All you need to know about Mount Elgon national park. Mount Elgon national park is Uganda’s national park located at the border with Kenya in Eastern Uganda. Mount Elgon national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering an area of about 1,121 square kilometers. The park gained its national park status from a game reserve in 1992. Mount Elgon national park gained its name from the extinct volcano whose last eruptions took place about 24 million years ago. Mount Elgon is Uganda’s oldest geological formations and still standing. The mountain has the largest caldera in the whole world which spans about 60 kilometers long and 40 kilometers wide. Mount Elgon national park is one of Uganda’s hidden wonders which accommodate about 300 bird species, over 400 plant species. The highest peak of Mount Elgon is Wagagai Peak which is 4,321 meters high.
Attractions in Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon
This is a dormant volcano whose last eruption happened about 24 million years ago and it is the oldest geological site in Uganda. Mount Elgon is believed to have been the tallest mountain in Africa, taller than Mount Kilimanjaro however it was worked on by soil erosion which reduced it to its current height of 4,321 meters above the ground. Mount Elgon is the fourth highest in East Africa and eighth tallest peak in Africa.
Birdlife in Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon National Park is a home to 300 recorded number of bird species with some species being only endemic here. There are many spots in the park where you can find birds distributed throughout the park. Some of the birding spots in Mount Elgon include; Chepkui falls, Forest exploration centre in Kapwai and other forest designated places and open savanna areas. Some of the bird species include; African goshawk, African flycatchers, Baglafecht weaver, black and white casqued, chin-spot batis, black collared Apalis, black-shouldered kite, Chubb’s cisticola, crowned hornbills, eastern bronze-napped pigeon, Doherty’s and Luhder’s bush-shrikes, white-chinned prinia, Ross’s turacos, golden winged sunbird, Hartlaub’s turaco, Tacazze sunbirds, Mackinon’s turaco to mention but a few.
Animals in Mount Elgon National Park
The Mount Elgon being a mountainous national park, animals normally loiter at the lower slopes of the Mountain. Most of the animals you encounter include; forest elephants, buffaloes, leopards, spotted hyenas, oribis, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, among others.
Culture
Mount Elgon accommodates Bagisu, Ndorobo and the Sabiny tribes who have lived in the hick forests for centuries. The Bagisu tribes are also known as the Bamasaba and they have strong beliefs about the Mountain. The mountain itself they believe it is a symbol of their ancestral father who was called Masaba. The most famous cultural norm practiced by the Bamasaba is called Imbalu. This is an initiation where a male teenager is circumcised and is ushered into adulthood. This cultural even takes place every even year.
Activities in Mount Elgon National Park
Birding in Mount Elgon National Park
Birding in Mount Elgon national park is one of the amazing adventures where you have to encounter unique bird species that you will not see anywhere else in the wilderness. Some of the bird species you will encounter include; African blue fly-catcher, black and white casqued, chin-spot batis and Baglafecht weaver, black-shouldered kite, crowned hornbills among others. You will spot these birds in Chepkui falls and Forest Exploration Centre in Kapwai.
Hiking Mount Elgon
Hiking Mount Elgon is one of the major highlight when you think about Mount Elgon national park. Engage in 3-7 days hike to Wagagai peak which is 4,321 meters above the sea level. Catch the breathtaking views of the entire eastern Uganda while at Wagagai peak of Mount Elgon.
Game Drives in Mount Elgon National Park
Away from being a mountainous national park where birding and hiking is rampant, game viewing is also another fascinating activity in Mount Elgon national park. Immerse yourself in the jungle which is full of wildlife for example buffaloes, forest elephants, hyenas, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, bush pigs, sitatungas. You will spot monkeys such as blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys among other creatures.
Rock Climbing
This is another adventure that is pulling millions of travelers from all corners of the world especially those that visit Mount Elgon national park. This takes place in Sipi falls and the rock is about 35 meters high. Climbing the rock can take about 3hours. You will drive to Tororo near the town. While you are top of the rock, you will spot amazing views of the city. This is where you will encounter the Nyero rock paintings.
You cannot visit Mount Elgon and leave out Sipi falls. Be a partake of this beautiful adventure where you will see a river flowing above the three rock tiers making a wonderful sound as it lands down. The experience is so fascinating and enticing to see at the same time.
Coffee Tour
The Elgon region is a famous area for Uganda’s Arabic coffee. When you visit Mount Elgon, expect to engage in this experience where you will visit different farms and engage in roasting and tasting the drink.
Best Accommodations in Mount Elgon National Park
There are different lodges and hotels within and around the park and these depend on your budget. There are luxury lodges and hotels, midrange and budget accommodations where you can stay during your visit. Some of the best lodges to consider for your accommodation include; Mbale resort hotel, Sipi river lodge, Kapkwai forest cottages, Mount Elgon hotel and Spa, Kayegi hotel, Noah’s Ark hotel and Masha hotel.
What is the Best Time to Visit Mount Elgon National Park?
You can visit Mount Elgon national park all the year around, however, the best time is between June and September and December and February. This is when the trails are passable and navigation is easy. The vegetation is thin therefore your sight can cover a wide area without being blocked. However you can also visit Mount Elgon national park between March and May and October and November. This is the best time for birders where most of the birds flock the park because of the plenty of food in the park during this period. The vegetation is very green and you should expect beautiful sceneries everywhere.
What to Carry when Visiting Mount Elgon National Park?
If you plan to visit Mount Elgon national park, you should be able to have the following ticked on your list.
- Hiking shoes
- Rain proof jacket
- Light trousers
- Long sleeved light shirts
- Back bag
- Mineral water
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Camera and extra batteries
- Binoculars
Who to consult if I want to Visit Mount Elgon National Park?
I would highly advise you to contact Omangwa Safaris Ltd to curate your trip to Mount Elgon national park. This is because we brag in curating successful hiking trips. However you can contact other tour operators but make sure they are licensed.
