Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

With the last eruption about 24 million years ago, Mount Elgon National Park is one of the oldest physical features in Uganda.

Mount Elgon national Park in Uganda is one of the favorite Uganda hiking safaris destinations in the Eastern region of the country at an altitude of 4,321m above sea level at the wagagai peak. Situated on the Uganda-Kenya border, Mount Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world with a diameter of 80km. For Uganda safaris, here are details of the most important information about Mount Elgon National Park.

Location of Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Mount Elgon in Uganda is situated in the Eastern districts of Bududa, Manafwa and Mbale. The conserved park of Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda covers about 1,121 square kilometers. With the wagagai peak at 4,321 meters above sea level, this is the fourth highest peak in East Africa and the eighth on the African continent. The foothills of Mount Elgon are home to two tribes of the Bagisu and the sabiny; tribes that are so attached to the Mountain and refer to it as the embodiment of their fore fathers. The Benet-Ndorobo group are forced to live far deep in the forest of Benet.

Background of Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

In 1929, the Ugandan protectorate administration gazetted its side of the Mountain as a forest reserve managed by the Forestry department. In 1940, the gazetted area became the Mount Elgon Crown Forest and later on a Central Forest Reserve in 1951. In 1983, the government opened up a 6,000 hectare of the reserve for settlement by the encroaching Benet-Ndorobo group. In January 1994, the reserve was converted into a national park and named after Mount Elgon, the extinct shield volcano on which the park sits on.

Best time to visit Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Open for Uganda tours all year round, some times of the year offer better safari experiences in Mount Elgon National Park than others. The best time of the year to hike Mount Elgon National Park is during the months of June –August and December-March. During these months, the rains are less and therefore trail heads less slippery. Mount Elgon is a water catchment area receiving about 3000mm of rainfall annually. The months of April-October are the wettest months with the park getting really cold, snow and hail also being common. This makes the hiking experience really not amazing. However, what time of the year you choose to undertake a hiking safari in Uganda, remember to carry warm gear.

Getting there/ how to get to Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Getting to Mount Elgon National Park is more convenient by road since there no domestic flights that land close to the park. The road to Mount Elgon National Park from Kampala is fairly good with tarmac passing across the Nile River in Jinja. From Kampala-Uganda’s capital, the road distance to Mount Elgon National Park is about 266km on a drive distance of about 6 hours. Dirt roads reach to the different trailheads.

Your Route to Mount Elgon National Park

Attractions in Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Mount Elgon Caves

Mount Elgon has several beautiful caves that can be seen by visitors to the park. Studies have put it to record that these caves have been partly formed by Elephants and other mammals that frequently visit at night to “mine” the natural salt by licking it from the cave walls. The Mount Elgon caves are mapped at Kitum, Chepnyali and Mackingeny. There also cave paintings near the trailhead at Budadiri and hot springs bubbling at temperatures of up to 480 C at the former volcano crater.

Wildlife in Mount Elgon

Though not popular for Uganda wildlife safaris, Mount Elgon National Park boosts a population of Elephants and buffaloes that can be found at the lower slopes. Other wildlife species also include a variety of small antelopes and duikers as well as forest monkeys including the black and white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey and blue monkey.

Birds in Mount Elgon

With a fairy tale setting the Rwenzori Mountains has almost the best vegetation cover in Uganda and more popular for its flora. The mountains have different vegetation types on different altitudes with the lower slopes being blanketed in Moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. The ranges are covered with big size forms of rare lobelia varieties and also heather and groundsel, colored mosses, gnarled trees with the lichens curtaining the place.

Safari activities in Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Mountain climbing / hiking in Mount Elgon

The most popular of the safari activities in Mount Elgon National Park is Mountain climbing / hiking. Mt Elgon is found by many as an exciting alternative hiking destination less strenuous to hike than Mt Rwenzori. No technical experience is required to hike Mount Elgon. There different trails to the top of Mount Elgon and these are; Piswa trail in Mount Elgon Park Sasa trail: This route takes about 4 days and starts from Budadiri town close to Mbale town and probably the most accessible trail head. This trail crosses the Mount Elgon Park’s largest area of bamboo forest and passes the Jackson’s pool towards the wagagai peak. However, this trail is steep and rugged with a climb of 1600m on the first day of the hike. Piswa trail: Starting from Kapkwata, the Piswa trail lasts 7 days and is a long route. The hike starts with a high hike but then follows a more gradual route to the caldera. A long the Piswa trail is a vast Podocarpus forest with several wildlife species. Sipi trail: The Sipi trail starts from the Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai a few Kilometers upstream from the Sipi falls. The Sipi trail takes 7 days with a visit to the tutum cave at altitude 2667m.

Mountain Biking in Mount Elgon

Sipi falls hike

The Sipi Falls is outside the park but a very scenic spot to visit on a trip to the area. The falls are found at the foothills of Mountain Elgon in Kapchorwa district. The Sipi falls is comprised of 3 beautiful falls flowing from different altitudes the highest at 100m and the biggest of them all. The falls are beautiful and a great way to relax and hide way from the city mess. The hike gives scenic views of the plains below in a cool and beautiful area.

