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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 (50 km by 80 km ), Mt. Elgon is the
fourth highest mountain in Eastern Africa, with
the second-highest peak in Uganda (Wagagi Peak -
4321 metres ). Mt. Elgon contains crater
covering over 40 kms at the top of the mountain,
surrounded by a series of rugged peaks.
BIRD WATCHING
The secondary forest and thick scrub along the
Chebonet River near camp supports, African
Goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia,
African Blue Fly-catchers, Chin-spot Batis,
Mackinon’s Fiscal, Doherty’s and Luhder’s
Bush-Shrikes and Baglafecht Weaver.
FLORA AND FAUNA
While ascending Mt. Elgon's enchanting slopes,
you will pass through dense montane forest and
mixed bamboo belts teeming with birdlife. You
will then enter the fascinating heath and
moorland zones containing several interesting
endemic plant species such as Giant lobelia and
groundsels. Wildlife enthusiasts will be pleased
to spot primates such as the Black and White
Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, and hundreds of
fascinating bird species, including Golden
Winged and Tacazze sunbirds, Ross's and
Hartlaubs Turacos, Black and White Casqued and
Crowned Hornbills, the endangered Lammergeier
and the Jackson's Francolin which is found
nowhere else in Uganda. If you are particularly
observant you can also see buffalo, duiker,
hyena or even the elusive leopard.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
Visiting Mount Elgon National Park ( MENP )
presents an exciting setting for extended hikes.
In addition to the interesting and unique flora
and fauna, you can expect to experience
magnificent waterfalls, enormous caves, scenic
peaks and 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. However, even in the wetter
months trekking is manageable. No technical
climbing equipping or skills are required, and
all major peaks are accessible to hikers.
TREKKING TRAILHEADS AND ROUTES
There are two main trailheads ( starting points
) which lead to the mountain's peaks. Salsa
Trail ( Buddukiro trailhead ) is the most easily
accessible from Mbale and is the most direct
route to the peaks. It passes through the Park's
largest area of bamboo forest. However it is
also a steep and rugged climb of over 1600m on
the first day. For a more gentle climb ( 660m
first day ) you may choose to ascend via Pisa
trail ( Kapkwata trailhead ). Along this route
you can explore a vast Podocarpus forest, an
excellent place for wildlife viewing.
The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes 4-5
days to complete. All visitors are encouraged to
discuss options with an Information Clerk at the
Male, Budadiri or Kapkwata Visitors' Centres.
CAMPING
Five basic campsites are located at strategic
points along the trekking circuit. Please
respect Park regulations by camping only at
designated campsites. No camping is allowed
within the caldera. MENP camping is primitive,
and all necessary camping equipment must be
carried with you. Some items such as tents and
sleeping bags can be hired through the Park
office in Mbale. Make sure not to forget a warm
jacket and rain gear, as extreme weather
conditions will add to your Mt. Elgon adventure!
Also please take a fuel-efficient camp stove if
possible to avoid placing additional pressure on
MENP firewood resources.
GUIDES PORTERS AND RANGER ESCORTS
Please support local community members and
encourage continued conservation of MENP's
valuable resources by hiring local guides and
porters. All certified guides have received
training in natural/ cultural histories,
emergency first aid and communication. Porters
will assist you by carrying up to 18 kg of your
gear as well as preparing meals, setting
up/taking down your camp, and collecting your
water. Fees are set at Ush 8,000 (guide) and Ush
7,000 (porter) per stage. The wages cover the
guide or porter's park visitation fee and the
cost of sufficient food and supplies. Make sure
to ask to see a guide's license before hiring.
For additional safety reasons, a Park ranger
escort must be hired when visiting the calderas
or ascending the peaks. You will meet your
ranger escort at Sasa or Piswa patrol hut where
you must present your park receipt before
proceeding upwards.
DAY HIKES
The Forest Exploration Centre has three " day "
trails ranging between 3 and 7 km. These trails
offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mt.
Elgon's unique plants and wildlife in shorter
time period. A fourth trail has recently been
opened to reach the enormous Tutum Cave, 11 km
from the centre. This trail also passes through
a range of vegetation types and offers
opportunities to see wildlife such as Black and
White Colobus Monkeys and a variety of birds.
ACCOMMODATION
Simple accommodation facilities are available
inside the Park at the Kapkwata Rest House and
the Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai. Prior
arrangements through the MENP Visitors' office
in Mbale are necessary as these facilities do
not accommodate large numbers of visitors.
Kitchen services are available, but visitors
should bring their own food supplies or provide
money to buy food on arrival . The Forest
Exploration Centre also conducts a four-day
environmental program for school groups of up to
30 students which allow children to experience a
living forest ecosystem while learning the
importance of conservation. It has dormitory -
style rooms and bathing facilities with running
water .
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE THE PARK
The magnificent Sipi Falls are located 66 km
from Mbale, en-route to the Forest Exploration
Centre and Kapkwata. Several trails in the area
allow for intriguing day hikes through friendly
local villages and beautiful farming country.
Pleasant campsites and lodge facilities,
including meal services and hot showers are
available at Crow's Nest located just before the
Sipi trading centre. More expensive
accommodation is available at the Sipi Falls
Resort. Please enquire about guides to escort
you on the gradual 1.5 hour walk to the Forest
Exploration Centre. Seven rock-climbing routes
are open at Nagudi rock, half-way between Mbale
and Budadiri. The routes are bolted, but
climbers must bring their own rock-climbing
equipment. Each climber pays to the local Parish
treasurer. More information and directions are
available at the MENP Visitor's Centre office in
Mbale.
WHAT TO BRING
Tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, gloves, hat,
sturdy hiking shoes, flashlight, water bottle,
rain gear, first aid kit, cooking equipment,
sufficient food supplies.
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