Principal activities at Mount Elgon National Park
Key activities in Mount Elgon National Park; Mount Elgon National Park is one of Uganda’s oldest geographical features, situated in the eastern region of Uganda within the Mbale District, adjacent to the border with Kenya. The national park is named after Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano that erupted twenty-four million years ago. Mount Elgon was formerly the tallest volcanic mountain in Africa; however, soil erosion has diminished its height to 4,321 meters, rendering it the fourth highest peak in East Africa and the eighth highest mountain in Africa, with the largest crater, approximately 60 kilometers long and 40 kilometers broad. Mount Elgon National Park was designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve and is home to various wildlife species, including waterbucks, elephants, oribi, buffaloes, bushbucks, and hyenas, which inhabit the lower slopes, as well as over 300 bird species, such as the black-collared apalis, black-shouldered kite, and Jackson’s francolin. Mount Elgon National Park provides several activities for guests to partake in during their safari in Uganda, including:
Primary activities in Mount Elgon National Park
Avian observation
Mount Elgon National Park hosts approximately 300 documented bird species, including 50 from the Afro-tropical highland biome, establishing it as one of Uganda’s premier birdwatching locales.
During birdwatching, you will be accompanied by a seasoned bird guide who will assist you in identifying various avian species, including moorland francolin, Moustached green tinkerbird, alpine chat, black-collared apalis, Jackson’s francolin, black-shouldered kite, Tacazze sunbird, African goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, Mackinnon’s fiscal, cinnamon bee-eater, Baglafecht weaver, African blue flycatcher, Chinspot batis, white-chinned Prinia, Hartloub’s turaco, Luhders bush-shrike, and alpine chat, among others.
Mackinnon’s budgetary policies on hiking and mountain climbing
Hiking is an adventurous and significant activity. While mountain climbing, you will traverse many paths, including the Sasa trail, which is the shortest yet most arduous route, requiring approximately four days for a round trip and passing past Mudangi cliffs, community gardens, and a bamboo forest. The Sipi Trail, requiring between 4 to 6 days for a round trip, traverses Tatum Cave, renowned for its ancient cave paintings. In contrast, the Piswa Trail necessitates about 7 days for a full journey and provides breathtaking vistas of the Karamoja plains, hot springs, and Kenya’s Kapeguria and Nandi hills. Mount Elgon National Park provides day treks for novice hikers, covering distances of approximately 3-7 km, allowing visitors to appreciate the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife species.
Mountain cycling
Mountain biking is an exhilarating pursuit available to visitors at Mount Elgon National Park on their safari. The Uganda Wildlife Authority inaugurated mountain bike paths in the park in 2012, extending from Sipi Trading Centre to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa Town. During a one to two-hour mountain bike excursion, you will experience stunning vistas of the Karamoja plains, Sipi Falls, picturesque landscapes, agricultural fields, rocky formations, and the Soroti plains, among others. Travelers seeking mountain biking opportunities can rent bicycles at Sipi River Lodge, although prior arrangements are necessary, or they may book through a tour company such as Achieve Global Safaris.
Nature excursions
A nature walk is an engaging activity that allows participants to traverse the park on foot accompanied by a knowledgeable park guide. On the guided nature walk, you will traverse many routes, including the bamboo trail to Kapkwai Cave, which lasts approximately 4 hours and passes through tropical and bamboo forests, the Khauka Cave trail, which takes about 3 to 4 hours, and the small treks in Budadiri. During the nature walk, you will get the opportunity to observe various plant and tree species, animals, and birds, while enjoying the refreshing wind and the melodious sounds of avian species, among other experiences.
Cultural excursions
A cultural tour in Mount Elgon National Park offers the opportunity to engage with the Sabiny and Bagisu communities, explore their cultural heritage, sample traditional cuisine, visit their residences and agricultural lands, hear their historical narratives, and appreciate their cultural dances and songs, among other activities.
Directions to Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is situated in the eastern region of Uganda and is accessible by road. The journey from Kampala involves traveling through Jinja town and Mbale, ultimately reaching the park headquarters, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours by car.
Mount Elgon National Park is accessible via air transport, with domestic charter flights available through Bar Aviation or Aero Link Uganda from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Soroti.
Accommodation options
Numerous lodging options are available for your Uganda hiking safari, including Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa, Mount Elgon View Hotel, Kapkwai Forest Cottages, Mbale Resort Hotel, Kayegi Hotel, Masha Hotel, Noah’s Ark Hotel, and Sipi River Lodge, among others.
For additional details regarding the premier activities in Mount Elgon National Park, please contact us or visit our website to reserve an economical safari package.
