Mount Elgon National park
Mount Elgon National Park is located in the eastern part of Uganda, just a few kilometers away from Mbale Town, covering the total land area of 1145 square kilometers that covers the extinct volcanic mountain. The park got its name from the largest attraction found in the park, which is Mt. Elgon. Mt. Elgon is the second-highest mountain in Uganda after Mt. Rwenzori; it stands at a height of 4321 meters. Unlike the Rwenzori Mountains, which are block mountains, Mt. Elgon is a volcanic mountain that was formed by the process of vulcanicity. It’s a dormant volcanic mountain that is shared by Uganda and Kenya.
Mt. Elgon National Park is administered by two countries: Uganda and Kenya. The park was gazetted in two different years, as each country did it at its own time. Kenya started first to gazette the park in 1968 as a national park and later Uganda gazetted its side in 1992. The park is mostly found in Uganda, with the largest part that covers 1,110 square kilometers found in Uganda. Kenya has the smallest part of the park, which rates to only 169 square kilometers.
Location: The park is located 235 kilometers away from the capital city, Kampala, along the eastern route. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours through the city of Adventure Jinja, where you will be passing through the top of the River Nile as you proceed to Kapchorwa. The route is good and tarmac from Kampala to Kapchorwa.
Mt. Elgon 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 mountain was once the highest mountain in Africa, more than the current Mt. Kilimanjaro, which stands at 5,895 meters. Mt. Elgon has been affected by severe soil erosion over decades of years ago, reducing its height to 4,321 meters. The mountain now stands as the 4th highest mountain in East Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro of Tanzania, Mt. Kenya of Kenya and Mt. Rwenzori of Uganda. It’s ranked the 8th highest mountain on the African continent.
Mt. Elgon has four high peaks, which are shared between the two East African countries. The highest peak is called Wagagai Peak, which stands at 4321 meters and is located on the Ugandan side. Other peaks in Mt. Elgon include Jackson’s Summit, which stands at 4165 meters; Kiongo Peak, at 4303; and Mubiyi, at 4210 meters. The mountain is surrounded by many local tribes, which know the mountain as Mt. Masaba. This name was named after the prominent ancestors that long lived around the mountain; those are the Bagishu, also called the Bamasaba. This name, Bamasamba, is the name of their god they believe resides in the mountain cave. The two prominent local tribes that live around the mountain are the Bagishu, which dominate the mountain surroundings, and the Sabiny, which are found on the other side.
Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base not only in Uganda but in the entire world, with over 4,000 square kilometers. The mountain is not only the largest volcanic base in East Africa but also the oldest volcanic mountain. It sits at 80 kilometers in diameter, rising over 3000 meters above sea level. The mountain acts as a strong livelihood of the Bagishu people, a water catchment area for the River Sipi, which forms the spectacular Sipi Falls. The locals hike to the mountain to get Malewa, one of their favorite sources.
Attractions in Mount Elgon National park
Mount Elgon National Park has several attractions that guests enjoy during their tour in this isolated national park. Do you enjoy hiking but now your physical fitness or health issues do not allow you to hike more challenging mountains? This is definitely the best alternative for you. Below are the highlights of the park attractions:
Bird species
The different vegetation cover found in Mt. Elgon has created good fertile ground for different habitats for different bird species. Mount Elgon National Park inhabits over 299 bird species, with 12 endemic birds that cannot be seen in any part of Uganda. The endemic birds include the following: Moorland Francolin, Marsh Windowbird, Alpine Chat, Weyn’s Weaver, Moustached Green Tinkerbird, Jackson’s Francolin, Hunter’s Cisticola, Black-collared Apalis, Red-throated wryneck and others. Other common bird species include Lammergeier vultures, white-starred forest robin, Black-shouldered kite, Tacazze sunbirds, eastern bronze-naped pigeons, and Hartlaub’s turacos, to mention but a few
Flora in Mount Elgon National park
The park is a home of different plant life, which are arranged according to the great altitude changes as the height increases. The slopes of the mountain support rich diversity of more altitudinal kinds of vegetation that range from Montana to the open moorland vegetation, which is dotted with some rare plant species like Lobelia. The shrubs are thick with nice flowers that attract more sightseeing visitors to Mount Elgon National Park.
Mt Elgon
This is the key attraction in Mount Elgon National Park; the park was named after this volcanic mountain that is found at the center of the park. In fact, ¾ of the park is covered by Mt. Elgon. The mountain is the 4th highest mountain in East Africa and 8th in Africa. It has 4 key peak points, which are shared by Uganda and Kenya. One can access the mountain through the Kenyan side by getting the park entry permit from Kenya Wildlife Services or through Uganda and you get the entry permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The mountain can be hiked for 3 to 5 days depending on the physical fitness of the individual.
Sipi falls
The Sipi Falls is one of the key tourist spots found in Mount Elgon National Park. The spectacular Tutum cave, which is hidden in the middle of an extensive forest. The falls are formed when River Sipi meets the end of the volcanic rock at the edge of the cave. Visiting Mount Elgon National Park without reaching the summit makes your safari incomplete.
Wildlife/Mammals
Mount Elgon National Park is a home of some animals like waterbucks, duiker, spotted hyenas, oribi, monkeys, squirrels and many more. The park has a forested background that harbors more wildlife. Though the main attraction is the mountain, guests can also sight these animals while doing other activities around the park.
Bagishu cultures
The Bagishu, also called Bamasamba, have one of the unique cultures in Uganda. The tribe leaves around the park to the nearest Mbale town. They have their annual circumcision ceremonies that are conducted around the region. The dance commonly known as “Mbalu” is more spiritual, cultural and unique. This is a dance they use to escort the youth who are supposed to be circumcised; the victims will be sprayed with dust, soil, ash and other items, and they make you dance while moving from place to place.
Activities in Mount Elgon National park
Hiking to Mt Elgon
Hiking is the main tourism activity done in Mount Elgon National Park. There are four major hiking trails. These include Sasa Trail, Sipi Trail, Piswa trail and Suam Trail; the number of days differs from trail to trail. The hike takes you to the Wagagai summit, while other trails lead to Sipi Waterfalls. A hike to Mount Elgon takes between 4 and 7 days depending on the trail you take and the physical fitness of the guest. The hike is gentle and easier to take compared to other African mountains.
Birding
Mount Elgon National Park is one of the good destinations that birders enjoy most, with over 299 bird species recorded. 12 of the bird species are endemic. The endemic birds include the following: Moorland Francolin, Marsh Windowbird, Alpine Chat, Weyn’s Weaver, Moustached Green Tinkerbird, Jackson’s Francolin, Hunter’s Cisticola, Black-collared Apalis, Red-throated wryneck and others. Other common bird species include lammergeier vultures, white-starred forest robins, black-shouldered kites, Tacazze sunbirds, and eastern bronze-naped pigeons, to mention but a few.
Mt. Elgon National Park is a quiet destination that is isolated but best for travelers who need to refresh their minds.