Mt. Elgon is famous for having the largest volcanic base in the world that is 4000 square kilometers. It is situated at the border of Uganda and Kenya, Mt. Elgon is the oldest and largest solitary volcanic mountain in the whole of East Africa. The mountain rises beyond three thousand (300) meters above the surrounding plains and has a vast form worth 80 kilometers in diameter. The entire cool and hot atmosphere makes it possible for different plants and animals to find their being in this mighty region.
In addition to the endangered Lammergeyer, Mt. Elgon is a habitat to more than three hundred (300) bird species. An extensive trans-boundary conservation area was declared a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve since the higher slopes are under protection of both Kenya and Uganda.
Climbing Mt. Elgon is an opportunity for you to experience deserted moorlands and unveil its magnificence in addition to the uncluttered wilderness that has no summit-oriented approach. It is just turning moments into memories not just being successful in reaching at the top of the mountain. Reaching the Wagagai peak itself is a true reflection of the adventure’s beauty that is worth your attention once in a while.
Birding at Mt. Elgon
Mt. Elgon national park is a habitat to over three hundred (300) bird species, forty (40) of which are restricted range species, fifty six (56) out of the eighty seven (87) Afro-tropical highland biome species find their being here; the Mustached Green Tinker bird Moorland Francolin and Alpine Chat are notable. Jackson’s Francolin and Black-collared Apalis are some of the restricted species found in Mt. Elgon. Tacazze Sunbird and Black-shouldered Kite are some of those species limited to just few mountains in Eastern parts of Uganda.
The following are some of the many birds you should expect to see in case you visit Mt. Elgon for birding; Tacazze Sunbird, Lammergeyer, African Blue Flycatcher, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, White-chinned Prinia, African Goshawk, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Hartlaub`s Turaco, African Blue Flycatcher, Dohertys and Luhders Bush-shrikes, Mustached Tinker bird, Tacazze Sunbird, Jackson’s Francolin, Black Kite and Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon.
Other places that you should not miss in case you pay a visit to Mt. Elgon
- Kapkwai forest exploration Centre
Thirteen kilometers away from Sipi town is Kapkwai forest exploration Centre which serves as both an educational center for schools and a trailhead for mountain climbers that use the Sipi trail to caldera. It is at the three circuits of a few kilometers that run via the surrounding regenerating forest that visitors visit waterfalls, escarpments, caves and observe birds and primates of the area. It truly offers an unforgettable experience. Hartlaub’s Turaco, Lemon Dove, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike and Thick-billed Honey guide are some of the birds that are common in this area.
- Jackson’s Pool and Jackson’s Peak
Jackson’s pool is a natural shallow water pool standing at 4050 meters and lies in the shadow of Jackson’s peak (4165 meters high, and stands freely rising from the western flank of the mountain). These two features trace their name from an explorer; Jackson Frederick who was the first European to climb the mountain in 1889. Culturally, the locals use the place in communicating with their ancestors.
- Caves
Moving lava and erosion of soft volcanic deposits leave behind quite a number of caves along the slopes of Mt. Elgon. It is historically believed that those caves were used as shelters for local people and their livestock; they later provided manure in form of bat droppings. The most accessible caves are Kapkwai (located near the forest exploration Centre) and Khauka cave located on Wanale ridge. As of today, some caves are used by climbers and potters some of them act as campsites e.g. Mude cave and Tutum cave.
- The Caldera
This great feature was formed as a result of magma that was drained from the chamber, as it could no longer support the overlying volcanic cone, it had to collapse and form a depression-like shape. It is in the eastern corner of this caldera that we find hot springs at the starting point of the deep Saum Gorge. The gorge was formed after water cut through the caldera out of weak volcanic ash and agglomerate walls.
Visiting Mt. Elgon that any bird lover should not miss!
