’s and Luhder’s Bush-Shrikes and Baglafecht Weaver among others.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be pleased to spot primates such as the Black and White Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, and hundreds of fascinating bird species. These include Golden-Winged and Tacazze sunbirds, Ross’s and Hartlaubs Turacos, Black and White Casqued and Crowned Hornbills, the endangered Lammergeier and the Jackson’s Francolin which is found nowhere else in Uganda. If you are particularly observant you can also see buffaloes, duikers, hyenas or even the elusive leopard.
A variety of flora and fauna where you will able to see dense montane forest and mixed bamboo belts teeming with birdlife. You will then enter the fascinating heath and moorland zones containing several interesting endemic plant species such as Giant lobelia and groundsels.
The climb is an exhilarating exercise and a good way to spend a few days of your safari. There is a lot of history and geography to be learnt as you climb and explore this great caldera. On the foothills of the mountain, you can hear the sounds of the Sipi falls, which is also a must see place on your visit to eastern Uganda.
A trip to Bulago off the Mbale-Sipi road reveals a village standing high above a waterfall. The waterfall faces the Simu Valley towards Butandiga ridge. The route to Kapchorwa beyond Sipi Falls to the north provides a stunning view towards Mount Kadam and the vast plains of Karamoja. The top of the Sironko Valley in Budadiri, enclosed by the Mudangi Cliffs provides a view of the montane and peaks.
Visitors should also drive to the top of Wanale Cliff for panoramic views over the town of Mbale. At this spot you will enjoy the clear view of the old Mbale town. You will also take photos with Mbale town in your background. Therefore, you cannot leave the east without visiting such a beautiful and magnificent spot.
Besides Mount Elgon, visitors can choose to extend their visit to the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park for an amazing wildlife safari, while hikers can also go for Rwenzori Mountain hiking challenge, which is farther west of Uganda.