ABOUT
Mount Elgon National Park is located in Eastern Uganda just a few kilometers from Mbale town. This extinct volcano is one of the oldest physical features that is found in Uganda. The mountain is believed to have erupted over 24 million years ago. The tribes that occupy the region are Bagishu and Sabiny. It is located on the Uganda-Kenya border with over 300 bird species including the endangered lammergeyer. Blue monkeys and the black and white Columbus. The mountain is the second highest Mountain in Uganda after Mountain Rwenzori.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Birds: The Park harbors over 299 bird species with 12 endemic birds that can’t be found in any part of Uganda.
Flora: The slopes support the diversity of altitudinal kind of vegetation
Mount Elgon: This is the main attraction in Mount Elgon national which the park was named after
Sipi falls: This is one of the key tourist spots found in Mount Elgon national park and a visit without reaching is an incomplete safari
Wildlife/mammals: The Park is home to some animals like waterbucks, duiker, squirrels, monkeys, spotted hyenas, and many more
Bagishu culture/Bamasaba: This is one of the unique cultures in Uganda with annual circumcision ceremonies that are conducted around the region. The dance commonly known as Mbalu that is practiced while escorting the youth that is supposed to be circumcised is more spiritual, cultural, and unique.
WHAT TO DO
Hiking: Climbing the peaks requires no special equipment or special experience. Sasa trail is the shortest but toughest route to the peaks. The round trip takes 4 days and starts at Budadiri town. The Piswa trail is a long and gentlest trail that takes seven days. The Sipi trail takes six days.
Birding: The forest exploration center at Kapkwai is an excellent birding site where tourists have many opportunities for birdwatching. Birds such as White Chinned Prina, African Goshawk, Chinned Spot Batis, and African Blue Fly-Catcher among others maybe be seen
Budadiri community walks and Eco-Tourism: The community provides different services that range from cultural dances, accommodation, guided coffee tours, community nature walks, and car hire. This helps travelers know more about the region’s cultural traditions in regard to dances, values, and food among others. Visitors also get a chance to visit the Arabica coffee processing plants.
Guided Nature walk: This starts from Mudange cliffs also known as the Walls of Death at the National Park boundary and leads you to Sipi fall to enjoy the great views of the waterfalls with rewardable viewing of blue monkeys, black and white colobus, etc.
Mountain biking: The hiking trail starts from the Sipi Trading Center to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa. The activity goes on for one and a half hours with views of the waterfalls. Bikes are hired at Sipi River Lodge.
Rock climbing: there are 14 climbs requiring various levels of scaling. All equipment for rock climbing can be hired from the sipi falls tourist guides association. The hardest climb is 35m while the easiest is 15m.
WHERE TO STAY
The park has a variety of accommodations to stay at ranging from luxury, midrange, and budget. For luxury, there are choices of Chorlim wildlife lodge, Sipi river lodge, Mbale resort hotel, Mbale Traveler’s Inn, and Mount Elgon hotel and Spa. For midrange yo,u can stay at Kayogi hotel and Mount Elgon hotel. Budgeters can stay at Masha hotel, Wimpey hotel, and Local lodge.
BEST TIMETO VISIT
The dry season of June to August and from December to March is the best time to climb Mount Elgon
