Gates of Mount Elgon National Park: Mount Elgon National Park is the home of the world’s largest volcanic bases 80 kilometers, Mount Elgon is a massive solitary volcanic mountain seated on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya in East Africa. Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano and one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, estimated to first erupt around 24 million years ago. Mount Elgon has the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50km by 80km) and is the second-highest peak in Uganda. The Ugandan part of the park was gazetted in 1992, while the Kenyan part was gazetted much earlier in 1968. The entire park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Mount Elgon National Park is surrounded by a mountainous stunning landscape and its cool heights offer respite for humans from the hot plans below and its higher altitude provides refuge for flora and fauna. Mount Elgon is also hosting about 300 bird species, including the endangered Lammergeyer, small antelopes, forest monkeys, elephants as well as buffaloes. and is surrounded by the tribes of the Bagisu and Sabiny that you can visit for a cultural tour.
The distance between Kampala and Mount Elgon National Park is about 230km. The roads are well paved and made of tarmac but traffic jam is a problem on the Kampala-Jinja highway. It takes between 4 to 5 hours to reach Mbale town from Kampala through the towns of Jinja and Iganga. The journey by road offers opportunities to stop and see amazing places like Mabira Forest, the source of the Nile River and Jinja town. From Mbale town one needs to drive to the park offices outside the town or head straight to the nearest starting climbing point in Budadiri. for luxurious visitors, there is an option to book a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport to Soroti Airfield near Mount Elgon and then travel by road for about 1 one-hour drive to Mbale town or Kapchorwa.
One of the unique features of the park is the presence of several gates that serve as entry points for visitors to explore the different parts of the park. Here are possible entry gates to the national park.
Kapkwai Gate
Kapkwai Gate is situated on the south side of the park, Kapkwai Gate is the main entrance for visitors coming from Mbale town. This gate is known for its lush forests, beautiful waterfalls and diverse wildlife. Visitors can embark on hiking trails that lead to various scenic viewpoints and explore the park’s rich biodiversity.
Sipi Gate.
The Sipi Gate is located in the picturesque Sipi Falls area, Sipi gate is a gateway to the park’s central region. this gate is popular as a starting point for hikers to the Sipi Falls, a series of three stunning waterfalls that cascade down the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Budadiri Gate
The Budadiri gate is located in the Sasa river valley, Budaduru gate bandura is the starting point for the popular Sasa trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Elgon. this gate offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including rugged cliffs, deep valleys and dense forests. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species long the trail.
Sinyei Gate
The Sinyei gate is located on the eastern side of Mount Elgon, Sinyei gate offers a lesser-known entrance into the park. this gate is a great starting point for off-the-beaten-path hiking trails and exploring the park’s hidden gems. Visitors can enjoy peaceful surroundings, spot wildlife, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Wanale Gate
The Wanale, a nestle in the Wanale Ridge area, Wanale gate is a popular entry point for visitors looking to explore the lower slopes of Mount Elgon. this gate offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and hills, as well as opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and cultural interaction with the locale communities. visitors can allow visit nearby attractions such as the Wanale Hill viewpoint.
Bulucheke Gate
The Bulucheke gate is located on the western side of Mount Elgon, Bulucheke gate offers access to the park’s western trail and viewpoints. This gate offers a serene environment with beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife and opportunities for hiking and camping. Visitors can explore the park’s western reaches and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas.
Lwakhakha Gate
The Lwakhakha gate is located in the Lwakhakha area, this gate serves as an alternative entrance for visitors coming from the western side of Mount Elgon. Lwakhakha gate offers unique hiking trails, cultural experiences and opportunities to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. Visitors can trek through lush forests, spot wildlife and explore the hidden beauty of the area.
Chorlim Gate
The Chorlim gate is another gate on Kenyan side of the park, Chorlim gate offers access to the park’s western side. From here, visitors can explore the scenic Tutum cave, as well as enjoy views of the Suam Gorge and the lush vegetation of the park.
Budeka Gate
The Budeka gate is located on the Ugandan side of the park, Budeka gate is a gateway to the park’s southern region. this gate is a starting point for hiking to the beautiful budeka falls and stunning Jelanyiri cliffs, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
Overall, all these gates of Mount Elgon National Park provide a gateway to the world of natural wonders and adventure. Whether you’re looking to hike to the summit of summit of Mount Elgon, explore scenic waterfalls or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of Uganda’s wilderness, each gate offers a unique experience that is sure to captivate and inspire visitors of all ages.
Best time to visit Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is open for visitors throughout the year. Though some month offers more thrilling experiences than other seasons. The neat time to visit the Maintain Elgon National Park is during the dry seasons that is from June to August and December to March. Therefore, the dry season offers the best climate to do mountain climbing and other park activities.
Accommodation in Mount Elgon National Park
Accommodation facilities can be secured within and outside the park. most of the hotels offer a combination of luxurious, mid-range and budget rooms such as Kapkwai Forest Cottages, Mbale Resort Hotel, Sipi Rock Garden, Mount Elgon Guest House, Mise Cave Lodge, Sipi Sunset Lodge, The Crow’s Nest-Sipi, Mount Elgon Resthouse, Sunrise Homestay-Sipi, Elgon View Hotel, Benanda Forest Resort, Sipi Travellers Lodge, Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa, Kayegi Hotel, Noah’s Ark Hotel, Masha Hotel, Sipi River Lodge
In conclusion, the gates of Mount Elgon National Park offer visitors the chance to explore the diverse landscape and natural wonders of this stunning destination. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike of Mount Elgon or a leisurely stroll through the park’s scenic forests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this spectacular park so pack your hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, and warm clothes and get ready to explore the beauty of Mount Elgon National Park through it’s amazing unique gates.
Contact our trusted tour operator for more information and inquiries about the gates of Mount Elgon National Park and book with our tours and travel companies, such as Achieve Global Safaris, who offer the best tour packages while on a Uganda safari.
