Mount Elgon National Park
Location: Eastern Uganda on her border with Kenya
Size: 1,145 sq km
Habitat:
Mt Elgon, an extinct Volcanic Mountain with highest peak (Wagagai) at 4321m above sea level and three other major peaks; Kiongo (4303m), Mubiyi (4210m) and Jackson’s summit (4165m).
Various rivers like Sipi River with the spectacular Sipi falls.
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.
Major attractions:
The caldera and the peaks are the main destinations featuring spectacular scenery of unique flora, waterfalls, lakes and gorges on the trail.
A variety of fauna species such as forest monkeys, small antelopes, elephants and buffaloes.
Over 300 bird species including forest birds, and several endemic species adapted to East Africa’s montane moorlands. Twelve of the species listed for Elgon occur in no other Ugandan national park including Jackson’s francolin, Moorland Francolin (elsewhere commonly in Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains), Moustached green tinker bird, Red-throated wryneck, black-collared apalis, Hunter’s Cisticola, Alpine chat, Marsh Widowbird and Weyn’s weaver.
Other attractions:
Ancient cave paintings close to the trailhead at Budadiri, spectacular caves and hot springs within the crater,
The famous Imbalu dances and ceremonies held by the local people during initiation ceremonies.
Climate:
The best times for a Mount Elgon hiking safari are during the dry seasons of June-August and December-March. No technical climbing equipment or skills are required to reach the main peaks. Rain gear and both cool and warm clothing are required as the area is subject to sudden weather changes.
Accessibility
By road: A 5-6 hours drive from Kampala via Jinja and Mbale. You will access various trailheads on the Mbale-Kapchorwa tarmac road.
Safari activities
- Hiking is the major tourism activity. Climbing Mt. Elgon is not so much challenging and therefore can attract both medium climbers and the experienced climbers.
- Visits to the lovely Sipi Falls for scenic viewing.
- Nature walks from Budadiri trailhead.
- Community visits and participation in Imbalu dances.
Mt Elgon National Park Lodges
- Lacam Lodge
- Land Mark Inn
- Mbale Resort Hotel
- The Crows Nest
- Moses Campsite
- Sipi Falls Rest Camp
- Wash & Willis Country Home
CONTACTS
+256414 232657
++256 772 367972
info@hotelsinuganda.com
