Due to its shared boundaries with Kenya, Mount Elgon National Park is split into two sections: an area in eastern Uganda near the town of Mbale, and a portion in Kenya. It serves as a water supply similarly to the Nzoia River that empties into Lake Victoria in Uganda and the Turkwel River, also known as the Suam River in Uganda, that rises and falls to Lake Turkana in Kenya, not to mention the Sasa River. The Sipi Falls, the most popular waterfall in the Eastern region, are formed by the Sipi River, which likewise has its source in the mountain.
The park is divided in half by the Kenyan border and spans an area of 1,279 km2. There are 1,110 km2 in the Ugandan portion of Mount Elgon National Park and 169 km2 in the Kenyan portion. Due to the park’s national significance, both of its sides are carefully protected; the Kenyan portion was gazetted in 1968, and the Ugandan portion in 1992.
One of the oldest natural features in Uganda is Mount Elgon National Park, also called the extinct volcano, which is said to have erupted 24 million years ago. Due to ongoing erosion, the Mountain Elgon in the park has dropped to 4,321 metres, making it the eighth highest mountain overall and the fourth highest in East Africa. Previously, the peak was higher than Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 metres.
Those who visit Mount Elgon during the ceremonial season will be delighted, since both the Bagisu and Sabiny have developed robust cultures and beliefs over time. Annual circumcision rites are performed and conducted by both Bagisu and Sabiny, during which women are initiated into maturity for Sabiny and men into Bagisu. Circumcision ceremonies are held by the Bagisu at the end of each even year.
Massive lobelia and groundsel plants can be seen growing on the slopes of Mount Elgon, along with montane forest and high open moorland. Olive trees cover the mountain slopes; when one ascends higher, the terrain shifts to a bamboo forest zone and then to moorland with heaths.
Climbing during the long rainy months of April and May is not advised on a Mount Elgon Hiking Safari. The starting point of the climb is the village of Budadiri, therefore climbers should first go there. The office of Mount Elgon National Park can organise your ascent, providing food, porters, guides, and other necessities. If one wants to reach the summit, one must climb for four days.
Tourism Activities in Mount Elgon National Park
Mountain Climbing
One of the options and the easiest mountain in East Africa to reach all year round is this one. Wagagai Peak, the highest peak in Mountain Elgon at 4,321 metres, is reachable in four days either walking or climbing. It need neither specific equipment nor experience to climb Mountain Elgon. There are two (2) main trails: the Piswa route, which begins at Kapkwata, close to Siam, is milder, and the Sasa trail, which is accessed from Budadiri and climbs 1600 metres on the first day, is fairly steep. There are several walks available, ranging from short hikes to challenging climbs, for those who are not as ambitious. We also have the Sipi Trail, which is now being developed.
The four-day Elgon trip can begin with a 1,110-meter walk from Budadiri Bumasola to Sasa River Camp, then continue to Mude Cave Camp from Sasa River Camp. Next, you will ascend Wagagai Peak and return to Mude Cave, before descending from Mude Cave (3500m) to Budadiri (1,250m).
Bird Watching
Over 296 different bird species can be found in Mountain Elgon National Park. Of these, 40 species are unique to the park. These include the Tacazze sunbird, Black-shouldered Kite, Black collared Apalis, Jackson’s Francolin, Lammergeyer, African Goshwak, Chinspot Batis, Chubb’s Cisticola, African Blue fly-catcher, Olive and Bronze-naped pigeons, Black kite, and Cinnamon Bee Eater. When visiting Mountain Elgon National Park, the densely forested kapkwai forests are a thrilling place to go bird watching. The forest itself stretches up to Cheptui Falls, which draws a wide diversity of bird species.
Hiking and Nature Walks
For all kinds of trekkers, Mountain Elgon provides a positive experience. It provides both lengthy and short hourly treks, such as short day hikes in Budadiri and visits to the Khauka caverns and the Mountain Bamboo Trail.
The Mountain Bamboo Hikes travel through a tropical and bamboo forest for 7 km before arriving at the Kapkwai Caves. Viewing primates, birds, and uncommon trees like Elgon teak and Elgon olive is possible there. Additionally, customers can travel 5 km to Chebonet Falls, 3 km to Kapkwai Caves via the Ridge View Trail, and 11 km to Tutum Cave. Additionally, they can camp overnight on the mountainside.
Cultural Expeditions
Visitors will come to this location to learn where Uganda’s Arabica coffee originates because of the farming culture on the slopes of Mount Elgon. Arabica coffee is known to be produced by the Bagisu and Sabinyu because they are grown on the Mountain Shambas (cultivated grounds) of Mount Elgon, which is connected to both Kenya and Uganda. Sipi or Bugisu are other names for Arabica coffee that the inhabitants and farmers in this area use. You can arrange guided excursions around coffee estates, where farmers will show you how to plant, harvest, grind, store, and wash coffee.
Along with exploring the cultures of the locals through three distinct trails, visitors can tour the Arabica coffee processing plants that support the produce of nearby farmers. The Namugabwe Cave Trail exposes visitors to the BaMasaba lands and plantations all the way up to the historical cave that is filled with bones. The Dirigana Loop Trail connects the local markets and the “Walls of Death” to the Dirigsana waterfalls and Gabushana cave.