Mount Elgon national park, located in eastern Uganda, is a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve straddling the Uganda-Kenya border. Covering an imposing 1,121 sq. km on the Ugandan side, the park’s centerpiece, Mount Elgon, is an extinct volcano with one of the oldest and largest intact calderas in the world stretching for 80 km in diameter.
Mount Elgon boasts a series of prominent volcanic peaks, including Wagagai, at 4,321 meters above sea level (14,180 feet). Wagagai is not only the park’s highest peak but also the 2nd tallest point in Uganda and 4th tallest in Africa, making for a major destination for mountain hikers. Among other peaks of Mount Elgon include Sudek 4,503 m, Koitobos 4,222 m and Mubiyi 4,210 m. The park’s diverse attractions include stunning waterfalls, ancient caves, and hot springs, which enhance its appeal for tourists seeking a mix of wildlife, adventure, and culture.
Whether intending to climb its peaks or explore its lush forest trails, visitors to Mount Elgon national park will experience the true beauty of Uganda’s natural heritage. The park is part of Uganda’s new wildlife and adventure safari circuit, which also includes Source of the Nile River, Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa, Pian Upe wildlife reserve, and Kidepo valley national park, which has a good reputation for wildlife viewing and unique culture offered by the Karamojong people.
Flora and fauna
Mount Elgon has a rich variety of four vegetation zones that include montane forest, bamboo, tree heather, and open moorland. The diverse ecosystems host a variety of wildlife, such as elephants, blue monkeys, and over 300 bird species. Vegetation changes with elevation, each zone offering unique plant life with over 400 flowering plants recorded.
Dense lush montane tropical forests dominate the lower slopes between 1,800-2,500 meters above sea level and contains tree species that can reach up 25 meters tall such as Elgon teak (Olea welwitschii), the African cherry (Prunus Africana), African juniper (juniper procera), East African yellow wood (Afrocarpus gracilior) and some wild species of bananas. This zone provides a habitat for wildlife including primates such as black and white colobus monkeys as well as over 300 species including the Black-collared Apalis. As you climb higher, the dense bamboo thickets Arundinaria alpine (mountain bamboo) thrives between 2,500-3,000 meters, forming an almost impenetrable canopy.
These bamboo forests play a crucial role in Mount Elgon water catchment and provide a habitat for unique species, including the mountain duiker and blue monkeys. Culturally, young bamboo shoots are a source of food for the Bagisu communities in Mbale, Sironko, and Bududa districts. The shoots are harvest, smoked, preserved and then steamed or boiled to make sauce called (Malewa) that is served during traditional ceremonies including Imbalu circumcision ceremony.
The Moorland zone stretching from 3,000-3,500 meters contains giant heather trees (Erica arborea). The Afro Alpine vegetation zone marks the highest altitudes above 3,500m and is characterized by permanent water pools such as Jackson’s pool. This area contains rare plant species including Dendrosenecio elgonensis, which is endemic to Mount Elgon. Temperatures on the summit of Mount Elgon can reach can reach 3°C. The Afro-Alpine zone hosts unique bird species including the endangered Lammergeyer, a bird of prey, which prefers cliffs as its habitat.
What to do and see
Mountain climbing
There are four well-established trails which include Sasa, Piswa, Sipi and Bushiyi. Hikers can choose one that best matches their interests and fitness level. Uganda Wildlife Authority offers two armed rangers to escort the group. Hikers are recommended to hire a cook and porters as away to give back to the community. Mount Elgon is a gentle climb. No special equipment is needed and children aged 7-9 years have successfully climbed to the summit Wagagai (4,321 meters ASL).
Sasa Trail
Hiking Mount Elgon via the Sasa trail starts at Bugiboni base camp in Budadiri at 1,520 meters above sea level. The distance of the trail to reach the summit Wagagai is 21 km and takes 4 days to complete. Being the most direct route, the trail winds along the western side of the volcano through dense montane and bamboo forest zones, where you might encounter black and white colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species including the Near Threatened Mountain Buzzard, Mountain Night Jar, Elgon Francolin, and Dusky Turtle Dove.
