Mount Elgon national park is solitary known as an extinct volcanic mountain that last erupted 24 years back, it is characterized by a large surface area of 50-80 kilometers in diameter . Mount Elgon derived its name from the Elgeyo people that occupied the eastern caves on the mountain. Mount Elgon is ranked fourth highest mountain in east Africa, it is shared between Uganda and Kenya. The Ugandan part of the park was gazetted in 1992, while the Kenyan part was gazetted much earlier in 1968. The entire Mountain Elgon national park on both sides Uganda and Kenya was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO) world heritage site.
The park strides at an elevation of 4321 meters high above the sea level. its highest peak the Wagagai peak at 4321 meters is found on the Ugandan side of the mountain however there are also other three other outstanding peaks on this mountain: the Jackson’s summit at 4165 meters, Kikongo at 4303 meters and Mubiyi at 4210 meters.
Mt Elgon is known as the watershed for River Sipi and commonly known for its famous Sipi falls close to the mountain and most times a must see for travelers hiking mountain Elgon. The park is characterized by longitude vegetation zones of dense montane forest and bamboo belts, heath and moorland zones including endemic plant species such as groundsels and Giant lobelia.
Mountain Elgon is not only an extinct mountain but also an inhabitant of several mammal species including duikers, antelopes, elusive leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Oribi, Defassa’s water buck, duiker, squirrels, spotted hyenas, there are also primates like Black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and red-tailed monkeys among others. There are also over 144 bird species notable ones include Jackson’s Francolin, Golden Winged, Tacazze sunbirds, Ross’s, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Hartlaubs Turacos, Black and White Casqued Crowned Horn bills and the endangered Lammergeier, Nightingale, Spotted Morning-Thrush, African Reed Warbler, Little Rush Warbler among others
Mountain Elgon is commonly known for hiking, it comes as a third thought after mt Kilimanjaro and Mount Rwenzori
Mountain Elgon region is commonly referred to as the Bamasaba region, it is occupied by three ethic Bantu groups including Bagisu, Ndorobo and sabyiny covering three districts of Mbale, sironko bordering Kenya in the East. The Bagisu are major occupants of Mbale region following the sabyiny and the minority Ndorobo who occupy the forested areas.
Mountain Elgon region is known for its fertile soils favorable for cash crop grow that include Arabic coffee on the slopes of the mountain. A cultural tour is recommended to give insight to travelers the local harvesting and processing coffee as well meet the different cultures, cuisines and traditional ways of living.
Mountain Elgon has different trail heads that lead to the highest peak and these include;
Sasa trail head(3-4 days) is the most accessible from Mbale town, the trail goes through the park’s bamboo forested areas with steep rugged climb on the first day for about 1600 meters trek before reaching wagagai peak. The trail passes through the Bamasaba settlements and culture.
Sipi trail head
Sipi falls trail offers the spectacular Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest, however it’s the longest trail of about 4-6 days. The hike starts at 2050 meters high close to kapchorwa.
Piswa trail offers opportunities for bird viewing, and slightly gentle compared to sasa trail and Sipi trail, however it the longest trail among all of them for about 7 days. In contrast, Sipi and Piswa trails start at much higher elevations with a longer more gradual climbs to the peaks.
While you reach at the peaks, optional descending the same route or use another trail, each of the trails has organized camping sites for overnight stay before you reach wagagai peak.
There is a possibility of cross boarder tourism with Mount Elgon Uganda and Kenya, travelers can either choose to start the hike either sides and handover of visitors to either team takes place at the Hot Springs. This is done prior arrangement with Uganda wild life authority/ Kenya wild life authority or a tour operator on either side. The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes about 5 days to complete.
However, walk in travelers can discuss hiking options with an information clerk at the Mbale, Budadiri, Kapwakai or Kapkwata national park visitor’s centers. Camping and accommodation while on the Hike Nine basic campsites are located at strategic points along the trekking circuit.
A trained ranger guide is required on all trekking excursions to show you the way and enrich your journey by interpreting the environment and ensuring your safety. While on the hike, you are advised to hire local porters to carry your luggage and help to collecting water, cooking and preparing the camp.
Accommodation
There are several designated camp sites at different trails. These include, Mude Cave, Hunters Cave, Piswa Patrol Hut, Sasa River and Kapkwata Rest House. However, these facilities do not accommodate large numbers and you are required to hire camping gears or hire them in case of large numbers. Visitors are also required to bring their own supplies like food. On the contrary Kapkwata Guest House has three main rooms that takes in seven people and offer kitchen services. Also, Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai inside the park there is a facility more of dormitory style and it takes up to 30 people. Several lodging and accommodation facilities are available in Mbale town before the hike.
Best time to visit Mt Elgon
Mount Elgon is both moist and moderate dry, the park receives annual rainfall of over 1,270 millimeters. The best time to visit would between June – August and from December – March however this doesn’t guarantee it will not rain. The park experiences high temperature during the day and lower temperatures at high altitudes.
How to get to mount Elgon national park
Mount Elgon is found in the Eastern region, in the districts of Mbale and kapchorwa, it takes a drive of 2-3 hours covering 235 km distance on a good tarmac road.
