This Park covers a total land area of 1145 square kilometers bisected by Uganda-Kenya border. Uganda’s part of the Park was gazzeted in 1992 and that of Kenya in 1968. Mountain Elgon, a volcanic mountain found both in Uganda and Kenya is the major reason for adventure tours to this Park.
Its highest peak Wagagai at 4321 meters is found on the Uganda side. Other outstanding peaks for this mountain include Jackson’s summit at 4156m, Mubiyi at 4210m and Kiongo at 4303m.
Local inhibitors around the Park refer to this Park as Mountain Masaba, when it comes to Bagisu tribe the name Masaba is very strong. It belongs to their founding ancestor who is believed to have come from one of the caves found in the mountain ranges.
These stunning slopes are a remarkable watershed for a diverse range of rivers including River sipi which forms the globally renowned cascading Sipi falls. This region where slopes are supports a grand array of altitudinal vegetation zones. Varying from lush montane forests to open moorland.
Though the park is known for the towering slopes, it’s also a good habitat to different Wildlife species. Its vegetation cover along the slopes is home to different Wild animals like Elephants, Buffaloes, tinny antelopes, duikers, spotted hyenas, Oribi, Squirels and few primates species like Blue monkeys, Black and White Colobus and more to awe.
Over 299 bird species enjoy the good habitats of this Park, 12 species of which are endemic to the Park such as Moorland Francolin, Alpine chat, Moustached green tinker bird, Red throated wryneck, black collared apalis and more.
Other species found on either sides of Uganda and Kenya embody common whitethroat cape robin chat, blackcap, Mountain yellow warbler, spotted morning thrush, African reed warbler to name but a few.
Other major draws within the Park include old cave paintings, hidden caves, hot springs inside the crater, caldera together with the cultural Imbalu dances thought these dances are usually found out of the Park and ceremonies are seasonal so you have to plan respective to the exact dates and year.
How to get there
Mountain Elgon National Park in the Eastern part of Uganda is easily accessed by road transport means. The usual route from Kampala pass through Jinja to Mbale town at the western base of Mountain Elgon. On your way to Kapchorwa, murram roads lead off this road to various trailheads.
Activities to do in the Park
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing, an exciting adventure pursuit is done both within Mountain Elgon National Park and out within the suburbs of Sipi Falls.
It’s usually guided and supervised by the operators. Adventure enthusiasts are taken by endless eye catching views offered.
Since it involves galloping up with ropes, physical fitness is a major requirement for any participant. Do not as well forget to come with some wearing gears like climbing boots, helmets, gloves, rain jackets and more.
Hiking and Climbing Mount Elgon
This is one of the main activities done in this Park, several trailheads up to the peak are available for seekers of hiking adventures including Sasa, Piswa and Sipi trail.
Porters and guides are available to provide help and lead trekkers up to the peak. Trekking days range from 4 to 7 days or more. Mountain Elgon ranks the tallest mountain in Africa and best for hiking during the dry season.
Birding
The Park is packed with numerous trails that lead to different hotspots where several sights of bird species are noticed. One of the best birding trials is Sipi Falls Trail.
Different species spotted include Dusky-turtle dove, African hill babbler, Alpine chat, black-throated wattle eye, mountain yellow warbler, thick billed honey guide, grey cuckoo shrike to mention but a few.
Mountain Biking
Lovers of mountain biking now rates Mountain Elgon National Park and nearby Sipi falls as one of the best localities to feel the adventure while in Uganda. Blazing down the trails on Africa’s fourth tallest mountain offers spectacular views of picturesque landscapes, rolling hills and more to awe. This adventure is best during the dry season of the year.