How to book hiking in Mount Elgon
The second-highest mountain in Uganda, Mount Elgon ranks fourth in East Africa and eighth overall. Mount Elgon, which is located in the eastern portion of Uganda (near the Kenyan border), is part of the larger Mount Elgon National Park and has a total land area of 494 square kilometers. Although the two nations share this mountain, Uganda owns the majority of it. According to scientists, Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano that erupted more than 24 million years ago. Magma erupted from the bottom during that eruption, causing the volcanic cone to collapse. The largest caldera in the world, 40 km wide and 60 km long, was created as a result of that collapse. The Bagisu and Sabiny people live on the lower slopes. They rely on cultivating cash crops as well as food. How to book hiking in Mount Elgon.
In 1992, Mount Elgon was transformed from a major forest reserve to Mount Elgon National Park due to the area’s remarkable tourism attractions and substantial biodiversity. By making the mountain and its surroundings a national park, the biodiversity—particularly the rare plants and animals—has been preserved. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for overseeing and safeguarding Mount Elgon.
Mount Elgon Climbing
In Uganda, Mount Elgon has grown in popularity as a tourist destination. Travelers who want to experience one of the world’s largest calderas and enjoy mountain hikes love it. In Uganda, Mount Elgon Climb The southwestern region of the country is home to the Rwenzori mountain ranges, where mountain hiking is also popular. At 5,109 meters above sea level, the Margherita peak is the highest point in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Being the highest peak in Uganda, this is also a very well-liked challenge for mountain trekkers around the world. Because climbing Mt. Elgon is not too difficult, it has become a favorite destination for hikers. Compared to climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, even novice mountain climbers can successfully reach the summit.
How to reserve a permit for climbing on Mount Elgon
The Uganda Wildlife Authority offices offer hiking permits to the highest peak of Mount Elgon. The permits cost $50 for non-East African residents while East African residents pay UGX 50,000 per person each day for twenty-four hours, and they may also be purchased at the UWA offices at each trailhead prior to the climb starting. How to book hiking in Mount Elgon
All year long, Abunda Discoveries Uganda offers Mount Elgon Hiking Tours to all of our guests who want to have an even more amazing experience. You can enjoy the best hike of your life while seeing various wildlife and people. All you need to do is pay your hiking fee on time, get ready with your good waterproof light hiking boots, a climbing stick (which is always available at the park office), camping tents, sleeping bags, warm clothing for the night, sunglasses, a cap, and enough drinking water. You can even cross the border to our neighboring country, Kenya, with ease. Why not seize this chance right away?
How to Travel to Mount Elgon
Travel to Mount Elgon. Hikers who intend to ascend Mount Elgon may opt to fly from Kampala to Soroti airfield and then drive to the starting location. The majority of hikers go by car to reach the park. By car, the eastern roadway from Kampala to Mount Elgon takes four to five hours. Despite being longer, the trip is far more enjoyable and fascinating because you will visit a lot of sights. Along the eastern route, Uganda boasts a number of stunning attractions, such as the source of the Nile River, lively roadside markets, the Mabira Central Forest Reserve, the Busitema Forest, and extensive tea and sugarcane plantations.
When you arrive in Mbale City, you must get your hiking permits at the Mount Elgon park headquarters, which are situated inside the city. Following your visit to the office, you will receive a park guide and be briefed on your planned activities. Porters and other pertinent individuals will go with you on the hike.
Additional activities in Mount Elgon National Park
Nature hikes
The setting for this activity is the alpine woods and their environs. Ridges, cliffs, valleys, uncommon plant species, and the montane vegetation of Mount Elgon National Park are just a few of the breathtaking natural features that visitors can see. Primates such ververt monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys, among others, live in the forests on the mountain’s slopes.
Going camping
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has built up a number of camping bases. These campgrounds are situated alongside the mountain’s trekking routes. Camping close to the caldera is discouraged by park officials. Along with other essentials like tents, sleeping bags, and warm clothing, participants are needed to provide their own camping equipment. Tents and sleeping bags are available for rent at the Mbale City park office.
Observing birds
One of Uganda’s top locations for birdwatching is Mount Elgon National Park. One can see a variety of uncommon bird species, such as the park’s indigenous Lammergeyer and Jackson’s Francolin. Other fascinating species are the African goshawk, black-shouldered kite and African blue fly catcher, to name a few.
Game Drives
A substantial rock mass does not completely cover Mount Elgon National Park. Along the mountainside are vast savanna plains. A wildlife drive along these level areas allows visitors to see antelopes, duikers, hyenas, elephants, and leopards. Expect to observe little primates such as the black and white colobus, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys, among others.
Exploration of Caves
There are numerous caverns in Mount Elgon National Park that await exploration by daring tourists. The Kitum, Chepnyali, and Mackingeny caverns are a few of the most visited caves. Millions of years ago, some of the earliest humans on Earth are said to have lived in these ancient caves. Elephants, antelopes, bats, and other creatures now come to them for short-term shelter or to lick the salt that has adhered to the walls.
