The 1145 km² Mount Elgon National Park protects the higher slopes of the 4321m Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano on the Uganda-Kenya border.

Mount Elgon is one of East Africa’s oldest physical features, first erupting around 20 million years ago. The trek to the summit passes through the distinctive latitudinal vegetation zones restricted to Eastern Africa’s highest mountains.

Mount Elgon’s cool slopes with its distinctive, waterfall streaked cliffs are an ideal retreat, especially during the long drive through dusty Karamoja to/from Kidepo Valley National Park.

The 1,145 km² Mount Elgon National Park is located on the 4321m-high Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda. The border with Kenya bisects the mountain and national parks in both countries protect the flora and fauna on the higher contours. This trans-boundary conservation area has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.

wild life

The 1,145 km² Mount Elgon National Park is located on the 4321m-high Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda. The border with Kenya bisects the mountain and national parks in both countries protect the flora and fauna on the higher contours. This trans-boundary conservation area has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.

Local people

Mt. Elgon is home to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny. The Bagisu, who live on the southern and western slopes of Mount Elgon are known for their colorful, biannual Imbalu ceremony in which boys are initiated into manhood through circumcision. The Bagisu, also known as the Bamasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name.

Access

By road

Mount Elgon National Park lies above Mbale town, 235km east of 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.

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 Morotoor Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is recommended.

Activities and attractions

Kapkwai tourist exploration center

The UWA-run Forest Exploration Center  lies on the park edge, 13km beyond Sipi. It doubles as an education center for local schools and researchers as well as a trailhead for the Sipi route to the peaks.

Mountain climbing

A number of routes ascend to the 4321m Wagagai peak, the summit of Mount Elgon.

The Sasa Trail ascends from the small town of Budadiri (1250m a.s.l.) in the Sironko Valley. The shortest and most direct option, it is possible to reach the summit and descend to Budadiri in 3 or (more comfortably) 4 days. It does however involve a stiff attitudinal gain of 1650m, including an ascent of the Mudangi Cliffs, on Day One.

The Sipi Trail involves a longer but gentler ascent, starting 800 higher than Budadiri . Other options are the Piswa and Suam routes on the northern side of the mountain and a proposed new route at Bushiyi.

Forest walks

Routes over varying length explore the forest around the forest exploration center passing caves, waterfalls and viewpoints and providing the opportunity to observe birds and primates.

Nkokonjeru and WanaleRridge

As the map shows, a narrow corridor of parkland extends 25km west from the Mount Elgon massif towards Mbale town. This follows the Nkokenjeru Ridge, a 25 km-long tongue of lava that burst out of the side of the volcano after the cone had collapsed to block the main vent. A  trail within this section of the park visits the Khaukha Cave. The ridge ends at the lofty Wanale Cliffs (outside the park) which tower 700m above Mbale. A road winding upwards from the town through a gap in the cliffs leads to some stunning viewpoints and sites with paragliding potential.

 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. These have given rise to a cluster of tourist lodges and a variety of activities.

Mountain biking

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. These have given rise to a cluster of tourist lodges and a variety of activities.

Rock climbing

Many of the basalt cliffs around Sipi have been bolted and can safely be climbed. Contact Sipi River Lodge or the Mountain Club of Uganda for details

Coffee tour

Uganda’s finest coffee is produced from Arabic beans grown on Mount Elgon. Take a guided tour of a coffee garden at Sipi to see how the beans are grown and ground. Other regional attractions include Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and Nyero Rock paintings near Kumi.

Accommodation

Comfortable budget and mid range resorts are found at Sipi town, 13km from Kapkwai while Mbale town offers a wide choice of hotels, like mount Elgon view  hotel,the crows nest sipi and UWA accommodations provided at the exploration center.