Mountain Elgon National park which covers 1110 square kilometers is one of the Uganda National Parks and lies on the base of one of the dominant Volcanic Mountain Elgon in Eastern Part of Uganda. Mountain Elgon stands 3070 meters high above the surrounding savannas and its highest peak is called Wagagai. The presence of Mountain Elgon standout from the monotonous landscape of the Eastern part of Uganda.
As one of the oldest Volcanic mountains of Uganda which first erupted about 20 million years age, Mountain Elgon has for a long time been a landmark of this region. Mountain Elgon was once recognized as Africa’s highest mountain however over time positions have shifted due to natural causes.
In terms of height, Mountain Elgon is currently measured to be about 4321 meters above sea level yet at one time it was considered higher than mountain Kilimanjaro which is 5895 meters above see level. Due to erosion, the height of mountain Elgon has gradually reduced to 4321 meters above sea level.
Mountain Elgon is the water catchment area of its surrounding areas with several river and streams flowing down its slopes to support flora and fauna around this area. The slopes of Mountain Elgon are shaded by rich green vegetation including forest cover however due to human encroachment, over time soil has been left bare causing severe floods.
In 1993, the then wildlife reserve was elevated to Mountain Elgon National park and is currently recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.
Most hikers on Mountain Elgon do not aim to reach Wagagai at 4321 meters its highest peak but get to the 40 square kilometers caldera.
Fauna and Flora of Mountain Elgon National Park
Ascending Mountain Elgon gets you to different vegetation zones including montane forest up to 2500 meters, next is bamboo and low canopy forest at 2400 meters to 3000 meters, montane heath at 3000 meters to 3500 meters, giant heather and more.
At about 3500 meters and over cold temperature are experienced then open moorland and finally at 3800 meters Afroalpine vegetation inclusive of tussock grassland carex bogs.
A number of wild animals live around Mountain Elgon including defassa’s waterbuck, leopards, oribi, hyenas, elephants, bushbucks and more.
A plethora of birds flock Mountain Elgon National Park daily and keen birder get chance to identify a variety of them. Over 296 bird species are registered as resident of Mountain Elgon National Park including Jackson’s Francolin, black collared Apalis, green Tinkerbird, the bronze-naped pigeons, Hartlaub’s turaco, Lammergeyer and more.
Local Communities Around Mountain Elgon National Park
Three local tribes of Uganda are residents of the areas around Mountain Elgon that is the Bagishu, Sebei and Ndorobo.
The Bagishu and Sebei are mainly farmers so over time they have cleared land along the slopes of Mountain Elgon leaving it bare and during the heavy down pours, land slides affect this area.
Bagishu locally called Bamasaba a name inherited from their fore father called Masaba practice male circumcision ceremonies every even year which they believe is a practice and ritual to turn one into a man. The Bagishu carry our prior ritual to circumcision date to help the candidates acquire strength and withstand the moment.
The Bagishu have a traditional delicacy which they often harvest from the Park that is bamboo shoots ( locally called Malewa). The bamboo Poles area used as material for home construction. The Uganda Wildlife Authority allows the locals to collect some of these.
The Sebei practice Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) a practice that is contested world over but some still honor it as a traditional practice.
How To Climb Mountain Elgon
From the starting point the hike on Mountain Elgon can start from any route but you must be in company of a ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
There are chances of taking an excursion ( one day) or an extended hike that may take some days on Mountain Elgon but carry the right hiking gears.
You cam hike from Uganda on Mountain Elgon to the Kenyan side which is referred to as the transborder adventure. Ensure to get clearance from Kenya Wildlife Services.
When Is The Best Time To Do Hike On Mountain Elgon
The dry season is the best time to hike mountain Elgon that is June, July, August, September, December and January. The tracks on Mountain Elgon are normally drier allowing quicker movement up the mountain.
On a Mountain Elgon hike some of the reasons for embarking on this adventure is to get to the large caldera and the highest peak that is Wagagai. Along the wat, you nay come across rivers, streams, amazing vegetation, stop to enjoy the scenery, waterfalls caves, gorges, hot springs and more.
How To Get To Mountain Elgon National Park
From Kampala Mountain Elgon can be reach via the Kampala to Jinja to Mbale route. The distance from Kampala or Entebbe to Mbale is about 235 kilometers. By pass Kapchorwa on the north western flank. Several routes via Kapchorwa get you to amazing sceneries of this area and different trailhead.
By air
Charter flight arrangements can be planned from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi to an airstrip in Mbale town but you need a transfer vehicle to the actual foot hills. This transport option top Mbale saves you from a long time to spend on the road.
Accommodation To Book On Safari To Mountain Elgon National Park
A variety of accommodation options are available when on safari in Mountain Elgon National Park. You can use facilities within Mbale town, Kapchorwa and Budadili as options are fewer in the countryside.
While on a days’ hike on mountain Elgon, there are different camping sites where you retire for the night so carry some tents and light beddings.
