Muhumuza Africa Safaris

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Mount Elgon National Park

An ancient extinct volcano offering spectacular mountain hiking and the world’s largest volcanic crater
mountain elgon

Park at a Glance

Mount Elgon National Park protects the Ugandan slopes of Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano that straddles the Uganda-Kenya border. The park covers 1,279km² and was gazetted in 1992.

Mount Elgon is the world’s largest volcanic base (4,000km²) and has the largest intact caldera in the world (40km across). The mountain’s highest peak, Wagagai, stands at 4,321m above sea level.

1,279 km²

Total Area

4,321m

Highest Peak

Caldera

40km across

1992

Established

Wildlife & Flora

Diverse ecosystems from montane forest to alpine moorland supporting unique wildlife and plant species

blue monkey mountain elgon

Blue Monkeys

Endemic blue monkeys inhabit the montane forests of Mount Elgon’s slopes.
forest elephants in mountain elgon national park

Forest Elephants

Small population of forest elephants roam the lower montane forests.
jackson's francolin mt. elgon

Jackson's Francolin

Endemic bird species found only on Mount Elgon’s alpine moorlands.
Giant Lobelia

Giant Lobelia

Unique alpine plants that grow up to 6 meters tall in the moorland zone.
african buffalo mt. elgon

African Buffalo

Herds of buffalo graze in the mountain grasslands and forest clearings.
Lammergeyer

Lammergeyer

Rare bearded vultures soar around the mountain’s dramatic cliffs and peaks.
blue monkey mountain elgon

Blue Monkeys

Endemic blue monkeys inhabit the montane forests of Mount Elgon’s slopes.
forest elephants in mountain elgon national park

Forest Elephants

Small population of forest elephants roam the lower montane forests.
jackson's francolin mt. elgon

Jackson's Francolin

Endemic bird species found only on Mount Elgon’s alpine moorlands.
Giant Lobelia

Giant Lobelia

Unique alpine plants that grow up to 6 meters tall in the moorland zone.
african buffalo mt. elgon

African Buffalo

Herds of buffalo graze in the mountain grasslands and forest clearings.
Lammergeyer

Lammergeyer

Rare bearded vultures soar around the mountain’s dramatic cliffs and peaks.

Mountain Climbing & Peaks

4,321m

Wagagai Peak

The highest peak in Uganda, offering panoramic views of the region
  • Sasa Trail (4 days) or Sipi Trail (6 days)
4,165m

Jackson's Pool

A beautiful mountain lake near the summit area
  • Via Sasa Trail
4,165m

Jackson's Peak

Named after Frederick Jackson, early explorer of the region
  • Via Sasa Trail
Climbing Information
  • Best Season: December-March and June-August (dry seasons)
  • Equipment: Warm clothing, camping gear, hiking boots required
  • Sasa Trail: Most direct route to reach the summit and caldera (4 days, 55km)
  • Sipi Trail: Longer but more scenic route passing waterfalls (6 days)

Activities & Attractions

Mountain hiking, cave exploration, and unique alpine experiences

Wagagai Peak Hiking
Climb to Uganda’s second highest peak at 4,321m. The 4-day trek takes you through diverse vegetation zones to the summit.
  • Duration: 4-5 days
  • Difficulty: Challenging
Cave Exploration
Explore the famous Kitum Cave where elephants come to mine salt. Multiple caves offer unique underground experiences.
  • Famous Caves: Kitum, Makingeny, Chepnyalil
  • Duration: 2-4 hours
Caldera Rim Walk
Walk along the rim of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, offering spectacular views and unique geological features.
  • Distance: 40km rim circumference
  • Views: Panoramic mountain vistas
Waterfall Visits
Visit spectacular waterfalls including Sipi Falls on the mountain’s foothills, offering scenic beauty and photography opportunities.
  • Main Falls: Sipi Falls (3 tiers)
  • Activities: Hiking, photography
Bird Watching
Over 300 bird species including endemic Jackson’s francolin and lammergeyer. Different altitudes offer varied birding experiences.
  • Species: 300+ including endemics
  • Best Areas: Forest zone, moorlands
Cultural Tours
Visit Bagisu communities and learn about traditional circumcision ceremonies, coffee farming, and mountain culture.
  • Activities: Cultural performances, coffee tours
  • Duration: Half to full day
bagisu

Local People

Mount Elgon is known to two tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabaot. The Bagisu who live on the southern and western slopes of Mount Elgon are known for their colorful circumcision rituals that transform boys into manhood through circumcision.

The Bagisu also known as the Bamasaba consider Mount Elgon their ancestral home and refer to the mountain as ‘Masaba’ after their founding father Mwambu who is said to have been the first Mugisu to settle on the slopes of the mountain.

  • Bagisu Cultural Experiences
  • Coffee Growing Communities
  • Traditional Ceremonies

Access

Roads

From Kampala: 235km via Mbale to Budadiri (4-5 hours). The road is tarmacked to Mbale, then murram to park gates.
Alternative Route: Via Sipi Falls for scenic approach to the mountain foothills.

By Air

Charter flights to Soroti airstrip (2 hours drive) or scheduled flights to Entebbe then road transfer to the park.

Park Gates

Main entrance at Budadiri Gate. Alternative access points at Kapkwai and Piswa gates for different hiking routes.

Climate & When to Visit

Temperature

Varies with altitude: 15-25°C at lower elevations, dropping to below 0°C at the summit. Nights can be very cold at high altitudes.

When to Visit

Best climbing conditions during dry seasons (December-March and June-August). Clear weather offers better summit views.
Wet seasons can make trails slippery but offer lush vegetation and active waterfalls.

Accommodation

Mountain lodges, camping facilities, and community accommodations

Mountain Lodges
  • • Mweya Safari Lodge
  • • Katara Lodge
  • • Kyambura Gorge Lodge
  • • Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Comfortable lodges with mountain views and access to hiking trails.
Camping
  • • UWA Camping Sites
  • • Mountain Huts
  • • Budadiri Campsite
  • • Piswa Campsite
Basic camping facilities and mountain huts for trekkers and climbers.
Community Stays
  • • Budadiri Community Bandas
  • • Sipi Falls Guesthouse
  • • Local Homestays
  • • Cultural Centers
Community-run accommodations offering cultural experiences and local hospitality.

Ready to Conquer Mount Elgon?

Challenge yourself with mountain hiking, cave exploration, and unique alpine experiences on Uganda's ancient volcano

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