Mount Elgon National Park Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions of Mount Elgon National Park, including hiking routes, outdoor adventures, must-try dishes, and safety tips. Plan your trip to this East African national park today!


Introduction to Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is a natural wonder located in East Africa. The park covers an area of 1,110 square kilometers and is home to diverse wildlife, rich culture, and spectacular scenery. The park features Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano that is the fourth highest mountain in East Africa at 4,321 meters above sea level. The park is located on the border of Uganda and Kenya, and it’s easily accessible from both countries.

List of Places to Visit in Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park has a wide range of natural and cultural attractions to explore, and we’ve compiled a list of must-see places to visit while you’re there:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Kapkwai Cultural Centre: This center houses information about the Bagisu people, who are the indigenous people of Mount Elgon. It also features traditional dance performances, exhibits, and an educational resource center.
  2. Nabuyoga Cave: Nabuyoga Cave is a spiritual site for the Bagisu people, who use it for initiation rituals. It’s located on the slopes of Mount Elgon and is accessible by a short but steep hike.
  3. Nyero Rock Paintings: Located near Mbale, the Nyero Rock Paintings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feature ancient rock art that depicts human and animal figures.

Natural Attractions of Mount Elgon National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Sipi Falls: Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located on the slopes of Mount Elgon. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a great spot for birdwatching and hiking.
  2. Mount Elgon Summit: The summit of Mount Elgon offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding areas. The hike to the summit is challenging, but it’s a memorable and rewarding experience.
  3. Hot Springs: Mount Elgon has several hot springs, including the Kitum Cave, that are great for relaxing and soaking in the warm water.

Hiking/Biking Routes for Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park offers an array of hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  1. Sasa Trail: This trail starts at the Budadiri town and leads to the summit of Mount Elgon through the park’s montane forest. It’s a challenging but rewarding four-day trek.
  2. Piswa Trail: This trail starts at Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre and goes through the park’s spectacular bamboo forest, heath, and moorland zones. It takes three days to complete.
  3. Sipi Falls Circuit: The Sipi Falls Circuit is a moderate half-day hike that takes you through the villages, plantations, and jungles around the three stunning waterfalls.
  4. Mountain Biking: The park has several bike trails, including the Nabuyoga Loop and Kapkwata Loop, and is a great way to explore the park.

Best Things to Do in Mount Elgon National Park: Activities and Tours

Mount Elgon National Park has a plethora of activities to offer. Here are some of the best things to do while you’re there:

  1. Cultural Visits: Visit the cultural sites, including the Kapkwai Cultural Centre, and learn about the indigenous Bagisu people’s traditional ways of life, beliefs, and customs.
  2. Bird Watching: Mount Elgon is home to over 300 bird species, including the rare African Green Broadbill and Black and White Casqued Hornbill. Take a birdwatching safari and see how many species you can spot.
  3. Rock Climbing: The park offers rock-climbing experiences at several spots, including Wanale Ridge and Nyero Rock.
  4. Safari Drives: Take a wildlife safari drive through the plains of the park and spot some of the megafauna such as baboons, elephants, and buffaloes

Week-Long Itinerary for Mount Elgon National Park

A week spent in Mount Elgon National Park is enough to explore its natural beauty, culture, and wildlife. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Kapkwai Cultural Centre, and enjoy a traditional dance performance
2 Trek the Sasa Trail from Budadiri to Mude Cave Camp
3 Continue the Sasa Trail to Wagagai Peak (4,321 meters)
4 Relax at the Kitum Cave Hot Springs
5 Go for a bird-watching safari
6 Take a rock-climbing adventure at Wanale Ridge
7 Visit the Nyero Rock Paintings on your way out

Food and Drink Scene of Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park has a diverse food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Malewa: This a traditional Ugandan dish made with green bananas, meat, and vegetables.
  2. Chapati: Chapati is a delicious flatbread made of wheat flour and served with stews or curries.
  3. Matoke: Matoke is a staple food in Uganda made of steamed green bananas.

Local Beverages

  1. Waragi: Waragi is a popular Ugandan gin distilled from bananas or millet.
  2. Coffee: Coffee is Uganda’s largest export and is grown in the Mount Elgon region. Take a coffee tour and learn about the process of making coffee.

