Mount Elgon National Park : Speaking of iconic tourist destinations in East Africa, Uganda is the cheapest destination than its neighboring countries, i.e. Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya. This glorious destination is home to untouched natural attractions which range from impenetrable forests harboring the endangered mountain gorillas to the challenging volcanoes. Most of Ugandan parks are situated in the southwest part except Mount Elgon National Park that is located in Eastern Uganda.
The Ugandan Mount Elgon National Park should not be confused with the Kenyan Mount Elgon National Park which is located inside the Kenyan borders. Mount Elgon itself is located on the Kenya-Uganda border such that these two countries share most of unique parts of it. Therefore, Kenya and Uganda both have own national park named after Mount Elgon. The Kenyan part of Mount Elgon is 1179 square kilometers in size while the Ugandan part is 1122 square kilometers big.
What to see in Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon: This Park is mainly occupied by the shield volcano of Mount Elgon, which is one of the tallest mountains in East Africa. It is an oldest extinct volcano said to be formed from volcanic eruptions about 24 million years ago. Its highest peak, the Wagagai Peak is found within Uganda, and is 4321 meters high above sea level. Other peaks of Mount Elgon which are located in Uganda include Mubiyi peak (4211 meters) and Masaba peak (4161 meters).
Mountain climbing is a favorite activity done by most tourists who visit this incredible park. The hike to the Wagagai peak which is the highest peak of Mount Elgon takes four to five days. The hike is filled with sensational views of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife. All trails have campsites for resting in the night. You may carry your own tent or ask your tour companies to include tents in your Uganda safari packages.
Elgon caldera: Speaking of largest intact calderas in East Africa, Elgon caldera comes second after the Tanzanian Ngorongoro Crater which is the world’s largest unbroken caldera. The Elgon caldera is 40 square kilometers big making it a stunning feature when viewed. It is rich in magnificent geographical features including hot springs, Simu Gorge and caldera pools.
Wildlife: Several wild animals reside this mountainous park including buffalos, duikers, elephants, bush pigs, small antelopes, and giant forest hogs. Mount Elgon is also home to some wonderful primates such as the black and white colobus monkeys.
Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 200 bird species which inhabit its stunning vegetation that is mainly made of alpine moorlands, savannah and montane forest. Some of birds that can be seen in Mount Elgon National Park include alpine chat, mash widowbird, black-collared apalis, lammergeyer, Jackson’s francolin, white-starred forest robin and Weyns weaver, hunter cisticola and red-throated wryneck.
Landscape: As you navigate through the trails of Mount Elgon, you will enjoy the scenic views of the landscape of this park which encompasses caves, waterfalls, hot springs, and gorges. Sipi falls are the most visited waterfalls. Water falls into a pool creating noises to the surrounding. This place is perfect for picnicking. You can order a lunch box from your tour guide and enjoy picnic.
Kitum Cave is another fascinating feature which is found in Mount Elgon National Park where you can enjoy the enchanting views.
Getting there
This park is found in Mbale District in Eastern Uganda, and can be reached by driving from Kampala. This is 235-kilometers journey and it starts in Kampala then advances through Jinja to Mbale town and stops on the western base of Mount Elgon. This drive will take you about 10 to 11 hours filled with scenic views on your way to Mount Elgon.
Flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisumu Airport, which last only one and half an hour. Why should you touch down in Kenya? It is because Kisumu airport is the only available airfield close to Mount Elgon National Park.
The best time to hike Mount Elgon National Park is when the trails are easy to hike through. This is always during the dry season that is June to September and in December. Mount Elgon is secluded hence you will explore its magical features with no crowds.
Entrance Fees
Foreign non-residents: This category of visitors are required to pay their fees in United States Dollars. Adults are charged an entrance fee of $35 while children are charged $5.
Foreign residents: They also required to make fee payments in USD. The entrance fee for adults is $25 while that of children is $5.
East African residents: These are citizens of the member states of the East African Community which are Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. Adults will pay UGX 15,000 while children will pay UGX 2,500 for entrance fees.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority categorize adults as individuals with the age of 16 years or above. Children are individuals with the age between 5 and 15 years. The children below 5 years are excluded from any park fee.
As a matter of fact, Mount Elgon National Park is a hidden gem in the east of Uganda. Its isolation paves a way for any Uganda Hiking safari -goer who doesn’t want to reach the crowded parks in the southeastern Uganda.
