As indicated by the statistics of Mt. Elgon National Park, Tourist have turned away from visiting the park due to the continuous August and September mudslides the have been occurring in the area. Although August and September are peak seasons for the tourists at the mountain, it has been noticed that the Mt. Elgon visitor survey figures showed collections of tourists cancelled their tours to the mountain in fear that they could be the next victims as the mudslides have been killing many people of late.
Four international groups comprising two people in each group cancelled their trips as confirmed by the information clerk of the national park. A sum of 10 groups consisting of 46 tourists cancelled their bookings they had made in the area hence their tour as well.
The report noted that most of the foreign tourists who encompass Americans, British, Germans, Dutch and Canadians of the park’s visitors kept away and yet they are 90% of the visitors who come to tour the mountain. This with no doubt has affected the income that comes along with these prominent visitors who pay up to $500 (Shs1.4m) per person.
Tourism, agriculture and forestry top the list of the national primary growth areas that has recently been released National Development Plan. Main attractions for hikers is the wildlife, hot springs, caves, waterfalls and the Wagagai peak that positioned at 4,321 meters above sea level.