Where to Stay in Mount Elgon National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mount Elgon National Park offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the top places to stay while you’re in the park:

  1. Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa: This hotel is located in Mbale town and offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a restaurant.
  2. Sipi River Lodge: This lodge is set on the banks of the Sipi River, offering stunning views of the waterfalls and lush vegetation.
  3. Lacam Lodge: Lacam Lodge is located in a scenic rural area and offers affordable accommodation, a restaurant, and organized hikes.

What to Buy in Mount Elgon National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When you visit Mount Elgon National Park, there are several souvenirs and local products you must bring home. Some of these include:

  1. Coffee: Bring home some locally grown coffee beans as a souvenir or a gift for loved ones.
  2. Crafts: Purchase handmade crafts that include basketry, pottery, and carving from the local markets.
  3. Banana Wine: Purchase locally brewed banana wine as a drink souvenir or a gift for someone special.

Local Culture and Customs of Mount Elgon National Park

The Bagisu people inhabit Mount Elgon National Park, and their traditional way of life, culture, and customs are still prevalent in the area. Some of the customs and culture you might observe during your visit include:

  1. Circumcision: Circumcision is an essential rite of passage for young boys in the Bagisu culture, and it’s performed between the ages of 12 -15.
  2. Imbalu Dance: The Imbalu dance is a traditional dance performed by the Bagisu people during the circumcision ceremony.

Best Time to Visit Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons of June to August and December to February. During these periods, the climate is mild, and there are fewer mosquitoes, making it an ideal time to explore the park.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mount Elgon National Park

Here are some do’s and don’ts to observe while visiting Mount Elgon National Park:

Do:

  1. Observe cultural etiquette by respecting local customs and beliefs.
  2. Use a reputable and professional tour guide during your hikes and activities.
  3. Keep the park clean by disposing of waste materials properly.

Don’t:

  1. Feed the animals or litter the park.
  2. Buy souvenirs made of wildlife products.
  3. Take photos and make noise around cultural sites during ceremonies

Safety and Health

Safety in Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is a relatively safe place to visit but travelers must take necessary precautions to avoid incidents. These include:

  1. Hiring a professional tour guide.
  2. Sticking to the designated hiking or biking routes.
  3. Avoiding confrontations with wildlife by maintaining a safe distance.

Health in Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park has several health concerns, and visitors need to take necessary measures to stay healthy. It is recommended that you:

  1. Take routine immunizations before traveling.
  2. Carry mosquito repellent since the park is a malaria endemic zone.
  3. Boil drinking water, buy bottled water or treat it with purifying tablets.

Getting to Mount Elgon National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mount Elgon National Park is located near Mbale town in Uganda and Kapenguria town in Kenya. There are several transportation options to get to the park, including:

Airports Near Mount Elgon National Park

The nearest international airports are Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.

Bus Stations Near Mount Elgon National Park

Several bus companies operate from Kampala to Mbale, which is located close to the park.

Other Options

There are also options for private taxis, and car rentals to take you to the park’s entrance.

How to Get Around in Mount Elgon National Park

The park is well connected with several trails and observatories that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty. While in the park, visitors can use the following modes of transportation:

  1. Hiking or Biking: Hiking or biking is the best way to explore the park’s natural beauty.
  2. Safari Drives: Take a wildlife safari drive through the plains and spot some of the megafauna along different routes.

Where to Go Next from Mount Elgon National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mount Elgon National Park has several exciting destinations, including:

  1. Ssese Islands: Located on Lake Victoria, the Ssese Islands are a chain of islands with some of the most beautiful beaches in Uganda.
  2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Famous for gorilla trekking, Bwindi is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and hikers
  3. Queen Elizabeth National Park: Home to the famous tree-climbing lions and several other megafauna, this national park is one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations.

Conclusion

Mount Elgon National Park is a picturesque natural area in East Africa that offers diverse cultural and natural sights to explore. With its unique ecology, friendly atmosphere and tourist infrastructure, it should be top among your next travel destination. Come experience it all for yourself!