Mount Elgon National Park, The Hidden Treasure of Uganda
Witness the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle across 14,763 km² of open savannah — Without a doubt, this park is Uganda’s crown jewel.
Best time to visit
Jun-Sept
Minimum stay
3-4 days
Top Sightings
Sipi Falls, Volcanic caves & Primates
Distance from Capital
329 Kms2
Location
Mbale, Sironko, Bududa & Kapchorwa
Best for
Solo travellers & Friends
Mount Elgon National Park
For a number of years, a natural feature has grown above the border between Kenya and Uganda. The Bagisu community holds Mount Elgon in utmost reverence, considering it the tangible embodiment of their esteemed progenitor, Masaba. Embark on a journey to ascend this age-old titan and behold the breathtaking panorama of East Africa from its unparalleled summit, situated at an awe-inspiring altitude of 4,321m.
Introduction to Mount Elgon National Park
It is located on the border of Kenya and Uganda. Mount Elgon National Park derives its name from Mount Elgon, a shield volcano that became dormant over 24 million years ago. With its vast surface area, Mount Elgon holds the distinction of being the largest extinct volcano globally, and its summit reaches an impressive height of 4,321 meters, making it the eighth-highest peak in Africa.
The park encompasses a total surface area of 1,279 square kilometers, with the Ugandan section covering 1,110 square kilometers and the smaller Kenyan section spanning 169 square kilometers.
When to Visit Mount Elgon National Park
It is advisable to plan your visit to Mount Elgon during the dry seasons of June to August and November to March for better hiking conditions. If you choose to visit in November or December, you will have the opportunity to witness the beautiful wildflowers in full bloom, but it will be during the rainy season; therefore, some of the routes may be accessible, but with slippery roads and some difficulty
On the other hand, the trails of Mount Elgon can be more challenging due to slippery conditions during the wetter months. Regardless of when you decide to visit, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views. The slippery roads, pathways, and hiking trails also provide a different feeling of nature in the mountain areas of Uganda.
Mount Elgon Safari activities
COMBINE 01
Coffee and tea tours
Would you wish to be part of the interesting coffee and tea tours in Uganda?
COMBINE 01
Community tourism
Community tourism is one of the most interesting things you can have mostly the batwa culture
Getting to Mount Elgon National Park
From Kampala
The distance between Kampala and Mount Elgon National Park is approximately 235km. Initially, the route takes you along a well-paved road from Kampala to Mbale, a city located in the Eastern Region of Uganda. From there, the road ascends towards Kapchorwa, situated on the north-western side of Mount Elgon. From Mbale city again, the road can also take you to Budadiri district, with an entrance to Mount Elgon National Park
Subsequently, the second part of the journey involves traversing dirt roads that branch off from the Mbale-Kapchorwa road or Budadiri district, leading you to the different trailheads within the park. The distance from Mbale town to the National Park can take approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the speed, since travelling is on rough murram roads
Wildlife
Mount Elgon National Park boasts a diverse range of wildlife, with elephants, buffalo, and various small antelope species residing on its lower slopes. The area also has very large numbers of primates, including the black-and-white colobus monkeys, the blue monkeys and other primates in the area, attracting large numbers of tourists from different locations and parts of the world.
The thick montane forest within the park is home to primates like the black-and-white colobus monkey and the blue monkey.
Additionally, Mount Elgon National Park is a habitat for more than 300 bird species, including the Tacazze sunbird and the lammergeier. To birders, this is a very important place to visit; it has quite a number of the most liked birds
Local Culture
Mount Elgon National Park accommodates two tribes, namely the Sabiny and the Bagisu. The Sabiny communicate in Sebei, a Nilotic language, while the Bagisu converse in Lugisu, somewhat similar to the Lumasaba language. According to the Bagisu, Mount Elgon represents their esteemed ancestor, Masaba, and they refer to the mountain by his name. Both tribes engage in subsistence farming as their primary means of livelihood.
Selected Mount Elgon Sightings & Attractions
Moroto town
African Grey Hornbill
Baboon
Saddle-billed stork
Secretary bird
Black and white colobus monkey
Sipi Falls
colobus Monkey
Blue monkey
Things to do at Mount Elgon National Park
Hiking
Mount Elgon’s trekking paths are a primary draw for visitors. In contrast to other ascents in East Africa, Mount Elgon’s paths are open year-round and do not necessitate specialized climbing gear.
Hiking Trails
The Sasa Trail:
This four-day round trip is the most challenging but shortest trail. It is the original route to Wagagai, the peak of Mount Elgon at 4,321m. Starting in the town of Budadiri in the Eastern Region of Uganda at an altitude of 1,250m, the first day involves a difficult ascent of 1,650m. The trail then takes you through the forest, leading to the Mudangi Cliffs, which require climbing using ladders. After that, there is a 2.5-hour walk through the picturesque bamboo forest. On Day 2, the walk becomes gentler, and you will reach Wagagai on Day 3.
The Piswa Trail:
As an alternative to the Sasa Trail, the Piswa Trail is less strenuous but longer. It covers approximately 49km over 7 days. The trail starts at the village of Kapkwata on the north side of the mountain, situated at an altitude of 2,190m. One of the highlights of this trail is the breathtaking views it offers of Uganda’s Karamoja Plains and Kenya’s Kapeguria and Nandi Hills.
The Sipi Trail:
The longest trail, spanning 56km, takes around 4-6 days to complete. It begins at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre, which is only a few kilometers away from Sipi Falls. One of the notable features of this trail is the section that passes through Tatum Cave, known for its ancient cave paintings.
