MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK

Mt. Elgon is found in the eastern Uganda and it's the fourth highest mountain in East Africa . It's also known for being with the second highest peak in Uganda called Wagagai peak. Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano which first erupted more than 24million yrs ago. It has a surface area which measures 50km by 80km. It has a crater on its top covering a surface area of over 40kms, surrounded by a number of rugged peaks. There are two ethnic tribal groups leaving around the mountain and these are the Bagisu and the Sabiny.

These tribes carryout subsistence farming for a living and are also known for circumcision practices every even year to prepare young men and women for their adulthood. These two tribes have made arrangements with the park for sustainable harvest of traditional forest products such as fruits, honey etc…

FLORA AND FAUNA

Mt Elgon has four distinct forest types that's to say; the lush montane forest where you find the Elgon Peak , the mixed bamboo belt, the fascinating heath and spectacular moorland hyrachs known for its rare and endemic plant species such as the giant lobelia elgonensis and the dotted clusters of peculiar groundsels, which are unique to Africa . Next to your Mt Elgon adventure is the dense shrubs and brilliant wild everlasting flowers.

Mt. Elgon has a variety of bird species totaling to about 300 species. These include the turacos, guinea fowls, sunbirds, the rare Jackson 's francolin and many others.

This mountain shelters a variety of wild life that's to say; wildcats, antelopes, bushbucks, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, elephants, jackals and many others. Many of these primates visit the mountain's bat filled caves for their valuable mineral deposits.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES

There are a number of tourism adventures on Mt. Elgon to mention a few, the magnificent waterfalls, different flora and fauna, enormous caves, one of the highest peaks, gorges and hot springs bubbling at 480 degrees centigrade.

Mt Elgon has two drier seasons which are suitable for adventure and these are from June to August and from December to March. There is no need for technical climbing equipments and skills as all the mountain peaks are accessible.

TREKKING

Mt. Elgon has basically three trailheads. These are the routes used to reach the mountain's peak namely the Sasa trailhead, Sipi trailhead and the Piswa trailhead.

The Sasa route is the most accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks though has rugged climb of almost 1600m on Day one. It passes via the park's largest area of bamboo forest. Sipi trail encounters a spectacular Tutum cave hidden with in extensive forests well as Piswa trail is known for its towering podocarpus forest which is a suitable place for viewing wildlife. In comparison, Sipi and Piswa routes have a higher elevation with a longer more gradual climb to the peak.

When tourists have summarized viewing the peaks, they can return using the same trail or pass via a different route thus fully completing the adventure. All of these trails have camping sites. Mt. Elgon also involves in international tourism with Mt. Elgon national Park and Kenya . Transfer pf the clients to either team ( Uganda and Kenya ) takes place at the Hot springs . All the trekking course takes almost a week to be finished.

The tourists are encouraged to get relevant information with an information guide at Kapkwai, Mbale, Budadiri tourism centers.

CAMPING SITES

There are about nine camping sites situated at different points along the trekking routes. All tourists have to respect the rules and regulations of the Park by only camping at identified sites for security purposes. Porters will help to carry the camping equipments with you.

RANGER GUIDES AND PORTER

An expatriate is needed on all the trekking trails/ routes to show you the way and also make an environmental study and also ensuring safety of tourists. There also porters available to help you carry your luggage and supplies, in addition to collecting water, preparing the camp and cooking. At every trailhead/ trekking route you have to find experienced ranger guide and local porters.

Conclusion of the explore. Happy Adventure!!!