Located in the Eastern part of Uganda usually known as the Elgon region, Mount Elgon National Park is a famous tourist destination in Africa. It is shared by two countries, Uganda and Kenya.
The park covers an area of approximately 1279 square kilometers with the bigger part being in Uganda. Mount Elgon National Park is famous for being home to some unique tourist attractions like wildlife, waterfalls, and birds. The major tourist attraction in Mount Elgon National Park is Mount Elgon.
Mount Elgon is the second-highest mountain in Uganda after Rwenzori. In East Africa, Mount Elgon is the fourth highest mountain following Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Mt. Rwenzori (Uganda), and Mt. Kenya (Kenya). Mount Elgon stands at an elevation of 4321 meters above sea level.
It is believed to have once been the tallest mountain in Africa but the height was reduced by continuous soil erosion over the years. It is believed that Mount Elgon was formed 24 million years ago. It is now a dormant volcanic mountain and is famous for having the world’s largest caldera. The highest peak of Mount Elgon is called Wagagai.
Mount Elgon National Park was gazette in 1968 on the side of Kenya and in 1992 on the side of Uganda. Uganda shares a bigger part of Mount Elgon National Park covering 1110 square kilometers. The is dominated by the Bagisu tribe also known as Bamasaba. Taking on a cultural tour during your Mount Elgon safari will give you a chance to dive into the life of the Bamasaba. They will bless you with their traditional dances, locally made products, food, and other items to always remind you of your Uganda trip to Mount Elgon National Park.
Tourist attractions in Mount Elgon National Park
Are you wondering about what to see while visiting Mount Elgon National Park? Do not fret, here are the top tourist attractions in Mount Elgon National Park.
Birds in Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is a reliable safari destination for bird lovers. If you are looking forward to seeing some of the elusive species of Africa, Mount Elgon National Park should be part of your travel list. The park boasts over 300 bird species some of which are Rift Valley endemics while others are restricted to the area. Birding trips in Mount Elgon will take you to the neighboring Sipi Falls from where you will encounter several bird species. Some of the bird species found in Mt. Elgon National Park include among others but are not limited to the following; Jackson’s Francolin, African Hill Babbler, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Black-collared Apalis, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Alpine Chat, Moustached Tinkerbird, and Olive Woodpecker.
Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is one of the best tourist attractions in Mount Elgon National Park. The Falls were formed at a point where the Sipi River meets one of the volcanic rocks in the park.
Are you a travel enthusiast seeking the best place for photography during your Uganda safari? You should visit Sipi Falls and make your dreams come true. Close to the Falls are the caves which give tourists a mesmerizing experience during their Mt. Elgon National Park safari. For bird lovers, the Sipi Falls region is a perfect birding spot in Mount Elgon National Park.
Mount Elgon – the world’s largest Volcanic Caldera
One of the top tourist attractions in Mount Elgon National Park is the mountain itself – Mount Elgon. This is one of the oldest physical features in Uganda and Africa at large. Formed about 24 million years ago as a result of volcanicity, Mount Elgon is a dream come true to many tourists. Hiking tours in Mount Elgon National Park are somewhat easier to maneuver compared to other hiking areas like Mt. Rwenzori. You will follow one of the hiking trails in the park and explore the park at length. Some of the trails include; the Piswa Trail, the Sipi Trail, and the Sasa Trail. Each trail comes with a great experience in the park discovering different wildlife, Plants, and bird species. Hiking Mount Elgon also comes with scenic views of vegetation cover, Rivers, and the neighboring areas. It is a momentous opportunity worth every traveler’s attention.
The local communities – the Sabiny and Bagisu
The local communities in Mount Elgon National Park allow travelers to discover some of Africa’s indigenous and unique cultures. The Bagisu people have cultural events that bless tourists with exceptional encounters. The Imbalu ceremony is an annual event that involves the circumcision of boys as the symbol of initiation from childhood to adulthood. This is one of Uganda’s popular cultural events in Uganda. During this activity, there is drumming, singing of traditional songs, and a display of traditionally used African tools like drums, horns, and spears. Visit the park and take part in this amazing activity and create a signature of memories.
Wildlife and Mammals
Much as the park is not a popular destination for wildlife viewing like many National Parks in Uganda, Mount Elgon National Park is home to some animals. During your hiking adventures, you will encounter several mammals. These include duikers, monkeys, spotted hyenas, and waterbucks, to mention but a few.
What to do in Mount Elgon National Park? Activities to do
Are you wondering what to do while you visit Mount Elgon National Park? Let your worries stop, here is a list of the safari activities done in Mount Elgon National Park.
Hiking tours
Following any of the trails in Mount Elgon National Park, travelers hike to the highest elevation point of Mount Elgon. Hiking Mount Elgon is not that challenging compared to many hiking destinations in Uganda. At the top of the mountain, you will see the world’s largest volcanic caldera. You will also enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas. This is in addition to wildlife and bird encounters during the hike.
Birding tours
Mount Elgon National Park is a reliable birding destination in Uganda. The park is home to over 400 bird species some of which are Rift Valley endemics. Some of the bird species found in Mt. Elgon National Park include among others but are not limited to the following; Jackson’s Francolin, African Hill Babbler, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Black-collared Apalis, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Alpine Chat, Moustached Tinkerbird, and Olive Woodpecker.
Guided Nature walks and cycling tours
Mount Elgon National Park is a reliable cycling destination in Uganda. Discover the hidden treasures of the park on two wheels. In the company of other cyclists, you get to enjoy the trip around Sipi Falls. You watch multiple bird species as well as mammals. With the help of an experienced guide, you will get up close to wildlife and birds in Mount Elgon National Park during a nature walk safari.
Cultural tours
Visit the Sabiny and the Bagisu people of Eastern Uganda. Take part in the Imbalu (circumcision) event and discover the mysteries of African cultures. Immerse yourself into the life of these communities in Mt. Elgon National Park for an extraordinary safari experience.
What is the best time to Visit Mount Elgon National Park?
The best time to visit Mount Elgon National Park is the dry months of June to September and December to February. This is the time when rain is less and the trails are easy to maneuver. Talk to your travel specialist in Uganda for the best advice while planning your Uganda safari.
How to access Mt. Elgon National Park?
Mount Elgon National Park is a 4 to 5-hour drive from Uganda’s entry point – Kampala. You drive via Kampala – Jinja road up to the park headquarters.
