MT ELGON NATIONAL PARK- UGANDA SAFARI

Two different day hike allow you to explore Mt Elgon’s diverse montane forest. The popular exploration center trail loop site will make you enjoy the cool mist at Chebonet falls, Kapkwai cave, the talking tree and a spectacular view point which lies just beyond.

Along ‘arm’ of Mt Elgon bears the wanale trails loop site. It has vertical cliffs of ridge and several cascading waterfalls that make a very scenic drive. Look for petrified wood in the Khauka caves as you enjoy splendid panoramic view over the plains of Eastern Uganda.

These two-day hike areas have short walk trails ranging between 3.11 km that offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mt Elgon’s unique plants and wildlife in a short period. Sturdy walking shoes and rain gear are recommended in addition to extra cells for your torch if you plan to explore the caves.

ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN
Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50km by 80 km, Mt Elgon is forth highest mountain in east Africa, with the second highest peak in Uganda. (Wagagai peak 4321 meters). It contains the largest intact caldera, a collapsed crater covering over 40kms at the top of the mountain, surrounded by e series of rugged peaks. The Bagisu and sabiny are the two ethnic tribes around the mountain. They practice subsistence farming and conduct circumcision ceremonies every even year to prepare young men/women for challenges of adulthood. The two communities have made agreement with the park for sustainable harvest of the traditional products.

FLORA AND FAUNA
While ascending Mt. Elgon’s enchanting slopes you will meet four-distinct forest types; the lush montane forest where you will find the Elgon teak, mixed bamboo belt, the fascinating heath and the spectacular moorland hyrachs which contain stands of some of the most rare and endemic plant species like the Giant Lobelia Elgonensis and dotted clusters of peculiar groundsels, which are unique to Africa. You will also encounter the dense scrubs and brilliant everlasting wild flowers that will add to your Mt. Elgon adventure.
Bird lovers will enjoy about 300 bird species including the endangered Lammergeiers, the rare Jackson’s Francolin, Guinea fowls, sunbirds and Turacos among others.
A number of primates inhabit the mountain. Forest monkeys fill the forest canopy as giant forest Hog, Bushbuck, Antelope, Civet, Wildcat and the exclusive Leopard roam below. Bush Duiker, Hyena, Jackal, Rock Hyrax, Buffalo and Elephant rove between the forest and moorland. Many of these animals visit Mt. Elgons bat filled caves for their valuable mineral deposits.

TOURISM ACTIVITIES
Visiting Mt. Elgon National Park presents an exciting setting for extended hikes, interesting and unique flora and fauna, magnificent waterfalls, enormous caves, scenic peaks, gorges and hot springs, which bubble up at 48?c. The best times to visit are during the drier seasons from June to August and December to March. No technical climbing equipment or skills are required, as all major peaks are accessible.

MOUNT ELGON TREKKING: TRAILHEADS AND ROUTES
There are three main trailheads (starting points) that lead to the mountains peak. You may choose to begin your ascend from either Budadiri (Sasa trailhead), forest Exploration Center- Kapkwai (Sipi trailhead) or Kapkwata (Piswa trailhead). Sasa trail is easily accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks though steep with rugged climb of over 1600m on the first day. It passes t hrough the parks largest area of bamboo forest. Sipi trial offers the spectacular Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest, while Piswa trial is renowned for the towering podocarpus forest, an excellent place for wildlife viewing. In contrast Sipi and Piswa trials start at much higher elevations with a longer more gradual climb to the peaks.
After visiting the peaks you can either return using the same trials or descend via different route. Each trial/ route has camping stages with nearby water source as well as tent pads and latrines. The park is developing a trekkers hut at Mude cave on Sasa trail. What’s more Mt. Elgon National park (Uganda) also engages in cross border tourism with Mt. Elgon National park Kenya.
Hand over of either team Uganda and Kenya takes place at the Hot spring.
The full trekking circuit to the peak takes about 5 days to complete.

CAMPING AT THE MOUNTAIN
Nine basic campsites are located at strategic points along the trekking circuit. Please respect park regulations by camping only at designated campsites. Mt. Elgon National Park camping is primitive and all necessary camping equipment must be carried with you. Tents and sleeping bags are available for hire at the park.

RANGERS AND PORTERS
A trained ranger guide is required on all trekking excursion to show you the way and enriches your journey by interpreting the environment and ensuring your safety. Local porters make your trip even easier by carrying up to 18kgof supplies, in addition to collecting water, cooking and preparing camp. Trained rangers guides and local porters are available at each trailhead.

7 Days Mount Elgon Trekking Tour