In the Eastern region of Uganda lies a gigantic extinct volcanic mountain with an area cover of 4000km2 wide and over 4,321 meters above the sea level. Its initial height has been diminished owing to erosion, and it now ranks eighth in Africa and fourth in East Africa as the highest peak. It was formerly taller than Kilimanjaro, which stands at 5,895 meters.
Mount Elgon is one of Uganda’s oldest geological features, and as a dormant volcano, its last eruption was almost 24 million years ago. It is home to the world’s largest known caldera, which has an 80km diameter.
The majority of it is in Mbale District, along the Uganda-Kenyan border, with a small section in Kapchorwa, which produces the majority of Uganda’s greatest athletes, including Joshua Cheptegei a global cross-country record holder. When practicing, the athletes frequently use the mountain slopes. It is also one of the country’s two national parks with a mountain. Rwenzori National Park is another mountain national park that you can visit.
Along the mountain slopes, visitors come across the majestic Sipi falls, which is recognized as Uganda’s most romantic falls. Sipi is made up of three distinct waterfalls. The first fall is 100 meters long, followed by another that is 85 meters long and the 3rd at 75 meters long.
Inhabited by three tribes, Bagisu and Sabiny are the major ones, Ndorobos are considered as outcasts and are rarely seen but live deep within the Benet Forest. The Bagisu actually refer to the mountain as Mount Masaba and believe that it represents their founding father. The Bagisu are also referred to the Bamasaba.
It is home to over 300 bird species, including the endangered Lammergeyer. Mount Elgon is a UNESCO and Biosphere reserve, similar to other national parks in Kenya and Uganda that consist of highlands.
Unlike other mountains where hiking to the top is rewarded with spectacular views, Mount Elgon’s summit not only serves beautiful vistas but also has a 40 km2 wide caldera, which is also the world’s largest.
The most common species that hikers are likely to encounter throughout the hike are blue monkeys, white and black Colobus monkeys. A few elephants may be seen wandering through the montane flora, as well as animalia endemic to the montane and moorland habitat. Less is known about the animals present in the park.
Activities Done in Mount Elgon
Hiking safaris
Hiking on Mount. Elgon entails using one of three trails that travel through a range of natural and scenic attractions. The Sasa trailhead is located in Budadiri district, the Sipi trailhead begins at the Forest Exploration Center in Kapkwai, while others choose the Piswa trailhead in Kapkwata. No matter which trail one takes, it all provides an opportunity to explore the mountain’s beautiful montane features. When you finally reach the summit, you will be astonished by the world’s largest caldera. Without a doubt, this is one of the most popular hiked mountains in East Africa.
Sipi Falls visit and hikes
Visiting the Sipi falls while using the Sipi trailhead is advised, however you can also visit these falls separately. The water is collected from the various streams that run from Mount Elgon. During the tour, you will see all three falls, the longest of which is 100 meters long. It’s a breathtaking excursion capped off by the thrilling experience of abseiling to the bottom of the falls.
Visiting Arabica Coffee Farms
Because the volcanic slopes of Mount Elgon are excellent for coffee cultivation, the majority of the coffee exported from Uganda is cultivated on the Elgon slopes. Arabica coffee is the most popular breed grown, and while you’re here, you may meet the coffee producers and even witness how it’s roasted and brewed. When you visit the coffee plantations, you may even make your own coffee while admiring the scenery.
Bird Watching
Rare species such as the Tacazze Sunbird, Back-shouldered Kite, Mustached Green Tinkerbird, Alpine Chat, and Moorland Francolin, which are endemic to the montane zones, are just a few of the 300 bird species that may be found at Mount Elgon National Park. It’s a bird’s nest for bird lovers, and you may observe the endangered Lammergeyer flying over the Caldera from here.
Cultural Visits and Experience
The Bamasaba, also known as the Bagisu, are the most populous and live along the mountain slopes and foothills; the Sabiny also live along the slopes in Kapchorwa district. The Ndorobos are another minority group who are considered outcasts and are thus compelled to reside deep into the Benet Forest. The Bagisu cherish the mountain as the place where their founding father was born.
They also have an interesting culture known as the Imbalu ceremony, in which males are circumcised and transformed into “men.” They also serve delectable dishes such as “malewa,” which is made from bamboo stalks. When you visit the many cultural groups, you can experience these and other traditions.
Nature Walks
These are pleasant treks carried out at the park’s foot; the Bamboo and Khauka Cave paths can be used to direct your walks through the park. During these treks, you will see a variety of birds and primates, as well as appreciate the highland vegetation, such as bamboo. You will pass by the Chebnonet waterfall and explore the Kapkwai caves if you take the ridge trail.
Cave Visits
Some of the odd caverns found on Mount Elgon include Ngwarisha, Kitum, Chepnyalil, and Makingeny. There are some minor caves that link to Kenya, but if you want to go through them, you should have exact directions so you don’t get lost. The caves provide a unique experience.
How to get there?
Accessed by road from Kampala through Jinja City to Mbale City from which you then join a road that goes to Kapchorwa from which you will connect any of the various tarmac highways that lead to the park.
The Park is 235 km away from Kampala which is a 4 – 5 hours’ long drive.
