One of the wonders of Uganda is found right in this Mount Elgon National Park Uganda. Located in the eastern wing of the country, the park covers an area of 1,121km². The major land form evident here is an extinct volcano; which happens to be one of Uganda’s oldest physical features.
There are more unique facts about this park, most especially the mountain ranges. At 4,000km² ground coverage, Mt. Elgon has one the largest volcanic calderas in the world. This distinct land form is located on the Uganda-Kenya border and also doubles as the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna. Vegetation zones along the mountain are clearly distinct; bamboo forests, heath and moorland vegetation, cactus, savannah type grasslands towards the bottom.
Mount Elgon National Park is home to several mammal species and over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. Conservation efforts within this park are handled on a collaborative basis with the higher slopes under protection by national parks existent in Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve (controlled human activities are permitted).
A memorable climb on Mt. Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a stunning, magnificent and uncluttered wilderness scenery; portraying a summit-oriented peak which is however not common to many other mountains within the country: the ultimate and obvious goal of reaching the summit is a different story on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon. It is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but rather the descent into the vast 40km² caldera, which happens to be the world’s largest mountain caldera.
Ascent to the caldera, on the mountain peak at Wagagai is a 4-day adventurous moment. Most climbers are fit enough and it is a medium difficulty climb. One may be assigned porters and guides to guide along and ease the burden of loads. Tents and sleeping bags are often more convenient for day or night rests along this 4-day mountain ascent. Less bulky and non-perishable meals can as well be packed for this 4-day adventure; Mountain peak climbing may not be suitable for everyone though. One is not left uncovered; there are a number of lower elevation trails that are there for one to hike on for either half or full-day, taking packed lunch.
Mountain Biking is an activity that one ought to eye on getting to this park. Trails have been opened up in Mount Elgon National Park and it and the nearby Sipi Falls area are most popular and fun-filled sections for those who love mountain biking. Trails have been made suitable according to the demands of clients. This is a fun activity one ought not to miss out on. Blaze down the trails on the fourth tallest mountain in Africa, there is nothing that is comparable. Add on top of that the trails nearby Sipi Falls and you will be most satisfied with a variety of trails that you can enjoy, most especially during the dry seasons of the year. There are various trails that can be taken in foothills of Mount Elgon that are perfect for day or half day nature walks with Uganda Wildlife Authority Guides to point out the fauna and flora that you might miss otherwise.
Bird watching activities are fun here. Sightings are highly possible here given the species richness of the park. Birders will love this area spotting bird species here such as Hartlaub’s Turaco, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, Lemon Dove, Dusky-Turtle Dove, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Thick-billed Honey guide, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike.
A safe guided rock climbing activity would do for hikers and climbers. Rock climbing can be done both inside of Mount Elgon National Park and in the Sipi Falls Area, even along the fall themselves, which is quite exhilarating and meanwhile fascinating meanwhile adoring the beautiful area scenery. This has happened to be one of the most interesting activities offered around the park and Sipi falls as feedback given by a number of clients’ states. This activity is closely supervised to the extent that it turns out most enjoyable for those who feel so much addicted to adventure.
Who wouldn’t want to have the fun of going out fishing? The park gives one this splendid opportunity of fishing in the surrounding waters; both within the park area and Sipi. The Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon area is the only place in Uganda where you can fish for Mountain Trout. Trout Fishing is done past Sipi Falls on the Sipi River, take a nice packed lunch, some drinks or water or snacks; and off you are for an adventurous fishing expedition.
History often reveals that the Jews are only found in Israel. However, this is not the case when you get to Uganda. Eastern Uganda near Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls presents a small community of Abayudaya Jews. The community is approximately 100 years old. !The Abayudaya are Jews by choice and not by their lineage! This must be interesting! Some of them have gone through an official conversion in the Jewish Conservative Tradition. This community will give you a true package and cultural experience as one would have got from the original Jewish communities. There is so much more to these Ugandan jews than just claims; They have Schools that teach a Jewish and Ugandan curriculum and also have a modern hospital and state of Arc Dental Department. They partner with Christians and Muslims in a fair-trade coffee venture that has proven to be very successful. A trip to this place is incomplete without an encounter with the Ugandan Jews.
A man is only mature after he has been circumcised. We are now discussing about the tradition of the Bagisu. No male can be married without being circumcised. In the culture of the Bugisu People the Circumcision of Males is done publicly. Visitors and Tourists are invited to this boisterous, colorful event. This is a seasonal event to which has been attached a number of cultural beliefs. It takes place in August and December, but December is more and more the favorite. Circumcision in this culture has been perceived as a form of initiation into adulthood. Street processions where friends and family go with the circumcision candidate to the site where the ancient ritual take place; a place that gathers hundreds into thousands; females also come looking at the newly eligible bachelors!
Nyero rocks are ahistorical site within the Teso region in the park neighborhood. A planned one day trip to this cultural and heritage site would just be perfect. These ancient rock paintings have no tribal affiliations but are presently appreciated by those who live in this area. There are several other rock painting sites within the general area.
How to get to Mount Elgon National Park Uganda.
Getting to Mount Elgon National park Uganda is easy and possible through both air and road. Mount Elgon is located in eastern Uganda, an estimated 235 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The journey takes an estimated 10 hours.
- By Road: The route goes through the Kampala-Jinja highway, during which there are several options to reach the destination. The Kampala-Jinja road is tarmacked and goes through to Mbale and Kapchorwa, where several roads can be used to reach the different mountain trails. There are several means of transport that one can use to reach the gem.
- By Air: Travelers can fly to the Kisumu airport or the airstrip within the park.
However, it is better to travel by road as one gets the opportunity to see and feel the country better.