Mountain Elgon National Park
In eastern Uganda, Mbale city lies Uganda’s second highest mountain – Mountain Elgon, resided in one of the country’s remarkable national parks, Mountain Elgon National Park; that borrows its name from the mountain. Mountain Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world and it is close to the world’s second largest lake, Lake Victoria. Mountain Elgon National Park stretches through two countries (Uganda and Kenya) with the Ugandan part covering 1,110 square kilometers as the Kenyan part covers 169 square kilometers. The Ugandan part was gazetted as a Park in 1992 well as in 1968 is when the Kenyan part was gazetted.
How to reach the Park:
Mountain Elgon National Park is situated about 235 kilometers east of Kampala on a good tarmac road passing through Jinja town to Mbale town at the western base of Mount Elgon, before climbing to Kapchorwa town on the mountain’s north-western flank. The dirt roads lead off the Mbale-Kapchorwa road to reach the various trailheads.
Visiting the Park:
Mountain Elgon National Park can be visited throughout the year participating in the Park’s different mesmerizing activities. Like in any other Park, the dry season is always the most favorable season to visit Mountain Elgon National Park. Worst months are November, April and May because rains are heavy thus incurring intimidations on your safari. January, February, June, July, August and December is the peak season, hence advance booking is much called for during those months.
Attractions:
Hiking to Mountain Elgon’s highest peak, Wagagai, summits is the most amazing experience in this Park. The scenery, while at the mountain’s summits, is beautiful and the Park boasts an abundance of wildlife – in the Park’s vegetation cover along Mountain Elgon’s slopes. Cape buffaloes, African Elephants, Spotted hyenas, Waterbucks, and Oribis, many unique bird species, plus some primate species like blue monkeys, and the black and white Colobus monkeys, among others. There are very many beautiful vistas in the Park, besides wildlife and birds, such as; caves, and the beautiful Sipi falls that enraptures you as you enjoy a hike up to the Wagagai peak and the world’s largest caldera. You will also enjoy the spectacular views of the Arabica Coffee Plantations.
Activities in the Park:
Mountain Elgon National Park has several captivating activities to immerse in, such as; mountaineering/hiking, hiking the Sipi falls, game viewing, amazing cultural encounters, birding, spot fishing at Sipi falls, nature walks, and mountain biking, among others. The Sipi falls in the Park are a sight to behold and a visit to these eye catching waterfalls is really memorable!
Accommodations:
The Park has several accommodations ranging from budget, midrange and luxury – some of them include; Mbale Resort Hotel, Sipi River Lodge, Lacam Lodge, Moutain Elgon Hotel & Spa, Masha Hotel, Noah’s Ark Hotel, Noah’s Ark Resort VIP, Noah’s Ark Sipi Falls Resort, Sipi Falls Resort, Crow’s Nest Rest Camp, Kapkwai Forest Cottages, Kapkwata Guesthouse, Moses Campsite, Twilight Campsite, Rose’s Last Chance, and Suam Guesthouse, Savanna Guesthouse, Sasa River Camp, Kayegi Hotel, and many more.