Mount Elgon National Park is a 4,321m high extinct volcano with Wagagai as its highest peak, that first erupted more than 24 million years ago and in prehistoric times stood taller than Kilimanjaro does today. Having a 50km by 80km area, Elgon is a great Uganda safari destination, possessing the largest surface area of any extinct Volcano in the world but 4th highest mount in E. Africa. This mountain straddles the Kenya border, but its highest peak Wagagai peak,( 4321 m), lies within Uganda and is best ascended from the Uganda side. Elgon also contains collapsed crater-Calder covering over 40kms at the top and it is the largest known crater, surrounded by a series of rugged peaks.
TOURISM ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
Hiking Mount Elgon National Park
The main tourist attraction for hikers on this relatively undemanding mountain, is its spectacular scenery, the Mountain Elgon area also offers to sight a variety of unique forest monkeys and small antelopes, along with huge elephants and buffaloes. The unique Sipi Falls, ancient enormous stone-age cave paintings close to the Budadiri trail head, the scenic mountain peaks, the hot springs that bubble up at 4800c and gorges are to mention but some of the thrilling attraction the Elgon area has to offer.
Sipi Falls Hike
Sipi Falls is located a few kilometers 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.
Seven rock-climbing routes are open at Nagudi rock, half-way between Mbale and Budadili. The routes are bolted, but climbers must bring their own rock-climbing equipment. Each climber pays to the local Parish treasurer.
Camping at Mount Elgon National Park
The Elgon area has nine basic campsites to offer, located at strategic points along the trekking routes. Camping should only be done at designated campsites and tourists are advised to carry along with them all the required camping equipment.
Where to stay at Mountain Elgon National Park
International standard hotels in Mbale town include; Mount Elgon Hotel, Country home,
Mbale Resort Hotel, and Sunrise Inn. Up-market lodges and Budget lodging at Sipi Falls, Mbale and Budadiri. Within the park, there are camping wooden Bandas that are naturally air-conditioned, having warm and cold water showers fitted with lighting system. At Suam and Kapkwata are guesthouses and at the Forest Exploration Center.