Mount Elgon National park
Mount Elgon National Park: generally has the largest volcanic Base in the World and located on the Uganda–Kenya border. It is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna. Additionally, this park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. Besides, the park is also a home to a variety of small antelope like duikers as well as forest monkeys. Some of these include; the black & white colobus, blue monkey and red-tailed monkeys.
What to do in Mount Elgon National Park
Nature walks & Hiking
Outside the park, guides from the local community can organize walks of a few hours up to a full day. In Kapchorwa, a 20-minute sunrise trek at 6am from Noah’s Ark hotel leads to the nearby Tewei Hill to watch dawn spreading across the vast Karamoja plains at the base of the mountain. A full-day nature hike can also be organized from Budadiri to the Mudange cliffs, known as the Walls of Death. These cliffs are located in the tropical forest, therefore blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus and baboons are likely to cross your tracks.
Mountain/Volcano Climbing
Actually many travelers find this mountain an exciting alternative to the more strenuous climbs in East Africa. It is also easier to access throughout the year, less congested even so has milder climate and lower elevation. Nevertheless, climbing the peaks requires no special equipment or technical experience. Trails to follow include; the Sipi trail which is the longest trail to the peaks. The piswa trail, this is the longest and the gentlest trail. It’s also notable for its spectacular views of the Karamoja plains in Uganda and the Nandi hills in Kenya. The Sasa trail, the shortest but toughest route to the peaks and traversing the community land.
Mountain biking
A mountain biking trail runs from Sipi trading centre to Chema hill in Kapchorwa town. It takes 1.5 hours and provides views of various waterfalls and the Karamoja plains. On the other hand, bikes can be hired from Sipi River Lodge.
Rock climbing
Rock climbing takes place outside the park at Sipi. Basically, there are 14 climbs requiring various levels of rock scaling techniques. Meanwhile all equipments can be hired from the Sipi Falls Tourist Guides Association. The toughest is a 35m climb while the easiest is 15m. Both command a picturesque view of the main falls and the Karamoja plains.
Cultural encounters
Grown on the mountain shambas (an area of cultivated ground) of the mountain is the Arabica coffee. This was also named Sipi or Bugisu by the farmers who have a reputation for producing some of the finest washed Arabica in Kenya and Uganda. Finally, the Sipi Widows’ Group will take you on a guided walk through the coffee plantation demonstrating how to plant, pick, grind, store and wash the coffee. You will also learn about life of the Sabiny as you meet local residents, and as well participate in traditional weaving. Learn about African cuisine through the preparation, cooking and tasting of local dishes. Furthermore, a visit to the women’s handcraft shop in the trading Centre is also highly recommended. Lastly, proceeds from the tour and shop are invested in maintaining the coffee trees, paying school fees for orphans etc.
Bird watching
Excellent birding opportunities exist around Kapkwai forest exploration centre, in particular in the secondary forest and thick shrub along the loop trails extended to cover Cheptui Falls. It supports the African Goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catcher. Chinspot batis, Mackinnon’s fiscal, Dohertys and Luhders Bush-shrikes. Baglafecht weaver, Cinnamon bee eater, Hartloub`s Turaco, Tacazze sunbird. Olive and Bronze-naped pigeons, Black kite and Black-collared Apalis.
Best time to visit Mount Elgon National Park
The best time to climb Mount Elgon is during the dry seasons between June-August and December-March. However, it should be noted that climbing Mt. Elgon can be done all year round.
Accommodation
Luxury
- Sipi River Lodge
- Mbale Resort Hotel
Mid-range
- Masha Hotel
- Lacam Lodge
- Noah’s Ark Hotels
Budget
- Kapkwai Forest Cottages
- Suam Guest House
- Kapkwata Guest House
Some of our safari packages
2 Days Best of Lake Mburo Park Safari.
3 Days Murchison Falls Adventure Safaris.
4 Days Kidepo Valley Wildlife Safari.
5 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari in Uganda.
10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife and Adventure Safari.
11 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari Experience.
15 Days Best of Uganda Holiday Safari.
Our Special Safaris
