Mount Elgon National Park
Volcano Trek & Spectacular Scenery
Mt. Elgon is a 4,321m high extinct volcano which in prehistoric times stood taller than Kilimanjaro does today. Although the mountain straddles the Kenya border, its loftiest peak, Wagagai, lies within Uganda and is best ascended from the Uganda side.
Spectacular scenery is the main attraction for hikers on this often-overlooked and relatively undemanding mountain, but there is also a variety of forest monkeys and small antelope, along with elephant and buffalo.
Background
Two million years ago, after its last major eruption, the top of Mt. Elgon collapsed, creating one of the largest calderas in the world. The caldera resembles a large ‘bowl’, 8km in diameter, surrounded by a ring of rugged peaks. The collapsed crater covers approximately 40 sq. km with hot springs inside and shallow ‘crater’ lakes throughout.
Elgon is an important watershed, and its slopes support a rich variety of altitudinal vegetation zones ranging from montane forest to high open moorland studded with the other-worldly giant lobelia and groundsel plants.
Attractions Overview
Spectacular volcanic scenery is the main attraction for this park (best appreciated on foot). Elgon’s other attractions include ancient cave paintings close to the trailhead at Budadiri, and spectacular caves and hot springs within the crater. A checklist topping 300 birds includes many species not recorded elsewhere in Uganda. Sipi Falls in the foothills of the mountain is regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic waterfalls in the country.
Activities Overview
Trekking to the top of Mt. Elgon will take you through four distinct vegetation zones. The lush Montane Forest, occurring between 2,000 and 2,500m, along with the Mixed Bamboo zone (2,400-3,000m) contains the largest biodiversity on the mountain. Dense scrub and brilliant wildflowers characterise the Heath Zone (3,000-3,500m). Higher up the mountain at 3,500-4,231m, you will find the highest number of endemic plant species including clusters of peculiar so-called big game plants-giant fleshy herbs such as lobelias and groundsels that can reach up to 6m in height.
There are few mammals to be seen here, but occasionally Chanler’s mountain reedbucks can be spotted near the caldera rim. There are several species of raptors to be seen, most impressive of which is the lammergeyer. The drier months (June to August, December to March) are best for hiking.
The Forest Exploration Centre provides a variety of magnificent walking trails to explore the area.
Accommodation
Accommodation options on Mount Elgon, a dormant volcano on the Uganda-Kenya border, range from basic camping sites to more luxurious lodges. Visitors can choose to stay at one of the campsites located within the national park, providing a more immersive experience in nature. For those seeking more comfortable lodging, there are also lodges and guesthouses in nearby towns such as Mbale and Sipi, offering a variety of amenities and services.
Wildlife
The wildlife on Mount Elgon is diverse and unique, with a variety of species adapted to the mountain's high-altitude habitats. Common wildlife sightings on Mount Elgon include elephants, buffalo, hyenas, bushbucks, and various species of duikers. The mountain is also home to several primate species such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and baboons. Birdwatchers will also enjoy exploring the rich avian diversity on Mount Elgon, with over 300 bird species recorded in the area.
Must-see Attractions
Source of the Nile
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Must-do Activities
White Water Rafting
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