Country Safaris
Mt.Elgon National Park
Mt. Elgon is the fourth uppermost mountain in East Africa, with the second uppermost peak Wagagai (4321m) in Uganda. With the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50km by 80km), Mt. Elgon has been an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. At the top of the mountain there is a collapsed crater covering over 40kms, the largest caldera, surrounded by a series of jagged peaks.
In the Park, executive accommodation is offered at the forest cottages at Kapkwai. Four naturally air conditioned wooden Bandas are also available. They have cold and warm showers and fitted with lighting system. Fine Hotels outside the park are also available.
Meals are provided on order. A "Bamboo Groove" Canteen stocks all types of Uganda's drinks.
Flora and Fauna
Along the enthralling slopes of Mt. Elgon, you will meet four-distinct forest types. These include the flourishing montane forest where the Elgon peak is found, mixed bamboo belt, the mesmerizing heath and the magnificent moorland hyrachs which have stands of some of the most atypical and endemic plant species, namely: the enormous Lobelia elgonensis and dotted clusters of peculiar groundsels, which are exclusive to Africa.
The dense shrubs and brilliant wild Everlasting flowers that are encountered, add to your Mt. Elgon adventure.
300 bird species as well as the endangered lammergeiers, the atypical Jackson's francolin, guinea fowls, sunbirds and turacos amid others, are enjoyed by bird lovers.
A good number of primates inhabit the mountain. Other animals consist of bushbucks, antelopes, civets, wildcats, and the exclusive leopard rove below. Bush duiker, hyena, jackal, rock hyrax, buffalo and elephant ramble between the forest and the moorland. A good number of these mountain inhabitants visit Mt. Elgon's bat filled caves for valuable mineral deposits.
Tourism Activities
Your visit to Mt. Elgon National Park guarantees you to be presented with an exhilarating scenery for comprehensive hikes, attention-grabbing and exclusive flora and fauna, outstanding water falls, gargantuan caves, scenic peaks, gorges and hot springs which fizz up at 4800C.
Trekking: Trail Heads and Routes
Budadiri (Sasa trailhead), forest Exploration Centre-Kapkwai (Sipi trailhead) or Kapkwata (Piswa trailhead) are the three main trailheads that lead to mountain's peaks. Though steep with rugged climb of over 1600m on day one, Sasa trail is easily accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks passing through the Park's largest area of bamboo forest.
Famous for the soaring podocarpus forest, Piswa trail offers an exceptional place for wildlife viewing. Sipi trail offers the spectacular Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest. Sipi and Piswa trails start at much advanced elevations with a longer steady climb to the peaks.
When the trail is complete, you can either return using the same trails or descend by way of a different route. Each trail has camping stages with a nearby water source, as well as tent pads and latrines.
The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes about five days to complete.
Camping
Located at strategic points along the trekking circuit, are nine basic campsites. By camping only at designated campsites, you will have a wonderful camping experience.
Day Hikes
Day hike areas allow you to explore Mt. Elgon's diverse mountane forest. You can enjoy the cool mist at Chebonet falls, Kapkwai cave, the talking tree and the spectacular viewpoint, which lies just beyond when you use the popular forest exploration center trail loop site.
Vertical cliffs of ridge and several cascading waterfalls that make a very scenic drive are viewed when you take a hike along the long "arm" of Mt. Elgon which bears the Wanale trial loop site. Here, you can enjoy the marvelous panoramic view over the plains of Eastern Uganda.
Ranger Guides and Porters
Rangers and porters are available at each trailhead.
Trained rangers guide you on all trekking excursions to show you the way. They further enrich your journey by interpreting the environment and ensuring your safety. Your trip can be made easier by porters who carry up to 17kgs of supplies, collect water, cook and prepare the camp at a fee.
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