Mount Elgon National Park is found 235kms east of Kampala. It is 1145sq.kms and it straddles on the 4321 meters high Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda just at the border with Kenya which separates the mountain and the national parks. It is designated as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve. This park derives its name from Mount Elgon with diameter of 80kms and stretches up to 3000m. This volcano is 4000 square kilometers making it the largest volcanic base in the world. Mount Elgon National Park is surrounded by 2 tribes; the Bagisu and Sabiny plus the marginalized Ndorobos who lived deep in the forest of Benet.

Wildlife species in Mount Elgon National Park
Most of the wildlife species in Mount Elgon National Park thrive at the base of Mount Elgon. They include among others elephants, antelopes like oribis, bushbucks, defassa waterbucks; spotted hyenas, duikers, buffaloes, black and white colobus monkeys plus over 300 bird species.

Bird species in Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is a home to about 300 bird species making it one of the most endowed birding safari destinations in Uganda. The birds to spot out in this park include golden winged and tacazze sunbirds, black and white casqued hornbills Ross’s and Hartlaub’s Turaco, Jackson’s Francolin, lammergeyer, crowned hornbills. Its secondary forest and thick scrub on the Chebonet River near camp inhabits mostly white chinned prinia, Doherty’s and luhder’s bush shrikes, Chubb’s cisticola, African blue fly catchers, baglafetch weavers, chin spot batis to mention but a few.

Other attractions in Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park also features scenic waterfalls including the Sipi falls that is comprised of 3 magnificent waterfalls; others waterfalls are in Bulago, Sisyi and Wanale; Khauka and Kapkwai caves.

Activities in Mount Elgon National Park

Birding
Mount Elgon National Park is exceptionally one of the best birding safari destination any bird lover shouldn’t miss to explore while on Uganda safari. It is blessed with bird species such as golden winged and tacazze sunbirds, black and white casqued hornbills Ross’s and Hartlaub’s Turaco, Jackson’s Francolin, lammergeyer, crowned hornbills. Its secondary forest and thick scrub on the Chebonet River near camp inhabits mostly white chinned prinia, Doherty’s and luhder’s bush shrikes, Chubb’s cisticola, African blue fly catchers, baglafetch weavers.

Mountain hiking
Mountain hiking is one thrilling adventure offered to hikers on Uganda safari in Mount Elgon National Park. Hiking Mount Elgon is less strenuous compared to most mountains in East however, it rewards hikers with dramatic views of surrounding areas. There are designated trails that take hikers through this magnificent volcano and they include Sasa trail which is the shortest although it is steepest path. You need about 4 days to complete hiking through this trail and it takes you through the park’s bamboo forest and Jackson’s pool. Sipi trail takes hikers about 6 days and hikes begin from the forest exploration center around Kapkwai-tutum cave. You may also start your adventure via Piswa trail and this may take you about 7 days beginning from Kapkwata-podocarps forest. In case of heavy luggage, there are porters for hire to make things easier for you.

Abseiling
This is one of the exhilarating activities which is conducted down one of the cliffs of the Sipi falls. You drop down 100 meters overviewing the ridge near the pool prior ascending back up the cliff to the top of the hill.

Mountain biking
Mountain biking is best done around Mount Elgon and Kapchorwa area. There are routes designated for this and you can begin your experience from Sipi trading center up to Chema hill in Kapchorwa. While here, don’t miss the breathtaking views of the vast Karamoja plains and scenic waterfalls along the way.

Hike to Sipi falls
A hike to Sipi falls rewards hikers with lots of breathtaking views and while on Uganda safari, count it a must to do. You will be in position to explore the Stone Age cave painting near Budadiri trail head, scenic Mount Elgon peaks and hot springs which bubble strongly and gorges. These waterfalls are comprised of three waterfalls and it is 66kms away from Mbale.

Other activities to do in Mount Elgon National Park include cultural encounters, agro tourism, nature walks, cave exploration, camping and many more.

Where to stay in Mount Elgon National Park
The key accommodation choices for visitor overnight stay while on Uganda safari in Mount Elgon National Park include;

Mbale Resort Hotel/Sipi River Lodge (Luxury)
Lacam Lodge/Sipi Falls Resort/Mount Elgon Hotel & Spa/Masha Hotel/Noah’s Ark Hotels (Mid-range)
Crow’s Nest Rest Camp/Kapkwai Forest Cottages/Kapkwata Guesthouse (Budget)

When to visit Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is open to visitors on Uganda safari throughout the year. Depending on your travel needs, the dry season is perfect for hiking adventures and it normally occurs from June-August and December-mid-March. In case you are interested in birding then the rainy season is the best for you. This starts from late March to May and October to November.

Getting to Mount Elgon National Park
Visitors on Uganda safari can get to Mount Elgon National Park starting from Kampala via Jinja to Mbale/Kapchorwa.