Activities To Do Around Mountain Elgon National Park
Hiking Mountain Elgon
One of the main activities around Mountain Elgon National Park is hiking this dormant Volcano. You need to carry the right gears to help you traverse the wilderness. You must be in company of a ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Bearing some level of fitness keeps you going to your final destination on Mountain Elgon. Be aware of altitude sickness especially when you get to 2500 meters above sea level. Prepare to face this in case you are affected by altitude and do not hesitate to return to the ground level just in case you body resists.
There are several routes to use when climbing Mountain Elgon including Sasa trail that takes 4 days, Sipi trail about 7 days, Piswa trail taking about 7 days, Saum trail follows the Saum river from Kenya side and more.
Tour of Sipi Falls
One of the outstanding features on a visit to the Eastern part of Uganda is the hike to Sipi Falls. The Sipi falls are located outside Mountain Elgon. Along the way, you may pay a visit to Tatum cave. The Sipi falls are outstanding as they form a single fall with a cave in the background as water gets to the plunge pull and wonderful location for taking nature inspire photos especially when standing from another size.
Birding around Mountain Elgon National Park
More than 296 bird species are so far registered as residents of Mountain Elgon National Park. While on a birding safari in Uganda, you may choose one of the destinations to be around Mountain Elgon National Park.
Some of the birds in Mountain Elgon National Park include tacazze sunbird, Jackson’s Francolin, Moustached Green tinkerbird, Bronze-naped pigeon, Black Collared Apalis, Lammergeyer, Hartluab’s Turaco and more.
Game viewing in Mountain Elgon National Park
While exploring Mountain Elgon National park, you may come across animal like forest elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, oribi, hyenas, leopards, duikers, bushbucks, tree squirrels and more. A variety of primates live in mainly the forested part of Mountain Elgon National Park including olive baboons, black and white colobus, blue monkeys and more.
Wanale Ridge
The 25 kilometers Wanale ridge extends out from the Mountain Elgon main massif. As a result of Volcanic actions that happened to Mountain Elgon in the past, this ridge is one of the remnants from the lava. When lave condensed, it formed a huge cliff that overlooks Mbale town.
By using a trail through the forest cover in this area to the ridge. While moving to Wanale ridge, you get to see the petrified wood in the Khaura cave and more.
Community Visit On Safari In Mountain Elgon National Park
The local communities around mountain Elgon National park have unique culture worth experiencing while on safari in this area. The Bagishu prepare delicious meals with Bamboo shoots as one of their delicacy. You may participate in food preparation with the Bagishu when on tour.
During the circumcision ceremony, the Bagishu and Sebei enjoy the traditional drumming festive which may take some days and is full of amazing ritual practices. This unique life is unique to the life of the Bagishu and very contagious because of the accompanying drums played that pulls crowds.
Circumcision ceremonies of the Masaba community takes place in an even year so you can plan for this Uganda safari adventure around this period to get chance to attend such a traditional event.
The Tororo Rock View
On the way to or from Mountain Elgon National Park you can enjoy the view of the stunning rock outcrop of Tororo one of the landmarks of the Eastern park of Uganda. You can choose to spend time on a city tour in some of the towns along this route including the Busia or Maraba Border which are share with Kenya.
This is the main on ground entry point into Uganda from Kenya where most goods are transported through.
Source of River Nile in Jinja
On the way to Mountain Elgon National Park from or to Kampala a detour to the source of River Nile is worth adding to the activities to do. The source of River Nile is in Jinja and a short drive off the main road gets you to the main source of the longest River in Africa.
To get to the exact point where River Nile starts its course, you need a boat ride and along the way you get to spot a number of water birds that survive here. The ever green vegetation that beautifully survive along the riverine provides a stunning view.
Ssezibwa Falls
Along the way to or from Kampala to Mountain Elgon, you can break for a scenic view of Ssezibwa Falls. These falls are believed to be the dwelling spot for the Buganda Kingdom and it has a story behind its existence.
When you take a walk in the forested part around River Ssezibwa you get to see the environment surrounding and you may meet locals who believe in the spirits that dwell in this place to perform rituals.
Mabira Forest
The largest natural forest in Uganda is Mabira Forest which is a water catchment area for several streams and rivers. A number if primates are living in Mabira falls including black and white colobus, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey and more. A multitude of birds are living in Mabira forest and keen birders can identify them along the way.
Even though Mabira forest has always taken first place as the largest natural forest in Uganda because of encroachment its area has been reduced.
What is the cost of safari to Mountain Elgon National Park
Consider the cost of park entrance fees to Mountain Elgon National park which is about $40 to $45. The cost of a safari to Mountain Elgon National Park varies with package that is luxury package, mid-range and budget. When making this Uganda safari quotation consider the cost of safari logistics including accommodation, transport and more.
Do not forget to carry some cash to use for on ground purchases and offer tips to those who offer great service to you.
Carry the right safari gears when planning to hike mountain Elgon National Park which gets messy sometime especially in the wet season when land slides are expected to affect this part of Uganda.
Why do a Safari to Mountain Elgon National Park
Mountain Elgon National park was once the highest mountain in East Africa and hiking it is like walking into history of its existence. The history of the local people who are residents of areas around Mountain Elgon and how they came to live around this massif is worth your time. Mountain Elgon is amazing to be at, taste the special delicacies of the people who live around this mountain, participate in their cultural performances like circumcision is worth the adventure.