Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon national park covers an area of 145 square kilometers. Hosting the 4th highest mountain an extinct volcano that has one of the largest caldera in the world. It was also declared a UNESCO man and biosphere Reserve. The park’s main activity is mountain climbing to the summit of Wagagai but also other exciting activities await you at the park.
Activities at the park
Mountain climbing
Mountaineering is the chief activity at the park and hiking the mighty mount Elgon. Offers hikers stunning views of the lush green vegetation, cool climate and requires no extra special equipment to climb. It is yours go to for a less challenging mountaineering experience. Giving you numerous trails you can follow to the peak Wagagai without compromising on the views.
Meanwhile the Sipi trail that starts at Kapkwai is a 5km long journey that takes 4-6 days’ return journey. Making it the longest trail to the summit of mount Elgon.
The Sasa trail which is the shortest starting from Budadiri town takes 4 days. And it is the hardest compared to the Sipi trail. The trail follows a path through the neighboring villages. Which provides you with the opportunity to explore the Bamasaba and the Sabin farmers. Pass by bamboo forest and Jackson’s pool.
The Piswa trail. It begins at Kapkwata covering a 49km distance and takes 7 days’ return journey. The trail passes through the soft wood plantation to the podocarp forest before encountering the Karamoja plains and Kapeguria hills in Kenya as well as hot springs then arriving at the summit of Wagagai peak.
Hiking/Nature walks
This is yet another rewarding experience guided by a park ranger which takes about 4 hours covering 7 km. Hikers are treated to magnificent views of the bamboo forest, Kapkwai cave, extraordinary tree species, Chebonet falls, Khauka cave, Nabuyoga loop and the icing on the cake, the Wagagai peak and Jackson’s summit. You can also opt for a short day hike around Budadini for a chance to see Mudagi cliff.
Birding
Birding at Mount Elgon National Park is an incredible adventure around the Kapkwai forest exploration center. The Budadini, Mudagi cliffs, Sasa River Camp and Prina falls also have spectacular site for bird watchers including chubb’s cist cola, African Blue Flycatcher, African Goshawk, Doherty’s and Lahder Bush-strikes, Cinnamon Bee Eater, Baglafecht, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Bronze-napped pigeons, Black kite, Hartloub’s Turaco, Tacazze sun bird.
Cultural tours
You can also choose to visit the nearby local communities at Budadini community walk offering guided coffee tours, taking you through how it is planted, picked and grinded. Visit the Bagisu farmers who grow the best Arabica coffee in Uganda and also learn more about the Sabiny lifestyle who practice female circumcision.
Rock climbing
Rock climbing takes place outside the park at Sipi on ranges of mountain Elgon. Put your rock-scaling techniques to the test when you choose between the 35m climb which is the more challenging or he 15m climb which is easier. Both climbs provide unmatched views of the Karamoja plains. The fertile soils will introduce to coffee experience in the local communities of Sipi villages.
Touring the Waterfalls
The rivers of mount Elgon thrust over the ridges on both the northern and southern sides of the mountain creating some of the most breathtaking waterfalls collectively called the Sipi falls. However visitors can get the opportunity to hike to the top of the falls which are found outside the park.
How to access mount Elgon?
The park is found in Mbale district in the eastern region of Uganda. You will drive through the districts of Jinja-Mbale highway a 3-4-hour drive.
Best time to visit the park
Although the park can be accessed throughout the year, the recommended period would be during the dry season the months of December to February and then June to October.