Mount Elgon National park
Mount Elgon National park is located in the Eastern part of Uganda just a few kilometers away from Mbale Town. The park sits in a total land area of 1145 square kilometers that covers the extinct Volcanic Mountain. The park got its name from the largest attraction found in the park that is Mt Elgon. The Mt Elgon is the 2nd highest mountain in Uganda after Mt Rwenzori, it stands at 4321 meters height. Unlike Rwenzori mountain which is block mountain, Mt Elgon is Volcanic mountain which was formed by the process of Vulcanicity. It’s a dormant volcanic mountain that is shared by Uganda and Kenya. This is one of the top hiking national parks in Uganda.
Mt Elgon national park is administered by two countries those are Uganda and Kenya. The park was gazetted on 2 different years as each country did it at its own time. Kenya started first to gazetted the park in 1968 as a national park and later Uganda gazetted its side in 1992. The park is mostly found in Uganda with the largest part that covers 1,110 square kilometers found in Uganda. Kenya has the smallest part of the park that rates to only 169 square kilometers. The park is located 235 kilometers away from the capital city Kampala along the Eastern route. The drive takes 4 to 5 hours to drive through the city of Adventure ‘Jinja’ where you will be passing through the top of the River Nile. The route is good and tarmacked from Kampala City to Kapchorwa.
Mt Elgon is one of the oldest physical features that is found in Uganda. The mountain is believed to have erupted over 24 million years ago. The mountain was ones the highest Mountain in Africa more than the current Mt Kilimanjaro which stands at 5,895 meters. Mt Elgon has been affected by severe soil erosion over decades of years ago reducing its height to 4,321 meters. The mountain now stands as the 4th highest mountain in East Africa after Mt Kilimanjaro of Tanzania, Mt Kenya of Kenya and Mt Rwenzori of Uganda. It is ranked the 8th highest mountain on the African continent.
Mt Elgon has four high peaks which are shared among the two East African countries. The highest peak is called Wagagai peak which stands at 4321 meters and its located on the Ugandan side. Other peaks in Mt Elgon include Jackson’s Summit which stands at 4165 meters, Kiongo peak at 4303, Mubiyi at 4210 meters. The mountain is surrounded by many local tribes that know the Mountain as Mt Masaba. This name was named after the prominent ancestors that long-lived around the mountain those are Bagishu also called Bamasaba. This name Bamasamba is the name of their god they believe on which they say residence in the Mountain cave. The two prominent local tribes that leave around the mountain are the Bagishu which dominates the mountain surrounding and Sabiny which are found on the other side.
Mt Elgon has the largest volcanic base not only in Uganda but an entire world with over 4,000 square kilometers. The mountain is not only the largest volcanic base in East Africa but the oldest volcanic mountain. It sits in 80 kilometers in diameter rising over 3000 meters above the seas level. The mountain acts as the strong livelihood of the Bagishu people, water catchment area for the River Sipi which forms the spectacular Sipi falls. The locals hike to the mountain to get Malewa one of their favorite sources.
Attractions found in Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National park has several attractions that guests enjoy during their tour in this isolated national park. Do you enjoy hiking but now your physical fitness or health issues does not allow you to hike, a less challenging mountain or activity is definitely the best alternative for you. Below are the highlights of the park attractions:
Birds: The different vegetation cover found in Mt Elgon has created good fertile ground for different habitats for different bird species. Mount Elgon National park inhabits over 299 bird species with 12 endemic birds that cannot be seen in any part of Uganda. The endemic birds include Moorland Francolin, Marsh Widowbird, Alpine Chat, Weyn’s weaver, Moustached green tinker bird, Jackson’s Francolin, Hunter’s Cisticola, Black-collared apalis, Red-throated wryneck, and others. Other common bird species include Lammergeier vultures, white-starred forest robin, Black-shouldered kite, Tacazze sunbird, Eastern bronze-naped pigeon, Hartlaub’s turaco, Tacazze sunbird mention but a few.
Flora in Mount Elgon National park: The park is a home of different plant life which are arranged according to the great altitude changes as the height increases. The slopes of the mountain support rich diversity of more altitudinal kind of Vegetation that ranges from Montana to the open moorland vegetation which is dotted with some rare plant species like Lobelia. The shrubs are thick with nice flowers that attract more sightseeing visitors to Mount Elgon National park
Mt Elgon: This is the key attraction in Mount Elgon National park, the park was named after this volcanic mountain that is found at the centre of the park. In fact, ¾ of the park is covered by Mt Elgon. The mountain is the 4th highest mountain in East Africa and the 8th in Africa. It has 4 key peak points which is shared by Uganda and Kenya. One can access the mountain through the Kenya side by getting the park entry permit from Kenya Wildlife Services or through Uganda and you get entry permits from Uganda wildlife Authority. The mountain can be hiked for 3 to 5 days depending on the physical fitness of the individual.
Sipi falls: The Sipi falls is one of the key tourist spots found in Mount Elgon National park. The spectacular Tutum cave which is hidden in the middle of the extensive forest. The falls is formed when River Sipi meets the end of the volcanic rock at the edge of the cave. Visiting Mount Elgon National park without reaching makes your safari incomplete.
Wildlife/ Mammals: Mount Elgon National park is a home of some animals like Waterbucks, duiker, spotted Hyenas, oribi, monkeys, squirrels and many more. The park has a forested background that inhabits more wildlife. Though the main attraction is the Mountain but guests can sight also these animals while doing other activities around the park.
Bagishu cultures: The Bagishu also called Bamasamba has one of the unique cultures in Uganda. The tribe leaves around the park to the nearest Mbale town. They have their annual circumcision ceremonies that are conducted around the region. The dance commonly known as “Mbalu” is more spiritual, cultural and unique. This is a dance they use to escort the youth who are supposed to be circumcised, the victims will be sprayed with dust, soil, ash, and other items and they make you dance while moving from place to place.
Activities in Mount Elgon
Hiking to Mt Elgon: Hiking is the main tourism activity done in Mount Elgon National park. There are four major hiking trails. These include Sasa Trail, Sipi Trail, Piswa trail and Suam trail, the number of days differs from trail to trail. The hiking takes you up to the peak of the Wagagai summit while other trails take you to Sipi Waterfalls. Hike to Mount Elgon takes between 4 to 7 days depending on the trail you take and the physical fitness of the guest. The hike is gentle and more easy to take compared to other African mountains.
Birding: Mount Elgon National park is one of the good destinations that birders enjoy most with over 299 bird species recorded. 12 of the bird species are endemic, The endemic birds include 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 others. Other common bird species include Lammergeier vultures, white-starred forest robin, Black-shouldered kite, Tacazze sunbird, Eastern bronze-naped pigeon, Hartlaub’s turaco, Tacazze sunbird mention but a few.
Mt Elgon national park is a quite destination that is isolated but best for travelers who need to refresh their minds.
