Mount Elgon National Park hosts the world’s largest intact caldera and is the 4th highest mountain in East Africa. Naicef curates the best mountain package for Mount Elgon National Park. Mount Elgon National Park Kenya activities and accommodations are suitable for the attractions in Mount Elgon National Park.
Mount Elgon National Park, towering between Kenya and Uganda, is a standout highlight in your Naicef East African tour.
The dark, salty caves, tranquil nature trails, and majestic peaks define this scenic park. Looking for the Untamed wilderness, and secluded splendor in Kenya, Mount Elgon National Park serves you with it!
Contact Naicef via my@naicef.com or +254799922277 for the best deal on Mt Elgon National Park or request a quote.
Check out one of the best Mt Elgon tour packages in Kenya!
Let’s see what this scenic nature park has for you! The trails here make up the best hiking trails in Kenya. See you at the top!
Interesting Facts And Questions About Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon towers over the Kenyan-Ugandan border standing at 4,321 meters high.
Once the highest mountain in Africa, it is now 4,321 meters tall due to erosion, making it the 4th highest peak in East Africa and the 8th in Africa.
Mount Elgon has the biggest surface area of all extinct volcanoes in the world!
Mount Elgon has features including the caldera, the largest calderas in the world, craters, warm springs, Endebess Bluff, Ngwarisha, Makingeny, Chepnyalil and Kitum caves.
Mount Elgon has 5 peaks including;
- Wagagai- 4,321 meters in Uganda
- Sudek- 4,302 meters on the Kenya/ Uganda border
- Koitobos- 4,222 meters, a flat-topped basalt in Kenya
- Mubiyi- 4,211 meters in Uganda
- Masaba- 4,161 meters in Uganda
In the Kenyan side, the ecosystem of the park is subdivided into 3 ecosystems;
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The National Park under Kenya Wildlife Service. Here, it is purely conservation and only for tourism.
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The Game Reserve under the County Government of Bungoma. Here, the government allows the local community of Robos to graze their cattle.
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The Forest- under the Kenya Forest Service.
According to volcanists, Mount Elgon is at least 24 million years old. Additionally, the soil in Mount Elgon National Park is very fertile. This is because of the volcanic activity that took place here.
In addition to the park is a major water catchment area for 16 rivers in Kenya. 14 of which drain to Lake Victoria.
A boundary between Kenya and Uganda is recognized internationally. The rivers flow to Turkwel, generating power before continuing to Lodwar.
Is it worth visiting Mount Elgon National Park? Yes! The park offers intriguing scenes that are above your typical outing activity. This destination is a hidden gem showing stunning natural beauty and pristine landscapes, making it a must-visit.
Mount Elgon National Park lacks Wi-Fi and has poor cellular reception. For better signal, visit Kitale beforehand.
History Of Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is a national park shared by Kenya and Uganda. The Kenyan part of the park was gazetted in 1968 and the Ugandan part in 1994.
The Ugandan protectorate administration gazetted its side of Mount Elgon a forest reserve managed by the forestry department in 1929.
In 1940, the area became Mount Elgon crown forest, and in 1951, a central forest reserve.
In January 1994, the reserve was designated as a national park after an illegal section was allocated to the Benet-Ndorobo group.
Mount Elgon National Park is recognized as a UNESCO site for its biosphere conservation.. The governing bodies include Kenya Wildlife Service and Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Location Of Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is found at the border of Kenya and Uganda.
It lies 140 kilometres northeast of Lake Victoria.
The park covers an area of 1,279 sq. km.
The Kenyan part covers 169 sq. km and the Ugandan part 1,110 sq. km. The nearest city is Mbale in Uganda.
Accessibility of Mount Elgon National Park
The park is situated 235 kilometres from Kampala, Uganda, a four-hour drive by road.
The Best Time To Visit Mount Elgon National Park
The climate is occasionally moist, with dry seasons from June to August and December to March.
Regardless of the season, it is advisable to carry rain gear and warm clothing.
The dry seasons reward with clear skies and drier trails, making exploration at Mount Elgon National Park splendid!
Mount Elgon National Park Entrance Fee
Below are the Mount Elgon National Park charges;
Mount Elgon National Park Entrance Fee for EAC Citizen
Adults- KES 400
Child- KES 250
Mount Elgon National Park Entrance Fee for Rest of Africa
Adults- USD 20
Child- USD 15
Mount Elgon National Park Entrance Fee for International Visitors
Adult- USD 30
Child- USD 20
Attractions In Mount Elgon National Park & Things To See
1. Majestic Mount Elgon Peaks
Mount Elgon has 5 peaks including;
- Wagagai- 4,321 meters in Uganda
- Sudek- 4,302 meters on the Kenya/ Uganda border
- Koitobos- 4,222 meters, a flat-topped basalt in Kenya
- Mubiyi- 4,211 meters in Uganda
- Masaba- 4,161 meters in Uganda
You will see these peaks from the Endebess Bluff viewpoint.
2. Elephant Salt Licks and caves in Mount Elgon National Park
Kitum caves drip with salt that attracts Buffaloes and ‘the troglodyte tuskers’, Elephants.
Salt serves as a nutritional supplement for animals. Making’eny caves have a beautiful waterfall over their mouth.
The caves found in the park are a result of ancient lava tubes.
3. Wildlife Mount Elgon National Park
The park is home to small antelopes including Oribis, Defassa waterbuck, Bushbuck, Duikers, Spotted hyenas, Rock and tree hyraxes, and Aardvark.
Naicef professional guide helps you spot your favourite mammal.
There are primates including black and white colobus, blue monkeys, De Brazza’s monkey, vervet monkeys, tree squirrels and red-tailed monkeys.
4. Endebess Bluff Viewpoint
At this viewpoint, you will get to see the majestic peaks of Mount Elgon.
