MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK - HIKING TRIPS

 

Mountain Elgon National Park lies on the border of eastern side of Uganda in Mbale and western border of Kenya. Elgon is the eighth highest mountain in Africa and has the broadest base of any mountain in the world. Wagagai (4,321m) stands out as the tallest peak, stands on the Ugandan side of the border.  Other peaks include Kiongo (4,303m) in the South Mubiyi (4,210m) and Jackson’s summit (4,160)

Background: It is an extinct volcano and its formation is because of tectonic activity that led to formation of the Rift Valley.   it was first discovered by an European named Joseph Thomson who called it “Anglicization of El Kony.” In addition, the inhabitants of this place named it “ "Masaba” based on their on their ancestors background.

Vegetation:  Elgon has a unique kind of vegetation though it has many similarities with the rest of other mountains in East Africa.  Below 3000m there is a contiguous belt of evergreen forest extending over 750sq km. the forest has two main strata namely; the tall  Afro-montane forest below 2,500m and low canopy montane forest  and bamboo 2,500m-3,000m.  The slopes below the  2,000m contour, lies outside the park.

Highlights:  Hiking is the major activity done on this mountain and it is much easier compared to Rwenzori. Hikers encounter large mammals like blue monkey and black and white colobus monkey.  The other mammals present in Elgon are elephants, De Brazza’s monkey, sitatunga, bush pig, common duiker. Elgon also has  a total of 305 bird species of which most are forest birds including green tinkerbird, red-throated wryneck, Weyn’s weaver and the endangered bearded vulture or Lammergeier.  Mt Elgon also offers more activities like the lovely waterfall at  Sipi accessible from Mbale in hardly an hour. The falls has much to offer such as a scenic view and caves on the far side.  Hiking begins from Budadiri, Kapkwata or Kapkwai.

 

Accommodation :

Sipi Falls Rest Camp

Mbale Resort Hotel

Wash and Wills country home

Kayira Complex Hotel