Mount Elgon National Park at 4000 sq. km has the largest volcanic base in the world and is the massive solitary volcanic Mountain on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Its vast form, 80 km in diameter, rises 3000 m above the surrounding plains. Its Mountainous regional landscape and cool heights offer respite for humans from the hot plains below and its higher altitudes provide refuge for flora and fauna.
The park is a home to over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer. Small antelopes, forests monkeys, Elephants and buffalos also live on the mountainside. The higher slopes are protected by National parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive transboundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.
Activities in and around Mount Elgon National Park;
Mountains climbing;
Many travellers find Mt. Elgon an exciting alternative to the more strenuous climbs in East Africa. It has many of some attractions, with milder climate and lower elevation, and requires no special equipment or technical experience.
Mountain Biking;
Mount Elgon National Park has Mountain biking trails run from sipi trading Centre to Chema hill in Kapchorwa town. It should take 1.5 hours and provides views of various waterfalls.
Birding;
Excellent birding opportunities exist around Kapkwai Forest exploration Centre, in particular in the secondary forest and thick shrub along the loop trail to Chptui falls. It supports African blue flycatcher among other bird species.
Hiking;
Lucky hikers in Mount Elgon National Park will enjoy being with the parks primates, birds, and rare tree species. Trails lead past caves, viewpoints and waterfalls, with the option of camping overnight on the mountain slopes.
Nature walks;
Enjoy views of Sipi falls, the walls of death and the African sunrise across the Karamoja plains on these peaceful walks just outside Mount Elgon national park.
Rock climbing;
Rock climbing takes place outside the park at Sipi. There are 14 routes requiring various levels of rock scaling techniques. The toughest is a 35m climb while the easiest is 15 m.
Sport Fishing;
Sport fishing is done above the highest of the three waterfalls at Sipi. It provides exciting challenges to anglers who take pride in battling with the rainbow trout because of its beautiful coloration and fighting ability.
Cultural Encounters;
Find out where your coffee comes from! Grown on the Mountain side of Mt. Elgon is Arabic coffee also named Sipi or Bugisu by the farmers who have the reputation for producing some of the finest washed Arabic in Kenya and Uganda