The 1145 km2 Mount Elgon national park is located on the 4321m – high Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda. The Uganda – Kenya border bisects the Mountain into national parks in both countries where flora and fauna is being protected on the higher contours. This transboundary conservation area has been declared a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.
This 80km diameter massive extinct volcano once towered above Kilimanjaro’s 5900m. Its vast form rises 3000m above the wild hot plains of Karamoja to provide a cool and refreshing habitat for humans and a refuge for flora and fauna. Wildlife includes large mammals including, forest elephants and buffalos (though rarely seen) and over 300 bird species. The curious Afromontane plants peculiar to East Africa’s highest mountains decorate higher slopes of this mountains.
Along the jagged rim that encloses a giant caldera lies Mount Elgon’s highest peak. The mountain of illusion tag derives from historic confusion regarding the true summit of Mount Elgon. The local Bagisu people named their candidate – as seen from their side of the mountain-as Masaba after their founding deity. European climbers then found Masaba to be a 4165m high volcanic plug on the mountain’s flank, lower than even the 4209m Mubiyi peak named after Masaba’s supposedly diminutive wife. Subsequent expeditions made cases of various high spots along the caldera rim before the 4321m Wagagai, overlooked in the southwest corner of the caldera rim, was finally identified as the true summit.
WHAT TO DO
Inside the park
Tourist activities in Mount Elgon National Park caters for various levels of ambition. Visitors can make extended hikes to the summits, take day/half day walks through forest on the edge of the park, or simply relax in the spacious lodges and resorts overlooking delightful waterfalls just outside the park at Sipi.
Mountain climbing
An Ascent of Mount Elgon represents an exciting alternative to longer and more strenuous climbs on East Africa’s mountains. Elgon offers comparable attractions including Afromontane botany, with a milder climate and lower elevation. No special equipment or technical experience is required.
A number of routes ascend, the summit of Mt. Elgon. The shortest and most direct option is the Sasa trail which ascends to the 4321 Wagagai peak from the small town of Budadiri in Sironko valley. When using the Sasa trail, it is possible to reach the summit and descend to Budadiri in 3 or 4 days depending on the climbers pace. The Sipi trail follows a longer but gentler route, starting at 800 higher than Budadiri at UWA’s Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai (2050m). A highlight of any ascend of Mt. Elgon is the traverse through the distinctive vegetation zones found only in East Africa’s highest mountains. The lowest of these zones, between the park boundary and 2500m contour is montane forest. This gives way to bamboo (3000-3500m). Above 3500m, the mountainside opens into moorland dotted with outlandish forms of giant lobelias and groundsels.
Forest Walks
Trails of varying around length explore the forest around the Forest Exploration Centre passing Caves, waterfalls and viewpoints and providing the opportunity to observe birds – including African Goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, and African Blue Flycatcher- and primates.
Outside the park
Sipi Falls
The 7km section of the Sipi valley immediately outside the national park is improbably scenic as the river plunges over three sets of basalt cliffs during its decent to the plains beneath. Sipi falls has identified itself as an iconic tourist destination giving rise to the cluster of tourist lodges and a variety of activities.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bike excursions rage from casual exploration of many lovely trails in the vicinity, to the challenging Elgon Enduro hosted by Sipi River Lodge.
Rock climbing
Many of the basalt cliffs around Sipi have been bolted and can safely be climbed. Contact Fredson’s Homestay or the Mountain Club of Uganda for details.
Coffee tour
Uganda’s finest coffee is produced from Arabica Coffee beans grown on the slopes of Mount Elgon. A guided tour of a coffee garden to see how the beans are grown and ground can be booked and arranged by Fredson’s Homestay or Sipi River Lodge.
HOW TO GET THERE
Mount Elgon National Park lies above Mbale city, 235km east of the capital Kampala. The route beyond Mbale is surfaced as far as Kapchorwa town on the northwest flank of the mountain. Dirt roads lead off this road to the various trailheads – the nearest being Sasa trail. Mount Elgon can also be reached from Kidepo Valley National Park in north-east Uganda. The 420km drive is possible in one long day but an overnight stop in Moroto or Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is recommended.