Among other attractions on this route include Dirigana River. Hikers will camp at Mude Cave camp 3,500 meters and then hike through the famous “Wall of Death”, a steep, rocky section that can be challenging due to the nature of terrain. Mude Camp offers an opportunity to pitch tents under shelter of huts from where you will hike to the summit. While there, you can relax and later descend back to Mude camp and continue to Tutum Cave Camp and exit the mountain at Kapkwai Exploration Center.
Sipi Falls trail
Sipi trail, the longest Mount Elgon climbing route covers a distance of 41 km to the summit and takes 5 days to complete. The starting point is at Kapkwai Exploration Center at 2,050 meters ASL. Hiking from there to reach Tutum Cave Camp at 2,667 meters ASL is 10 km trek to the start of the montane forest zone. A night at the camp allows time to acclimatize to the high altitude and 17 km trek through montane and bamboo forests to Kajeri Camp at 3,383 meters ASL for a second night.
The 3rd night is spent at Mangongo Camp at 3,600 meters ASL. Hiking to the summit the following day the trail winds through the Caldera Ridge and Jackson’s Pool. On the same day, a descent will be made from Wagagai to Dubi Camp at 3,650 meters ASL for the 4th night. On the 5th day, descend further via Bushiyi gate at 1,800 to conclude your 5 day Mount Elgon hiking.
Piswa trail
Piswa, the second longest route is a 30 km from the trailhead either at Piswa Camping ground at 2,750 meters ASL or Kapkwata to reach Wagagai. The trail winds along the northern side of Mount Elgon providing a gentle ascent through the tree heath and moorlands vegetation zones. There are rare plant species including the Senecio Elgonessis, which is endemic to Mount Elgon. The hot springs found along the Piswa Trail on Mount Elgon are called the Kapkwai Hot Springs.
Sipi Falls rock climbing
Rock climbing is done on the volcanic rocks situated near Sipi Falls Lodge in Kapchorwa district outside Mount Elgon national park. The Sipi Falls rock climbing challenge offers 14 bolted routes available for beginners, intermediate and experienced rock climbers. To ensure a safe experience, climbers need to bring personal items which include shoes, gloves, bandages, and wet wipes to use. Among other safety accessories provided include ropes, helmets, and harnesses. During the climbing challenge there’s time to rest and recharge with snacks at the top of the hill to enjoy spectacular views of Sipi Falls Gorge.
Mountain biking
The northern slopes of Mount Elgon offer good terrain for mountain biking adventure with routes winding through valleys, flatlands, and rolling hills. While biking, visitors can enjoy views of waterfalls including Chebonet and Sipi Falls. There are over nine mountain biking routes in Kapchorwa alone that vary in length and difficulty which offers a wide range of biking tours available for booking through a tour operator including Home of Friends Guest House. The mid-range property offers accommodation, local food, and camping grounds and serves as a starting point for most of the guided biking and running tours. Those intending to ride for the first time, it is important to participate in the briefing session to practice basic riding skills and get familiar with your bike before going on the actual ride. Ensure to have the necessary accessories such as water backpack for hydration, sunglasses for eye protection, and band aids to cover friction spots.
Arabica coffee experience
The rich Mount Elgon volcanic fertile soils support Arabica coffee production which is the second commonly grown type of coffee in Uganda. While in Sipi Falls area, take advantage to explore the Arabica coffee culture among the Bagisu communities where farmers offer insights into the coffee cultivation process – from seed to cup. Participate with hands-on experience and learn how Arabica coffee is planted, harvested, dried, roasted, and brewed for consumption. Packaged ground coffee is available for purchase which supports the sustainable development of the industry. Coffee is a source of livelihood for over 1.8 million households producing almost 99% of the coffee. According to Uganda Coffee Development Authority, coffee exports were 613 million bags, value at $1.144 billion in the financial year 2023-2024.
How to get there
Mount Elgon national park is 235 km (6-hour drive) east of Kampala capital city via Jinja to Mbale city at the western base of Mount Elgon. Mbale city hosts the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices located on Plot 19/21 Masaba road next to Mount Elgon Hotel. From Mbale to the trailheads in Budadiri is about 40 km (1-hour drive). The park can also be reached by air via Mbale or Soroti airports.