MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Elgon National Park is located on the Uganda-Kenya boarder has the largest volcanic base in the world. In addition, the mountain is the largest and oldest solitary and volcanic mountain in East Africa. The park has generally got to parts i.e the Kenya part that was gazetted in 1968 and the Uganda part which was gazetted in 1992. Furthermore, the mountain has got an important water catchment for the Nzoia River which flows to Lake Victoria and the Turkwel River flowing into Lake Turkana.
Activities in Mount Elgon National Park
Natures and hiking
This activity is undertaken via different trails rewarding you with different attractions like primates, birds, tree species, caves, waterfalls, etc. Some of the trails include; Bamboo trail to Kapkwai which is a 4-hour trial coming across different primates, birds and tree species. Khauka cave trail takes 3-4 hours and here you can also go to the view point where you can see the Jackson’s summit and Wagagai peak.
Cultural encounter
A visit to the Bagisu and Sabiny communities will give you the best cultural experience as you interact with them getting to know more about thier lifestyle. The bagisu are generally farmers who grow crops as the slopes of Mt. Elgon such as Arabic coffee. A visit to these people will give you an opportunity of knowing more about this cash crop, from planting, harvesting to processing. On the other hand, discover the Sabiny as they expose to you their culture through their daily activities, dances and folk songs.
Mountain biking
The bikes can be hired from Sipi River Lodge at an affordable fee taking you approx. 1.5 hours as you ride through the different trails. This activity gives you views of various waterfalls and the Karamoja plains as you ride through the Sipi trading Centre to Chema hill in Kapchorwa town.
Bird watching
The park has got a number of birds making it an excellent birding site giving you an opportunity to come across different bird species. Some of the bird species here include; Tacazze sunbird, African goshawk, Cinnamon bee-eater, Doherty’s bush-shrike, not to mention but a few.
Mountain climbing
Climbing peaks at Mount Elgon requires no special equipment and experience but just needs someone to be physically fit. Different trails are used here like the; Sasa trail taking which is the shortest but toughest route to the peaks taking you 4 days. In fact, this trial allows you to explore the Bamasaba farming settlements and culture. In addition, the Sipi trail takes 4-6 days and it’s the longest trail to the peaks. The Piswa trail is also long and gentlest, taking 7 days and notable for its rich wildlife and spectacular views of the Karamoja plains in Uganda and the Nandi hills in Kenya.