Day Hikes:
For those who prefer shorter hikes, the Forest Exploration Centre has opened three trails ranging from 3- 7 km in length. These trails are ideal for less experienced hikers and travelers who want to experience the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Mount Elgon within a shorter timeframe.
Mountain Biking
In 2012, the Uganda Wildlife Authority inaugurated mountain biking routes. Bicycles are available for hire at Sipi River Lodge. A trail lasting 1 ½ hours leads from Sipi Trading Centre, situated at an elevation of 1,775m, to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa.
Bird Watching
Mount Elgon National Park is home to more than 300 bird species and has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Visitors with an interest in birds should keep an eye out for unique species such as the endangered lammergeier. Additionally, keep a lookout for the African blue flycatcher, the African goshawk, and the cinnamon-chested bee-eater.
Where to Stay at Mount Elgon National Park
Sipi River Lodge
Our preferred high-end lodging is located at the base of Mount Elgon. This resort boasts stunning vistas of Mount Elgon National Park. For travelers in search of a private retreat, Sipi features 4 Waterfall Cottages: Aniet, Kapsurur, Chepkui, and Toben.
Each cottage provides an exclusive outlook of Kapsurur Falls, along with a private bathroom and a personal veranda. Sipi also presents 3 Riverside Bandas, namely Piswa, Sasa, and Suam.
The bandas combine luxury with local architectural customs. Their circular walls and traditionally crafted thatched roofs enable the bandas to harmoniously blend in with their picturesque surroundings.
Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa
Situated on the outskirts of Mbale, this moderate-priced lodging transformed a former colonial structure during the 1950s. Mount Elgon Hotel presents three distinct categories of lodging options: Junior Rooms, Superior Rooms, and Executive Suites. Notably, the Executive Suites have accommodated numerous esteemed individuals, such as politicians and members of royal families.
Following an exhausting day of trekking, guests have the liberty to rejuvenate themselves in the spa, the mini-gym, or the restaurant. Moreover, they have the opportunity to indulge in a personalized drinking experience by reserving a session for cocktails and wine tasting.
Kapkwai Cottages
Located at the gateway of Mount Elgon National Park, this affordable lodging was initially constructed to serve as a hub for students exploring the lush forest.
The lodging offers practical yet cozy accommodations, with guests having the option of selecting from 4 cottages or 4 fixed tents.
Visitors can replenish themselves with food and beverages from the on-site canteen, making it convenient after a day filled with adventures.
Positioned at the entrance of Mount Elgon National Park, this economical lodging was originally established to cater to students who were visiting the dense forest.
The lodging provides functional yet cozy accommodations, with travelers having the choice of 4 cottages or 4 fixed tents.
Guests can recharge with food and drinks from the on-site canteen, making it convenient after a day of activities.
Selected Mount Elgon Safari Packages
5 Days
Private
5 Days Uganda Golden Monkey Tracking and Lake Mutanda Safari
from
$ 800
per person
5 Days
Private
5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking with Musanze Caves Exploration
from
$ 3299
per person
4 Days
Private
4 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking and Mount Sabyinyo Hiking Safari
from
$ 800
per personConclusion
Mount Elgon is less frequently visited than the parks in the west of the country, but those who do visit are never disappointed. Get in touch with us and we can design a tailor-made itinerary.
Mount Elgon in Summary
Best Attractions
Sipi Falls, Volcanic caves & Primates
Best time to visit
Jun-Sept
Best Attractions
Wildlife, river scenery and game drives
Top activities
Mountain hiking, Sipi Falls visit & Bird watching
How to Get there.
Mount Elon National Park is easier accessed by road transport using the Kampala-Mbale route where yiiu take a bus from Kampala to Mbale or a private means, then from Mbale to Budadiri or Kapchorwa where the entrances are located
Recommended duration
Kapkwai Forest Lodge (Budget), Lecam lodge ( Standard), Rafiki Lodge Sipi (Luxury)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mount Elgon National Park located?
It lies in eastern Uganda along the Kenyan border, northeast of Lake Victoria, and is managed jointly by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Kenya Wildlife Service. It is bordered by Kenya, since Mount Elgon is in two countries, for example, Uganda and Kenya. It is 140 km northeast of Lake Victoria and is roughly 235 Km from Kampala, the capital City of Uganda
What makes Mount Elgon unique?
It features the largest base of any solitary volcano in the world that is roughly 50 km by 80 km and an ancient caldera spanning about 40 km. It is the largest volcanic base in the world and contains one of the globe’s largest mountain calderas. The park is split directly down the middle by the international border between Uganda and Kenya, creating a shared cross-border conservation area managed by both nations.
Does climbing Mount Elgon become very difficult for travellers?
The trails are generally considered less tiresome and less crowded than Kilimanjaro or the ones of Rwenzori, offering a perfect climb through changing vegetation zones. Climbing Mount Elgon is not considered very difficult and is widely regarded as one of the easier major peaks in Africa. The hike is a trekking experience rather than technical mountaineering, meaning you do not need ropes, ice axes, or specialised climbing skills
What are the main attractions?
Key sights include the massive summit caldera, hot springs, caves like Kitum Cave frequently habouring salt-mining elephants, and the nearby three Sipi Falls.The main attractions in Mount Elgon National Park include its massive volcanic caldera, high-altitude peaks, and the unique caves. The distinct ecological zones range from tropical montane forests and dense bamboo belts to afro-alpine moorlands with giant lobelias and groundsels
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Low Season
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, may
Peak Season
Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Dec
Recommended Stay
Buhoma Gorilla Camp,
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