Mountain Elgon National Park

Mountain Elgon National Park : At 4,000km², this park has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda–Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna. Additionally, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. The ultimate goal on reaching the top of the mountain is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40km²caldera.

What to do in Mountain Elgon National Park

Mountain/Volcano Climbing

Actually many travelers find this mountain an exciting alternative to the more strenuous climbs in East Africa. It is also easier to access throughout the year, less congested even so has milder climate and lower elevation. Nevertheless, climbing the peaks requires no special equipment or technical experience.

The Sasa trail

This is the shortest but toughest route to the peaks and traversing the community land. Surely, allowing you to explore Bamasaba farming settlements and culture. Above all, the round trip takes four days and starts at Budadiri town at an elevation of 1,250m.

The Sipi trail

The trail starts at 2,050m at the Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre. It is also the longest trail to the peaks, passing through the northwestern mountainside through Tutum Cave to enter the caldera and reach Wagagai Peak.

The Piswa trail

Interestingly, this is the longest and the gentlest trail. Starting at the village of Kapkwata on the north side of the mountain, it traverses the soft wood plantation to the Podocarpus forest. It’s also notable for its spectacular views of the Karamoja plains in Uganda and the Nandi hills in Kenya. The Piswa trail also passes the hot springs on the way to the caldera and the peaks.

Birding

Excellent birding opportunities exist around Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre. In particular in the secondary forest and thick shrub along the loop trails extended to cover Cheptui Falls. It supports the African Goshawk; Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catcher. Chinspot Batis, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Dohertys and Luhders Bush-shrikes, Baglafecht Weaver, Cinnamon Bee Eater. Moustached Tinkerbird, Hartloub`s Turaco, Tacazze Sunbird, Black Kite and Black-collared Apalis etc.

Hiking/Nature walks

A full-day nature hike leads from Budadiri to the Mudange cliffs. These cliffs are located in the tropical forest, whereby blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus and baboons are likely to cross your tracks.
At Sipi Falls, guides from the local community can organize walks of a few hours up to a full day around local viewpoints. In Kapchorwa, a 20-minute Sunrise Trek at 6am from Noah’s Ark Hotel leads to the nearby Tewei Hill. While here, you can watch dawn spreading across the vast Karamoja plains at the base of the mountain.
In Budadiri, short day hikes are available covering the Mudagi Cliffs, Sasa River Camp as well as Drigana lower falls. More so, these are great for bird watching, nature walks and overnight camping.

Sport fishing

Sport fishing is also done above the highest of the three waterfalls at Sipi outside the park. However, it provides exciting challenges to anglers who take pride in battling with the rainbow trout because of its beautiful coloration. Meanwhile, fishing is restricted to designated sites and places and advance booking is not necessary. Therefore, interested sport fishers are urged to bring their own equipment and secure a permit from Sipi River Lodge.

Cultural encounters

Sipi Widows’ Group

Find out where your coffee comes from! Grown on the mountain shambas (an area of cultivated ground) of the mountain is the Arabica coffee. This was also named Sipi or Bugisu by the farmers who have a reputation for producing some of the finest washed Arabica in Kenya and Uganda. Finally, the Sipi Widows’ Group will take you on a guided walk through the coffee plantation demonstrating how to plant, pick, grind, store and wash the coffee.

You will also learn about life of the Sabiny as you meet local residents, and as well participate in traditional weaving. Learn about African cuisine through the preparation, cooking and tasting of local dishes. Furthermore, a visit to the women’s handcraft shop in the trading Centre is also highly recommended. Lastly, proceeds from the tour and shop are invested in maintaining the coffee trees, paying school fees for orphans etc.

Budadiri Community Walks Ecotourism Experience

This community group, based in Budadiri, offers accommodation, car hire, cultural dances, guided coffee tours as well as community nature walks. Visitors will discover the region’s cultural dances, food preparation, folklore and its famous malewa bamboo shoots. There is also a tour of the mountain’s famous Arabica coffee processing plants, which supports local farmers.

Additionally, nature lovers can indulge in one of the three trails – the full-day Namugabwe Cave Trail. The Dirigana Loop trail to the Dirigsana Falls and Gabushana Cave past local markets or the three-day walk to Sipi Falls which reveals the culture of two neighboring groups.

Mountain biking

A mountain biking trail runs from Sipi trading centre to Chema hill in Kapchorwa town. It takes 1.5 hours and provides views of various waterfalls and the Karamoja plains. On the other hand, bikes can be hired from Sipi River Lodge.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing takes place outside the park at Sipi. Basically, there are 14 climbs requiring various levels of rock scaling techniques. Meanwhile all equipments can be hired from the Sipi Falls Tourist Guides Association. The toughest is a 35m climb while the easiest is 15m. Both command a picturesque view of the main falls and the Karamoja plains.

How to get there/Accommodation/Related safaris

Where to stay / accommodation

Luxury

Mbale resort hotel.
Sipi river lodge.

Mid-range

Lacam lodge
Masha Hotel
Noah’s Ark Hotel
Sipi Falls resort

Budget/basic

Crow’s nest rest camp
Kapkwata Guest house.
Moses campsite.
Rose’s last chance
Suam Guest house.

Best time to visit

Climate and When to Visit

The best time to climb this mountain is during the dry seasons between June-August and December-March. However, it should be noted that climbing Mt. Elgon can be done all year round.