Mt. Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in Eastern Africa, with the
second-highest peak in Uganda (Wagagi Peak - 4321 meters). Mountain
Elgon has been an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24
million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct Volcano
in the world (50km by 80km), It
contains the largest intact caldera, a collapsed crater covering over
40kms at the top of the mountain, surrounded by a series of rugged
peaks.
A round Elgon, the Bagisu and Sabiny are the two ethnic
tribes around the mountain. They practice subsistence farming and
conduct circumcision ceremonies in men an d women every year to prepare
them for challenges of adulthood.
A climb to Mt Elgon is to explore a magnificent and
uncluttered montane wilderness without the summit-oriented approach
common to higher regional mountains. Here the ultimate goal on reaching
the top of Mount Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m Wagagai
peak, but the descent into the vast 40km2 caldera
Key attractions and tour activities
Spectacular scenery is the great attraction for Mountain
climbers on this oft-neglected and relatively undemanding mountain
Flora and fauna
There is a wide variety of forest primates such as the
Black and White Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, and small antelope, along
with elephant and buffalo. A checklist mounting to 300 birds includes,
Golden Winged and Tacazze sunbirds, Ross's and Hartlaubs Turacos, Black
and White Casqued and Crowned Hornbills, the endangered Lammergeier
and many otherspecies not recorded elsewhere in Uganda. While ascending
Mt. Elgon's enchanting slopes, you will pass through dense montane
forest and mixed bamboo belts. You will then enter the fascinating
heath and moorland zones containing several interesting endemic plant
species such as Giant lobelia and groundsels.
Very observant and lucky visitors can also see buffalo, duiker, hyena or even the elusive leopard.
NOTED BIRD SPECIES
Visiting Mount Elgon National Park forests and thick scrubs
along the Chebonet River near camp boosts, Chin-spot Batis, Mackinon’s
Fiscal, Doherty’s and Luhder’s Bush-Shrikes African Goshawk, Chubb’s
Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catchers, and
Baglafecht Weaver.
Hiking trails and routes
The most popular trails are two starting from the bottom of
the mountain and which lead to the mountain's peaks. Salsa Trail
(Buddukiro trailhead) is the most easily accessible from Mbale and is
the most direct route to the peaks. It passes through the Park's
largest area of bamboo forest. However it is also a steep and rugged
climb of over 1600m on the first day. For a more gentle climb (660m
first day ) you may choose to ascend via Pisa trail ( Kapkwata
trailhead ). Along this route you can explore a vast Podocarpus forest,
an excellent place for wildlife viewing. The full trekking circuit to
the peaks takes 4-5 days to complete. All visitors are encouraged to
discuss options with an Information Clerk while at the Visitors'
Centre.
Other attractions include ancient cave paintings close to
the trailhead at Budadiri, and spectacular caves and hot springs
within the crater.
Day hikes
The Forest Exploration Centre has three “day " hikes
ranging between 3 and 7 km. These trails offer an excellent opportunity
to experience Mt. Elgon's unique scenic view , plants and wildlife in
shorter time period. Of recent a fourth trail has been opened to reach
the enormous Tutum Cave, 11 km from the centre. This trail also passes
through a range of vegetation types and offers opportunities to see
wildlife such as Black and White Colobus Monkeys and a variety of birds
Sipi Falls hike
Sipi Falls is located a few kilo meters from Mbale,
en-route to the Forest Exploration Centre and Kapkwata. Several trails
in the area allow for intriguing day hikes through friendly local
villages and beautiful farming country.
Seven rock-climbing routes are open at Nagudi rock, half-way
between Mbale and Budadili. The routes are bolted, but climbers must
bring their own rock-climbing equipment. Each climber pays to the local
Parish treasurer.
When and how to Climb Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon National Park is a road less wilderness. The
park can only be explored on foot, on routes that range from day walks
to extended hikes over several days to reach the upper mountains. You
can also make your hikes a transboundary adventure, ascending the
Ugandan slopes and descending on the Kenyan side. This requires prior
arrangements to meet with Kenya Wildlife Services
A trained ranger guide is required on all treks. Local
portes make your hikes easier, each carrying up to 18kg of supplies in
addition to collecting water, cooking and preparing the camp
The best times to climb Mt Elgon are during the dry seasons
of June-August and December-March. No technical climbing equipment or
skills are required to reach the main peaks. The calderas and the peaks
are the main destinations, while along the way, a choice of trails
passes interesting and unique flora and fauna, waterfalls, lakes,
caves, gorges and hot springs
Rain gear and both cool and warm clothing are required as
the area is subject to sudden weather changes. You are highly
recommended to take cameras, binoculars, hat, a touch, wildlife manuals
and insect repellants
Accommodation
Simple and pleasant lodge accommodation facilities are
available inside the Park at the Kapkwata Rest House and the Forest
Exploration Centre at Kapkwai. New and well furnished units have been
also put in place, these include Sipi River lodge, Lacam lodge very
strategically located with a clear view of the spectacular Sipi Falls.
In Mbale town, you can find Mbale Resort among many other lodge facilities offering basic facilities to visitors
Camping
Pleasant five basic campsites are located at strategic
points along the trekking circuit. Campsites facilities, including
meals and hot showers are available at Crow's Nest located just before
the Sipi trading centre. Executive and high end hotel accommodation is
available at the Mt Elgon Hotel, Sipi Falls Resort, and Mbale Resort.
Do carry a warm jacket and a rain gear, as the weather
conditions change aberrantly. Also take as much sufficient fuel in your
camp stove to avoid placing additional pressure on firewood resources
while hiking Mt Elgon.
ACCESSING MT ELGON
Mbale lies 3-4 hours drive from Kampala along a good tarmac
road via Jinja and Iganga districts that is 235km. Before climbing from
Budadili a Murram road of 20km lead you from Mbale town. Public
transport is also available
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