Mountain Elgon National Park coexists in Kapchorwa and Mbale subregions, in Eastern Uganda. It lies along the border of Uganda and Kenya. It is an extinct volcano which sits on 1010 square kilometres. Its uniqueness lies in having one of the largest calderas in the whole world. Mountain Elgon National Park is the second best destination for summit hiking after Mt. Rwenzori in Uganda. Wagagai is its highest peak, and is 4,321 meters tall, followed by Sudek (4303m) and Koitobos (4222m).
Other peaks include Jackson peak where the Jackson pool resides, Muyibi and Masaba peaks. It stretches over 80 km in diameter. It was formed by volcanicity when a summit collapsed . Mountain Elgon National Park is endorned with very fertile soils, abundant rainfall and temperate climates. Its slopes are grounds for agriculture, especially Arabica coffee growing. However, agroforestry is highly practiced so as to reduce excessive soil erosion.
Geography of Mountain Elgon National Park
Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the whole world of about 4,000 km squared; it is the largest and oldest volcanic mountain in East Africa. The first volcanic eruption took place around 24 million years ago. Mountain Elgon was initially the highest volcanic mountain in East Africa but erosion reduced its height. Today it is the fourth highest peak in East Africa, after the great Kilimanjaro, Kenya and Rwenzori mountains. The mountain is a water catchment area for rivers like Lwakaka which pours its water in Lake Victoria.
It is an ideal destination that offers a unique experience of its own. Adorned with waterfalls, valleys, forests, moorlands and alpine vegetation creating the ideal habitat for wild animals. Various hot Springs are also spotted in the large Caldera. Mt. Elgon also has various caves for example the Kitum cave which has salt deposits that is fed on by various animals especially the elephants. Tutum cave which is the largest has a lot of history connecting Kenya and Uganda. Other caves are Kapkwai, Chepnyalil, Ngwarisha etc. These caves were formed by moving lava and erosion of soft deposits. Some act as camping sites for summit trekkers like the Dubbi and Kajera river capes. Artistic rock paintings also exist on the premises.
Wildlife
Over 300 bird species roam freely in this National park. With rare gems like the sharpe’s longclaw, hunter’s cisticola, jackson’s spurfowl etc. Other birds include the endangered hammargeyer, tacuzee sunbird, primates like the blue monkeys black and white colobus monkeys, and forest elephants. Mammals like the Elgon shrew, rudds mole rat and Thomas pygmy mouse can only be found on this mountain in Uganda. Mt. Elgon also boasts unique flora like; ardissiandra wettsteinii. The Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre is an education centre that immerses you into the Elgon forest; you also come across waterfalls like Chebonet.
Hiking to the summit is the most popular activity on Mt. Elgon. From one day hikes to a week and more, depending on your energy levels and time. Move through the green tropical highland forests, bamboo and heather zones. Rivers like Simu, Kajeri which is a source of blessings during circumcision seasons, Sipi river, Dubii river among others. You also meander through moorland vegetation zones, view the Sironko Valley and the great caldera. On reaching the Wagagai peak, you get views of the Simu gorge, caldera, Sudek and Katoibosi peaks in Kenya and beautiful views along Lwakhakha valley and a peaceful atmosphere while listening to the exploration, cultural history of Wagagai and mountain Elgon. On slopping down, you also enjoy views of the Nabumbogo cliff.
Communities around Mountain Elgon National Park
Inhabitants of this National Park on the side of Uganda are the Sebei and the Gisu people. The gisu believe that the mountain represents their ancestral father known as Masaba. In this case they refer to Mt. Elgon as ‘Masaba’. Male circumcision is their most significant cultural tradition; it initiates boys into adulthood. They celebrate it once every two years around August. Their staple food is matooke. Their ancestors lived on bamboo shoots, ‘Malewa’ collected from trees on top of the mountain.
On the other hand the Sebei live a simple life and they concentrate on agriculture, cattle keeping and beer production. They practise female circumcision (female genital mutilation), which is quite controversial across different cultures. Massive landslides have greatly affected by massive landslides during rainy seasons, claiming a number of lives, plants and property. The government has restricted settlement in the danger zones.
Other activities
Other activities that you can take part in include nature walks, birding expeditions, mountain biking, community walks, coffee farm trips among others. On your trip to Mt. Elgon National Park, you may also visit the mighty Wanale ridge that offers a great hiking and cultural experience. Visit Sipi falls, the most romantic waterfalls in Uganda. Here you may take part in the adrenaline-fueled abseiling adventure. A few more kilometres eastwards will reward you with views of the Tororo rock which is also ideal for hikes. The Umatoto Cultural Centre and Semei Kakungulu Memorial Centre in Mbale town are also worth your visit. En-route visits are quite many to choose from, as you go through the adventure city of East Africa, Jinja. Your tour operator will be more than happy to advise!.
Accomodation facilities aren’t an issue at all. That is because of the countless properties that range from the smallest possible budget to the highest luxurious. This implies that the only thing stopping you from exploring the fascinating Mt. Elgon National Park is you!. Let’s dive into this lovely adventure together.
