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Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is located in eastern Uganda along the border with Kenya. It covers about 1,110 square kilometers on the Ugandan side and protects the slopes of Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano with the largest volcanic base in the world. The park was gazetted in 1992 and is managed in coordination with Kenya, where the smaller Mount Elgon National Park lies.

The mountain’s highest peak, Wagagai, stands at 4,321 meters. Mount Elgon is known for its diverse vegetation zones, waterfalls, caves, and caldera. Unlike other high mountains in East Africa, Mount Elgon’s gentle slopes and moderate altitude make it more accessible to trekkers. Wildlife includes colobus monkeys, duikers, and forest elephants. The park also holds cultural importance for the Bagisu and Sabiny people, who live around its boundaries.

  • Mountain Trekking
    Multiple routes lead to the summit, including the Sasa, Sipi, and Piswa trails. Treks take 3 to 5 days and do not require technical climbing skills.

  • Day Hikes
    Shorter walks can be done around Kapkwai, Budadiri, and Sipi areas, with views of caves, rivers, and forests.

  • Bird Watching
    Mount Elgon supports over 300 bird species, including Jackson’s francolin, African blue flycatcher, and Tacazze sunbird.

  • Cave Visits
    Hikes to ancient caves such as Tutum and Kapkwai show historical sites used by local herders.

  • Waterfall Viewing
    The Sipi Falls, just outside the park boundary, are a major scenic attraction and starting point for many treks.

  • Cultural Visits
    Community-guided tours provide insight into Bagisu and Sabiny traditions, including farming and local brewing.

Mount Elgon can be reached by road from Kampala via Jinja and Mbale, a drive of about 5 to 6 hours. Main entry points include Budadiri, Kapkwai, and Kapwata trailheads.

There are no scheduled flights, but private charters can land in Mbale, followed by a short road transfer to the park.

Luxury

  • Sipi River Lodge

  • Mbale Resort Hotel

Mid-Range

  • Lacam Lodge

  • Noah’s Ark Hotel (Kapchorwa)

  • Casa del Turista (Mbale)

Budget

  • Moses Campsite (Sipi)

  • Crow’s Nest Camp

  • Rose’s Last Chance (Budadiri)

  • Kayegi Hotel (Mbale)