Nature Walks and day hikes in Mount Elgon

Being host to about 217 bird species, hosting 18 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species Uganda birding tours to the park are amazing. The park also has 60 of 86 Afro tropical highland biome species, the second highest after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Some of the beautiful bird species that can be sighted in the park include the Rwenzori Turaco, Golden-winged Sunbird, Stuhlmann’s Double-collared Olive-back, Bamboo Warbler, and Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird.

Birding in Mount Elgon

The people around Mountain Rwenzori are amazing and peaceful to visit. A cultural tour to the villages helps understand the lifestyle of the local people. Just at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountain, you can see cultural dances, traditional customs and hear their fascinating folklore.

Cultural encounters

The tribes around Mount Elgon National Park are unique and offer great cultural experiences. On cultural encounters, there also coffee tours as you are taken through the whole process of making coffee from the garden to the cup. You meet local residents and learn a lot about the cultures in the area including local cuisine. Some of the cultural practices that are popular in the area around are the Imbalu ceremony, which is the Bagishu circumcision ceremony.

Uganda safari packages to Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

3 Days Murchison Falls Safari - Wild Jungle Trails Safaris

This 3 Days Murchison Falls safari Uganda is a short wildlife Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park which is Uganda’s oldest and largest (3,840km2) safari park in just 3 days. Read More

3 Days Murchison Falls safari Uganda - Wild Jungle Trails Safaris Uganda

This 3 Days Murchison Falls safari Uganda is a short wildlife Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park which is Uganda’s oldest and largest (3,893km2) safari park in just 3 days. Read More

Gorilla and baby - 16 Days Uganda wildlife, Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking safari - Wild Jungle Trails Safaris

This 16 Days Uganda wildlife, Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking safari is a 16 days Uganda safari to view wildlife, trek chimpanzees, trek mountain gorillas and have a white water rafting experience. This 1 6 days Uganda safari is a very inclusive safari with the top safari activities in the best of the Uganda safari parks. Read More

9 Days Uganda chimpanzee trekking and Primate Safari, Gorilla trekking in Uganda

This 9 Days Uganda chimpanzee trekking and Primate Safari is a wildlife safari in Uganda majorly having more encounters with chimpanzees, other primates as well as more wildlife species like lions. The tour includes primates and wildlife in Uganda combined with Ngamba Island sanctuary. Read More

Accommodation / where to stay at Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Luxury accommodation in Mount Elgon National Park

Mbale Resort Hotel –Mbale

Mbale Resort Hotel is set against the backdrop of the slopes of Mount Elgon in the heart of Mbale Town. All rooms and suites reflect a contemporary and sophisticated style featuring breathtaking Mbale skyline views, spectacular panoramic views of the Wanale Hill, Swimming Pool and garden views. Mbale Resort Hotel offers you the utmost environment for your accommodation in Mbale with splendor and delight. The hotel has 94 rooms on 2 wings. The Victoria/Executive Wing with 74 Executive Rooms and the Eden/Original Wing with 20 Budget rooms. All rooms will soothe your mind and set your soul free.!

Sipi River Lodge – Sipi Falls Area

Set within the grounds of a unique restored former residence, Sipi River Lodge consists of a main house and seven detached accommodations for our guests, each individually designed with a thoughtful perspective on the backdrop of Kapsurur Falls.

Within this picturesque setting you will experience intimate fireside dining, a comfortable reading lounge, an airy veranda, and a bar stocked with beers, wines, and a fine selection of single malt whisky.

Mid-range/standard accommodation in Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon Hotel $ Spa- Mbale

Housed in a grand colonial building dating of the 1950’s and located in the leafy suburbs of Mbale. Known for its half a century tradition, the peace and tranquility of its setting and now for its impressive renovation promises the warmest of welcomes, vibrant experiences and vivid memories of your stay.

Rafiki Lodge – Sipi Falls Area

Within the picturesque area of Sipi, Rafiki Lodge Sipi consists of family cottages, Bandas and basic room accommodation for guests. Guests experience intimate fireside dining, a comfortable reading lounge, an airy veranda, and a bar stocked with beers, wines, and a fine selection of single malt whisky.

Budget accommodation in Mount Elgon National Park

Crow’s Nest –Sipi Falls Area

Crow’s Nest Campsite overlooks the 3 waterfalls of Sipi impressively situated on an elevation of 1770m above sea level on the slopes of Mount Elgon. Crow’s Nest Campsite offers breathtaking views of the falls and beautiful scenery. This is a great camping area and start point for travelers on budget safaris in Uganda to start most of the safari activities. This terraced camp is made up of a number of huge dome tents at very affordable prices.

Rwenzori Backpackers

Along the Piswa trail head is Kapkwata Guest House offering comfortable budget accommodation. The Guest house accommodates about 7 people with kitchen services. However, travelers are requested to carry their own food stuffs or purchase on arrival.

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