Get to Know Mount Elgon National Park.
Mount Elgon National Park is Known for illuminating adventures in Uganda. Mount Elgon National Park is located in eastern Pert of Uganda in Kapchorwa district bordering Uganda and Kenya about 229 kmfrom Kampala capital, approximately 4 hours’ drive making it the second nearest Park. Mountain Elgon National Park is an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago with the largest caldera which covers a total land expanse of 1145 sq km with height of 4321 meters above the sea level making it the fourth highest mountain in Eastern Africa, with the second-highest peak in Uganda (Wagagai Peak – 4321 metres).
Home to mammal species which can been found at the slopes of Mt Elgon such as buffaloes Elephant, tinny antelopes, forest monkeys including black and white monkey, blue monkey and red tail monkey can also be observed while here, the vegetation species over 400 species are also here which can’t be found elsewhere in Uganda.
What to do in Mount Elgon National Park.
Hiking & Climbing Mount Elgon
Explore the beautiful surroundings of climbing Mount Elgon following the two main trailheads which lead to Wagagai: Sassa Trail (Buddukiro trailhead) most easily accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peak. It passes through the Park’s largest area of bamboo forest. The full trekking circuit to the peak takes 4-5 days to complete. During your climbing at Mount Elgon you will have an opportunity to see the variation of vegetation and wildlife.
Sip Falls Hike.
With a few hills and rugged landscape to Sipi falls makes it memorable to hike. Sighting Sipi falls is a beautiful sighting. The Sipi falls are comprised of 3 waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude. The falls are magnificent, it is a place available for chilling, loosening up and relaxing after having a long day for hiking.
Bird Watching.
Welcome to a true birders paradise. The park host over 312 bird species making the best ideal Park for birding in Eastern Uganda including Chubb’s Cisticola, African Goshawk, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catchers, Chin-spot Batis, Mackinon’s Fiscal, Doherty’s and Luhders’s Bush-Shrikes and Baglafecht Weaver are watched at the forest and thick scrub along the Chebonet River near camp.
Community Walks.
The activity makes visitors know more about the region’s cultural traditions in regard to dances, values, and food among others. The community walk rewards guests with a rich cultural interactions. The community walk around Mt Elgon give you an opportunity to interacting with this community group which is based in Budadiri, the Bagisu and Sebei communities. Explore and taste the flavor of the famous Arabica coffee processing plants, which is playing great role in supporting the local farmers.
Best time to visit Mountain Elgon National Park.
Mountain Elgon National Park is all year visited by traveler, however, July-August, December-February is the best time for hiking. These months are generally dry season in Uganda making hiking friendly and easier for Mountain climbing exploration in Uganda.
Where to stay at Mountain Elgon National Park
Lacam Lodge.
A comfortable midrange lodge facility, an impressive lodge to stay in, located on a cliff which offers you a great view of the Sipi waterfalls. Made of wooden Bandas and grass thatched, ensuite with hot showers bathrooms en suite.
Noah’s Ark Hotels.
Located on the slopes of mountain Elgon, and favors all kinds of guests such as the luxury, midrange and Budget travelers. Indeed a perfect option for guests seeking for an elusive escape. Experience the most authentic wild experience with a natural experience at Noah’s Ark.
Mbale Resort Hotel.
Mbale Resort Hotel is luxury hotel that lies in beautiful surrounds of Mount Elgon National Park. With a superb swimming pool plus a gym, and Sauna. Even if you do not stay here, it’s a popular place to relax and use the facilities. The facility has a very attractive bar, restaurant and well poolside bar serving local and international cuisines.
Crowns Nest Rest Camp.
It is a campsite for visitors that wish spend less on accommodation. It overlooks the 3 amazing Sipi waterfalls and other great sceneries like Mount Elgon peaks. Hospitable staff, welcoming and warn staff and so friendly.
Comfortable outdoor activities such as village walks, coffee plantation tours, hiking to the Sipi falls, hiking Mount Elgon and rock climbing from Crowns Nest Rest camp.
How to get to Mount Elgon National Park.
Mountain Elgon National Park can be reached by road where the drive takes about 4 hours from the capital city Kampala via Jinja, Iganga and Parisa on a smooth tarmac road.