Mount Elgon National Park

The oldest and largest solitary, volcanic peak in East Africa, Mount Elgon National Park is situated in the Eastern section of Uganda, close to Mbale Town, on the Uganda-Kenya border. More than 300 different bird species, including the endangered Lammergeyer, are present in Mount Elgon National Park, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.  Mount Elgon, the second-highest mountain in Uganda after Mount Rwenzori and the eighth-highest mountain in Africa, is the name of the park’s main attraction. Mount Elgon National Park is a fantastic safari trour destination in Uganda because, unlike Mount Rwenzori, which is a block mountain, Mount Elgon was formed by volcanic activity.

Attractions in Mount Elgon National Park.

Wildlife.

Due to the presence of the diverse vegetation along the mountain slopes, Mount Elgon National Park is a Uganda wildlife safari haven with a variety of wildlife within its boundaries. Here, tourists can see more animal species, such as elephants, buffaloes, oribi, duiker, squirrels, spotted hyenas, and Defassa’s waterbuck, among others. The park also has other primates, such as the white colobus monkey and the blue monkey, among others.

Bird species.

Over 300 different species of the most beautiful and alluring birds can be found in Mount Elgon National Park, which also has a variety of other inhabitants that make it particularly attractive, such as waterfalls, hot springs, Jackson’s Pool, caves, bamboo forests, and flowering plants. The region is home to 56 of the 87 species in the Afrotropical highland biome, including the Moorland Francolin, Moustached Green Tinkerbird, Alpine Chat, and 40 species with restricted ranges. Tourists can only see the endangered Lammergeyer in Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda, particularly when it soars above the caldera and Suam Gorge.

The African Goshawk, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catcher, Tacazze sunbird, Hartlaub’s turaco, Chinspot Batis, Doherty’s, Cinnamon Bee Eater, Moustached Tinkerbird, and many other bird species can all be found in Mount Elgon National Park. The best places to see these birds include places like Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center.

Mount Elgon.

The main draw of Mount Elgon National Park is the volcanic mountain that occupies its center and accounts for the majority of the park’s area. The mountain has four significant peak points that are shared by Kenya and Uganda, and it is this mountain that gave the park its name. According to the tourist’s level of physical fitness, Mount Elgon can be climbed in 3 to 5 days because it is so alluring to visitors.

Sipi falls.

The best attractions in Mount Elgon National Park are primarily three waterfalls at Sipi on the Kapchorwa road just outside the park. The first waterfalls are most spectacular as cascades over a 100-meter cliff, and the second one, known as Simba, plunges over 69 meters over the entrance to cave. This is amazing where tourists can stay. The Sipi Falls are simply too stunning and lovely to miss while on a safari.

Vegetation.

The lower mountain slopes are covered in dense forest and regenerating forests, hung with vine-like lianas, epiphytes, and lichens, while the floor is covered with a carpet of ferns, orchids, and various flowering plants. The summit of the mountain is ve

Activities done at Mount Elgon National Park.

Bird watching.

There are over 300 bird species in Mount Elgon National Park, including over 50 species from the Afrotropical highland biome, including the Moorland Francolin, Moustached Green Tinkerbird, Alphine Chat, as well as Jackson’s Francolin, Black-collared Apalis, and many others. Mount Elgon National Park is known as the home of the endangered Lammergeyer, which is frequently seen while hiking through the park.

Nature walks.

Nature walks in Mount Elgon National Park can be done on foot as a way of exploring the park with knowledgeable guides. This activity is typically done through the trails of Khauka Cave Trail and Bambo Trail. During the walks, this is where the tourists fully encounter with the wildlife in the park by spotting the various primates, birds, and tree species like Elgon teak, Elgon Olive.

Cave Visits.

The larger caves of Kitum, Ngwarisha, Chepnyalil, and Makingeny are amazing attractions that can be explored by tourists and at the same time they give you direction to get to Kenya, but they are too dark, which makes it a little difficult. Mount Elgon National Park is the best park that explains to you what nature is all about because it has these caves, which are penetrated by the highly unusual.

Hiking safari.

When considering a  Uganda hiking safari, Mount Elgon National Park is the best option because it has three main trails that lead to the mountain’s summit: the Sasa, Sipi, and Piswa trails. After hiking Mount Elgon, which is the most popular trekking mountain in all of East Africa and has the largest volcano with a known active vent, the park rewards you with the greatest milestone of your life.

Entrance fee at Mount Elgon National Park.

Adults.

International USD 25

Foreigners $20 East Africans 3000 UGX (about $1.50 USD)

Children.

East Africans 1500 UGX (less than USD 1) Foreigners USD 20 Foreign Africans USD 10

Best time to visit Mount Elgon National Park.

The finest months to visit Mount Elgon National Park are from June to August and from December to March during the dry season. It’s crucial to remember that all park activities, including hiking safaris to the summit of the mountain, are still available during the wet and dry seasons.