Mount Elgon National Park

MT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mt. Elgon is 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 80 km, Mt Elgon is forth highest mountain in east Africa, with the second highest peak in Uganda. (Wagagai peak 4321 meters). It contains the largest intact caldera, a collapsed crater covering over 40kms at the top of the mountain, surrounded by e series of rugged peaks. The Bagisu and sabiny are the two ethnic tribes around the mountain. They practice subsistence farming and conduct circumcision ceremonies every even year to prepare young men/women for challenges of adulthood. The two communities have made agreement with the park for sustainable harvest of the traditional products.

Flora and Fauna

There are meet four-distinct forest types; the lush montane forest where you will find the Elgon teak, mixed bamboo belt, the fascinating heath and the spectacular moorland

Tourism Activities

Visiting Mt. Elgon National Park presents an exciting setting for extended hikes, interesting and unique flora and fauna, magnificent waterfalls, enormous caves, scenic peaks, gorges and hot springs, which bubble up at 48°c. The best times to visit are during the drier seasons from June to August and December to March. No technical climbing equipment or skills are required, as all major peaks are accessible.

Trekking: trailheads and routes
There are three main trailheads (starting points) that lead to the mountains peak. You may choose to begin your ascend from either Budadiri (Sasa trailhead), forest Exploration Center- Kapkwai (Sipi trailhead) or Kapkwata (Piswa trailhead). Sasa trail is easily accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks though steep with rugged climb of over 1600m on the first day. It passes through the parks largest area of bamboo forest. Sipi trial offers the spectacular Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest, while Piswa trial is renowned for the towering podocarpus forest, an excellent place for wildlife viewing. In contrast Sipi and Piswa trials start at much higher elevations with a longer more gradual climb to the peaks.
After visiting the peaks you can either return using the same trials or descend via different route with has camping.

A trained ranger guide is required on all trekking excursion to show you the way and enriches your journey by interpreting the environment and ensuring your safety.
Access
The park can be accessed by Bus via Tirinyi Road to Mbale
OR from Kampala, Tororo Mbale