The landscape and surreal beauty of Mount Elgon National Park can be appreciated from here.
Nowhere in Kenya will you find nature’s splendour like in this scenic park!
5. Hotsprings and caves
This scenic park has 5 caves and hot springs.
There is a cave that extends 700 meters deep underground, and it is very dark. Which cave is that? Book with Naicef to explore it!
The hot springs are 8km in diameter and 12km in height.
The water bubbling from the ground has a boiling point of 44 degrees Celsius. Kenyans and Ugandans can access it.
6. Birdlife in Mount Elgon National Park
The park is home to over 296 bird species.
However, 40 are the restricted species, limited to the Mount Elgon region.
The rest, 56 and 87, are found in Afrotropical highland biome species.
The birds include the Black-shouldered Kite, Jackson’s Francolin, and Black-collared Apalis. They are found only in Mount Elgon National Park, along with Gypaetus barbatus.
Tag your binoculars with you for bird viewing!
Mount Elgon National Park Activities & Things To Do
1. Hiking
Hosting Mount Elgon National Park, Mount Elgon is desired by hikers from all over the world.
Mount Elgon’s hiking trails are accessible all year round, unlike other mountain trails in the region. Therefore, they have the best hiking trails in Kenya.
Hiking in Mount Elgon National Park is possible because of three hiking trails.
a. Sipi Hiking Trail
This is the longest hiking trail, covering 56 kilometres and takes 4-6 days to finish.
The trail to Sipi Falls starts at Kapkwai Forest Exploration Center, only a few kilometres from this stunning attraction.
Tatum Cave is a captivating destination known for its ancient cave paintings.
b. Piswa hiking Trail
This trail covers 49 kilometres in 7 days.
The trail at Kapkwata village offers stunning views of Uganda’s Karamoja plains and Kenya’s Kapenguria and Nandi hills.
c. Ssasa Hiking Trail
This is the shortest and most challenging trail starting from Budadiri town, East of Uganda.
The trail is a four-day journey to Wagagai, the highest peak of Mount Elgon at 4,321 meters.
d. Major Oyugi Nature Trail
A few kilometres from the main gate, Major Oyugi Nature Trail is an appetizer for the trails ahead.
Afterwards, there is a waterfall after this trail. The refreshing waterfall is a rewarding attraction after the 45-minute to 1 hour nature walk.
2. Mountain Biking in Mount Elgon National Park
Opened in 2012, Sipi River Lodge offers mountain biking trails and bike rentals.
An incredible biking trail features a 1 hour and 30 minutes run starting from the Sipi Trading Center.
It has an altitude of 1,775 meters to Cinema Hill in Kapchorwa.
3. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching in Mount Elgon National Park
Game drives offer excellent opportunities to encounter wildlife and observe beautiful birdlife in the park.
Outstanding birdwatching is done near the Kapkwai Forest Center and Cheptui Falls.
Birding in the Park will give you an opportunity to see the rare Lammergeyer bird that’s only found in the park.
4. Cultural interactions
Sipi women are dedicated to producing high-quality coffee from the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Arabic coffee is favourable to be grown in the area because of the Alluvial soils of the mountain.
The women are friendly and will show you the coffee-making process.
Another interesting culture is the Sabiny and Masaba cultures, particularly in how they prepare African food.
Mount Elgon National Park Accommodation
Where to stay in Mount Elgon National Park? There are lodges and camps to facilitate your stay, and they include
- Suam Guest House- managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Kapkwata guest house
- Sipi River Lodge
- Sipi Valley Resort
- Masha hotel
- Sasa River Camp
- Kapkwai cottages
- Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa
- Mbale Resort Hotel
It is recommended to stay in Kitale since it is convenient and close to the park.
Book with Naicef for the best deals for accommodations in Mount Elgon National Park
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Elgon National Park Kenya
1. Is Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya or Uganda?
Mount Elgon is found at the border between Kenya and Uganda. This is evident because it towers between the two countries.
Moreover, it is seen from Endebess Bluff on the Kenyan side.
2. What is the best time to visit Mount Elgon?
The best time to travel to Mount Elgon is in the dry season and that is in June to August and also December to March.
3. How much does it cost to visit Mount Elgon?
To visit Mount Elgon, the estimated costs are;
KES 400- East African Citizens
USD 20- The rest of the African citizens
USD 30- international visitors
4. How difficult is it to hike Mount Elgon?
Hiking Mount Elgon needs a reasonably fit climber. This is because there is no special skills needed to get to the peak.
5. How far is Mount Elgon from Nairobi?
By road, you can opt to take a bus from Nairobi to Mount Elgon through Kakakmega which takes 7-8 hours.
By flight, from Nairobi to Mount Elgon, take a flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Kitale Airport then to Mount Elgon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Naicef has shown the best of Mount Elgon National Park. Below are the major attractions of the park
- Majestic Mount Elgon Peaks
- Challenging long and short hiking trails
- Caves
- Hotsprings
- Vegetation cover. The best vegetation cover is seen on the Kenyan side.
Naicef is the best tour company in Kenya for touring Mount Elgon National Park Kenya. This is because we focus on
Customer centricity: We personalize every package we create for our clients.
Quality: We craft African experiences in quality for the best quality, memorable safaris
Professionalism: Our dedicated team ensures long-term relationships with our travel partners.
For every Mount Elgon National Park tour you take with Naicef, you impact Sustainable tourism through the environment and the local community. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
Did you know Naicef has the best travel blog in Africa? See and Enjoy the Best Safari Travel Blog.
For the best Mount Elgon National Park safaris, contact Naicef.com or write to my@naicef.com or +254799922277. Not ready now? opt for our Naicef savings plan to visit Mount Elgon later on.
