In Uganda

Main Menu

  • HOME
  • TRAVEL
  • AGRICULTURE
  • TECH
    • Electronics
    • Computers & Internet
    • Phones
  • REAL ESTATE
  • JOBS
  • FASHION
  • FINANCE
  • MORE
    • Arts & Culture
    • Construction & Building
    • Cars
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Food & Drink
    • Functions & Exhibitions
    • Govt & Law
    • Health
    • Home Care
    • Industrial
    • Lifestyle
    • Logistics
    • Media
    • Music
    • Ngos
    • Africa
    • Sports
    • Transport
    • Kampala
    • Entebbe
    • Jinja
    • Blog
  • CONTACTS

logo

In Uganda

  • HOME
  • TRAVEL
  • AGRICULTURE
  • TECH
    • Electronics
    • Computers & Internet
    • Phones
  • REAL ESTATE
  • JOBS
  • FASHION
  • FINANCE
  • MORE
    • Arts & Culture
    • Construction & Building
    • Cars
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Food & Drink
    • Functions & Exhibitions
    • Govt & Law
    • Health
    • Home Care
    • Industrial
    • Lifestyle
    • Logistics
    • Media
    • Music
    • Ngos
    • Africa
    • Sports
    • Transport
    • Kampala
    • Entebbe
    • Jinja
    • Blog
  • CONTACTS
Uganda National Parks
Home›Uganda Travel›Uganda National Parks›MOUNTAIN ELGON NATIONAL TOUR PARK TRAVEL GUIDE

MOUNTAIN ELGON NATIONAL TOUR PARK TRAVEL GUIDE

Mountain Elgon has been an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct Volcano in the world (50km by 80km), Mount Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in East Africa, with the second highest peak in Uganda (Wagagai peak, 4321 m). It contains the largest intact caldera, a collapsed crater covering over 40kms at the top of the mountain, sorrounded by a series of rugged peaks. The Bagisu and the Sabiny are the two ethnic tribes around the mountain. They practice subsistence farming and conduct circumcision ceremonies every year to prepare young men/women for challenges of adulthood. The two communities have made agreements with the park for sustainable harvest of traditional forest products.




Flora and Fauna

While ascending Mount Elgon’s enchanting slopes you will meet four-distinct forest types: the lush montane forest where you will find the Elgon peak, mixed bamboo belt, the fascinating heath and spectacular moorland hyrachs which contain stands of some of the most rare endemic plant species, like the giant lobelia elgonensis and dotted clusters of peculiar groundsels which are unique in Africa.
You will also encounter the dense shrubs and brilliant wild everlasting flowers that will add to your Mount Elgon adventure.
Bird lovers will enjoy about 300 bird species including the endangered lammergeiers, the rare Jackson’s francolin, guinea fowls, sunbirds and turacos among others.
A number of primates inhabit the mountain, other animals include bushbuck, antelope, civet, wildcat and the elusive leopard roam below. Bush duiker, hyena, jackal, rock hyrax, buffalo and elephant rove between the forest and the moorland. Many of these animals visit Mount Elgon’s bat filled caves for their valuable mineral deposits.

  • Kidepo Valley National Park, Kidepo Safari information and…
  • Kibale Forest National Park Uganda, Kibale Safari Tour
  • Semliki National Park Safari and Tour
  • QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK- Birding safari guide
  • BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK: birding safari guide.
  • SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK - Birding safari guide

Tourism & Travel information on Activities

Visiting Mountain Elgon National Park presents an exciting setting for extended hikes, interesting and unique flora and fauna, magnificent water falls, enormous caves, scenic peaks, gorges and hot springs which bubble up at 480oc. The best times to visit are during the drier seasons from June to august and march to December. No technical climbing equipment or skills are required, as all major peaks are accessible.

Mount Elgon Trekking: trailheads and Routes

There are three main trailheads or starting points that lead to the mountain’s peaks. You may choose to begin your ascent from Budadiri (Sasa trailhead), forest exploration center-Kapkwai (Sipi trailhead) or Kapkwata (Piswa trailhead). Sasa trail is accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks though steep with rugged climb of over 1600m on the first day. It passes through the park’s largest area of bamboo forest.
Sipi trail offers the spectacular Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest, while Piswa trail is renowned for the towering Podpcarpus forest, an excellent place for wildlife viewing. In contrast, Sipi and Piswa trails start at much higher elevations with a longer more gradual climbs to the peaks.
After visiting the peaks you can either return using the same trails or descend via a different route. Each trail/route has camping stages with a nearby water source, as well as tent pads and latrines. The park is developing a trekker’s hut at Mude cave on Sasa trail.




