MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK.
About the Park.
Mountain Elgon is an extinct volcano which forms one of Uganda’s oldest physical land forms. it was formed over 24 million years back. It is the second highest mountain in Uganda after the Rwenzori Mountains. It was a one time the highest in Africa, but due to continuous erosion, it has greatly reduced to 4321m above sea level positioning it into the 4th highest peak in Africa. The park is Found Eastern Uganda in Districts of Mbale, Bududa, Budadiri, Manafwa, Sipi Bufumbi and sits on 1121 sq Km.
It is the world’s largest Volcanic base homing the world’s largest Caldera (a water body on top of a volcanic mountain). It Is located on the border of Uganda Kenya Border.
The park has a rich bird variety with over 300 species including the endangered and endemics of this region only like the black shouldered kite, Tacazze sunbird and many more. This park is protected by both Uganda and Kenya thus creating a trans- boundary conservation area which was declared a UNESCO site and a biosphere reserve.
At the peak of this mountain, Wagagayi, there is a vast descent which forms a large caldera of about 40 sq. KM and it is surrounded with magnificent rare Montane Vegetation only found in high altitudes.
There is less documentation about the fauna in the park apart from a few small primates like the blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, giant Forest hogs, rodent species, bushbucks and many small mammals.
ACTIVITIES IN MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK.
Hiking to the Summit (Wagagayi Peak)
There are 3 main trails to reach the mountain top. They are Sasa trail at Budadiri, Sipi trail and the Kapkwai and piswa trail head at Kapkwaata.it can last up to 7 Days to reach the top depending on which on trial use to hike the mountain. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with breath taking views of the Vast volcano with its Caldera on Top. Different small mammals and birds can be sighted along the trail by hikers.
BIRDING:
Mount Elgon is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda with a rich bird count of over 300 bird species. Birding in this area can be done throughout the year since most of the birds are Permanent residents. The park homes birds like Moorland Francolin, Famous Alpine chat, Black collared Apalis, which are endemic to this Park, black shouldered Kite and the Tacazze sunbird which are only Found in the Eastern Part of the Country.
NATURE WALKS
Exciting nature walks are offered at different trails of Khauka cave and bamboo trail. The bamboo trail passes through tropical and Bamboo forest to Kapkwai caves. Along the trail are different small primates like the black and colobus monkeys, duikers, forest hogs, unique tree species like the Elgon Teak and Olive can be spotted during the walks.
CAVE WALKS.
Mt Elgon is covered by many unusual caves, some of which can be spotted in Kitum. Ngwarisha, Makingeny and Chepnyali. It is always beautiful moment having a stopover. Some of the caves link to the Kenya border, however they are too small a dark to give a proper direction.
COFFEE TOURS
The areas around Mountain Elgon are famous for Growing Arabica coffee. It is possible due tom the heavy rainfall received throughout the year and fertile volcanic Soils. Once in this region, u cannot afford to miss out on the coffee tour, to feel and experience the journey through which this delicious coffee is processed, from harvesting, drying, roasting, grinding up to when it is ready for consumption.
ATTRACTIONS AROUND THE PARK
WANALE HILL
It is located in Wanale sub county, just a few minutes’ drive outside Mbale town. The hiking of this hill goes through Banana plantations and a local village to the bottom of the falls at Namatsyo stream. From the bottom you take another route which leads you to the top of the hill at the view point of 1749 above sea Level and enjoy the views of Mbale town, sironko, and Kumi. The descent is as step as the ascend.
SEMEI KAKAUNGULU HOUSE.
It is located 5km North of the Mbale Town. Semei Kakungulu was a muganda man born in 1869 in Kooki town. He was an outstanding servant of the king. He moved to the east as a collaboration agent of the British who wanted to combine Busoga and Bukedi for easy administration. As he moved from one place to another, he planted Mvule trees whever he passed. He finally settled on Ganagama Hill after moving different places to Monitor everything which occurred down the town. He stayed on this hill until he died and was buried in the house he built for himself.
MBALE ZOO
It is a small Place with monkeys, Snakes, carmels and Ostricthes. It is connected to the Entebbe UWEC zoo. It has kids Fun facilities and offers animals feeding experience.it is an exciting place to visit while in the Land of the Bamasaba
