Just a few kilometers from Mbale Town, in the Eastern region of Uganda, is Mount Elgon National Park. The extinct Volcanic Mountain is covered by a total land area of 1145 square kilometers where the park is located. The name of the park was inspired by Mt. Elgon, the area’s main attraction. Mt. Elgon, which has a height of 4321 meters, is the second-highest mountain in Uganda after Mt. Rwenzori. Mt. Elgon is a volcanic mountain that was created through the process of vulcanicity, in contrast to Rwenzori Mountain, which is a block mountain. It is a dormant volcano that Kenya and Uganda both share. One of Uganda’s best national parks for hiking is this one.
Two nations, Kenya and Uganda, are in charge of running the Mt. Elgon National Park. Due to the fact that each nation took its time, the park was gazetted in two distinct years. Kenya was the first to gazete the park as a national park in 1968, followed by Uganda in 1992. The park is primarily located in Uganda, where it also has the largest area (1,110 square kilometers).
The smallest area of the park is in Kenya, measuring only 169 square kilometers. Along the Eastern road, the park is situated 235 kilometers from Kampala, the country’s capital. The travel through the city of adventure, or “Jinja,” where you will be passing through the top of the River Nile, takes 4 to 5 hours. The path from Kampala City to Kapchorwa is safe and well-paved.
One of Uganda’s most ancient natural features is Mt. Elgon. It is thought that the mountain last erupted about 24 million years ago. The peak was one of the highest in Africa before Mt. Kilimanjaro, which has 5,895 meters today. Mt. Elgon’s height has dropped to 4,321 meters as a result of extensive soil erosion over many years. After Mount Kilimanjaro of Tanzania, Mount Kenya of Kenya, and Mount Rwenzori of Uganda, the mountain is currently the fourth-highest mountain in East Africa. On the African continent, it is ranked as the eighth-highest mountain.
The two nations of East Africa share four of Mt. Elgon’s high summits. On the Ugandan side, Wagagai Peak, which has a height of 4321 meters, is the highest point. Jackson’s Summit, Kiongo Peak, and Mubiyi are three other peaks on Mount Elgon, with elevations of 4165, 4303, and 4210 meters, respectively. Numerous regional tribes that call the peak Mt. Masaba surround it.
This name honors the notable ancestors, Bagishu, also known as Bamasaba, who lived for a very long time close to the mountain. The term Bamasamba refers to their god, according to whom they claim to reside in a mountain cave. The Bagishu, which dominates the mountain surroundings, and the Sabiny, which are found on the other side, are the two notable local tribes that leave around the mountain.
Mt. Elgon has a volcanic base that is more than 4,000 square kilometers in size, making it the largest in the world as well as in Uganda. The mountain is not only the oldest volcano in East Africa, but it is also the largest. It has an 80-kilometer circle and is located more than 3000 meters above sea level. The mountain provides the Bagishu people with a stable source of income and serves as a water catchment area for the River Sipi, which forms the magnificent Sipi Falls. To obtain Malewa, one of the favorite sources, the villagers must walk to the mountain.
Attractions found in Mount Elgon National Park
During their visit to this remote national park, visitors can enjoy a number of attractions at Mount Elgon. If you adore hiking but are now unable to do so due to physical limitations or other health difficulties, choosing a mountain or activity that is less difficult is unquestionably the best option for you. The following are some of the top park attractions:
Birds
The many flora types found in Mt. Elgon have produced excellent fertile ground for a variety of bird species’ habitats. Over 299 bird species can be found at Mount Elgon National Park, including 12 endemic species that are unique to Uganda. Jackson’s Francolin, Marsh Widowbird, Alpine Chat, Weyn’s Weaver, Moustached Green Tinker Bird, Black-collared Apalis, Red-throated Wryneck, and others are examples of endemic birds. Lammergeier vultures, white-starred forest robins, Black-shouldered kites, Tacazze sunbirds, Eastern bronze-naped pigeons, Hartlaub’s turacos, and other common bird species are only a few examples.
Mount Elgon National Park’s flora
The park is a haven for various plant life that is arranged in accordance with the significant altitude fluctuations as height rises. The mountain’s slopes are home to a wide variety of higher-altitude vegetation, from Montana to open moorland vegetation, which is peppered with uncommon plant species including Lobelia. More tourists come to Mount Elgon National Park for sightseeing since the shrubs are covered in lovely blooms.
Mont Elgon
This is the main draw of Mount Elgon National Park, which got its name from the volcanic mountain that sits in the middle of it. Mt Elgon actually occupies three-quarters of the park. The mountain is the eighth tallest in Africa and the fourth highest in East Africa. Uganda and Kenya both share their four major peak points. By obtaining a park entry permit from Kenya Wildlife Services, one can reach the mountain from the Kenyan side. Alternatively, one can enter the mountain from Uganda by obtaining a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Depending on the hiker’s physical condition, the peak can be climbed in 3 to 5 days.
Sipi falls
One of the popular tourist destinations in Mount Elgon National Park is the Sipi Falls. The magnificent Tutum cave, which is concealed in the thick forest. At the cave’s edge, where the River Sipi meets the last piece of volcanic rock, the falls are created. Safaris are not complete without visiting Mount Elgon National Park.
Wildlife/ Mammals
Animals including waterbucks, duiker, spotted hyenas, oribi, monkeys, squirrels, and many others can be found in Mount Elgon National Park. The park’s background is forested, where more animals can be found. Even though the Mountain is the main draw, visitors can still see these animals while engaging in other park activities.
Bagishu culture
One of Uganda’s distinctive cultures belongs to the Bagishu, also known as the Bamasamba. To get to the closest Mbale town, the tribe departs from the park. They hold ceremonies for circumcision all around the area once a year. The “Mbalu” dance is a more spiritual, cultural, and distinctive dance. The victims will be showered with dust, soil, ash, and other materials as they are made to dance while being transported from one location to another to undergo circumcision.
Activities in Mount Elgon
climbing Mt. ElgonThe primary tourist activity at Mount Elgon National Park is hiking. There are four principal hiking routes. These include the Sasa Trail, the Sipi Trail, the Piswa Trail, and the Suam Trail; the length of each trail varies in days. While other pathways will lead you to Sipi Waterfalls, hiking will take you to the peak of the Wagagai mountain. Depending on the route you pick and your level of fitness, the hike to Mount Elgon might take anywhere from 4 to 7 days. Compared to other African mountains, this one is easier to trek and is more mild.
Birding
With over 299 bird species reported, Mount Elgon National Park is one of the top attractions for birders. Moorland Francolin, Marsh Widowbird, Alpine Chat, Wyn’s weaver, Moustached green tinker bird, Jackson’s Francolin, Hunter’s Cisticola, Black-collared apalis, Red-throated wryneck, and other endemic bird species are among the 12 species of birds. Lammergeier vultures, white-starred forest robins, Black-shouldered kites, Tacazze sunbirds, Eastern bronze-naped pigeons, Hartlaub’s turacos, and other common bird species are only a few examples.
Mt Elgon national park is a quiet destination that is isolated but best for travelers who need to refresh their minds.