Mount Elgon National Park Uganda also engages in cross boarder tourism with Mount Elgon Park-Kenya, hand over of visitors to either team takes place at the Hot Springs. The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes about 5 days to complete.
All visitors are encouraged to discuss options with an information clerk at the Mbale, Budadiri, Kapwakai or Kapkwata visitor’s centers.




Camping

Nine basic campsites are located at strategic points along the trekking circuit. Please respect park regulations by camping only at designated campsites. Camping equipment must be carried with you.

Ranger Guides and Porters

A trained ranger guide is required on all trekking excursions to show you the way and enrich your journey by interpreting the environment and ensuring your safety. Local porters make your trip even easier by carrying up to 18kgs of supplies, in addition to collecting water, cooking and preparing the camp. Trained ranger guides and local porters are available at each trailhead.

Day Hikes

Two different day hike areas allow you to explore Mount Elgon’s diverse mountane forest. The popular forest exploration center trail loop site can make one enjoy the cool mist at Chebonet falls, Kapkwai cave, the talking tree and a spectacular viewpoint, which lies just beyond.
A long “arm” of Mount Elgon bears the Wanale trails loop site. It has vertical cliffs of ridge and several cascading waterfalls that make a very scenic drive. Look for petrified wood in the Khauka caves as you enjoy splendid panoramic view over the plains of Eastern Uganda.
These two-day hike areas have short walk trails ranging between 3-11kms that offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mt. Elgon’s unique plants and wildlife in a short time period. Jungle walking shoes and rain gear are recommended in addition to extra cells for your torch if you plan to explore the caves. Reservations can be made through the visitor information center at the park headquarters in Mbale.
Mountain Elgon Tour.

Accommodation Options for Mount Elgon National Park.
Mt Elgon NP Lodges

  • Lacam Lodge
  • Land Mark Inn
  • Mbale Resort Hotel
  • The Crows Nest
  • Moses Campsite
  • Sipi Falls Rest Camp
  • Wash & Willis Country

Related Posts

  • Gombe Stream National Park Safari Tanzania Tour

    Size: 52 km² - the smallest national park of Tanzania. Location: western Tanzania, 16 km…

  • Ruaha National Park Tanzania, holiday guide

    Ruaha National Park Safari Tanzania Tour Size: about 10,300 km² Location: central Tanzania, 128 km…

  • Rubondo Island National Park

    Size: 240 km² Location: North-west of Tanzania on Lake Victoria, 150 km west of Mwanza.…

  • BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK: birding safari guide.

    District; Rukungiri , Kabale and Kisoro Size; 321km 2 Elevations; 1190-2607a.s.l. Habitat; Medium –altitude (moist…

  • SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK - Birding safari guide

    Where is Semliki National Park Located in Uganda? Situated in a remote corner, of southwestern…

  • Katavi National Park, When to go, Attractions and Tourist Guide

    Katavi National Park Safari Tanzania Tour Size: 4,471 km² Location: south-western Tanzania, east of Lake…

  • Saadani National Park Safari Tanzania

    Tour Size: 1,148 km² Location: 130 km north of Dar es Salaam: about 3 hour's…

  • QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK- Birding safari guide

    The Queen Elizabeth bird observatory was established in 1997 with the aim of studying resident…

  • Pare Mountains National Park Tanzania

    Pare Mountains National Park Safari Tanzania Tour The outlining Pare Mountains, in north-eastern Tanzania situated…

  • Usambara National Park Tanzania

    Usambara National Park Safari Tanzania Tour The Usambara Mountains in north-eastern Tanzania, divide into East…

  • Semliki National Park Safari and Tour

    Semliki National Park is located in south western Uganda border with its borders extending into…

  • Kidepo Valley National Park, Kidepo Safari information and Tour

    Although found in the most remote region of North eastern Uganda, Kidepo National park is…




Related articles More from author

  • Uganda National Parks

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safari Uganda

    By
  • Uganda National Parks

    BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK: birding safari guide.

    By
  • Uganda National Parks

    Kibale Forest National Park Uganda, Kibale Safari Tour

    By
  • Uganda National Parks

    Lake Mburo National Park Safari information

    By
  • Uganda National Parks

    Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

    By
  • Uganda National Parks

    Kidepo Valley National Park, Kidepo Safari information and Tour

    By

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Uganda

www.aboutuganda.com