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Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park (Uganda & Kenya)

Mount Elgon National Park is a transboundary park shared between Uganda and Kenya. It is home to Mount Elgon (4,321m / 14,177ft), an extinct shield volcano and one of the oldest volcanic mountains in Africa. The park is famous for stunning landscapes, caves, waterfalls, hot springs, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Location

Uganda: Mbale, Kapchorwa, and Bukwo districts

Kenya: Trans-Nzoia and Bungoma counties

Size

Uganda Side: 1,110 km²

Kenya Side: 169 km²

Mount Elgon Summit & Caldera

The largest volcanic caldera in the world (40 km in diameter)

The highest peak, Wagagai (4,321m), is on the Ugandan side

Other peaks include Sudek (4,302m – Kenya), Koitobos (4,222m – Kenya), Mubiyi (4,211m – Uganda), and Masaba (4,161m – Uganda)

Cave Elephants

Found in Kenya and Uganda

Majestic waterfall

Located in a tropical highland or national park

Serene Cave Opening

Mystical and untouched beauty of the landscape

Hoopoe bird (Upupa epops)

Commonly found in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands

Sipi Falls (Uganda Side)

A spectacular 3-tier waterfall system
Abseiling, rock climbing, and hiking opportunities
Great for photography & cultural experiences

Wildlife Viewing & Game Drives

Elephants, buffaloes, duikers, bushbucks, hyenas, and leopards
Over 300 bird species, including the Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
Kenya’s side is better for game drives, while Uganda is best for trekking

Kitum Cave & Elephant Salt Licks (Kenya Side)

Famous for elephants that mine salt from caves
Other caves include Makingeny, Chepnyalil, and Ngwarisha Caves

Hot Springs & Waterfalls

Suam Hot Springs (Uganda side) – Natural warm water pools
Chebonet & Tutum Caves Waterfalls (Uganda side)

Forest & Hiking Trails

Scenic hikes through bamboo forests & Afro-alpine vegetation
Jackson’s Pool & Jackson’s Peak (Uganda side) – A sacred site for local tribes

Cultural & Coffee Tours

Visit Bagisu & Sabiny tribes for traditional dances & storytelling
Coffee tours in Kapchorwa & Sipi region

Things to Do in Mount Elgon National Park

✅ Mountain Climbing & Trekking (Wagagai, Sudek, Koitobos)
✅ Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching (Elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, over 300 bird species)
✅ Abseiling & Rock Climbing (Sipi Falls)
✅ Cave Exploration (Kitum Cave, Makingeny Cave, Ngwarisha Cave)
✅ Hot Spring Visits (Suam Hot Springs)
✅ Cultural Experiences (Meet the Bagisu & Sabiny people)
✅ Game Drives (Kenyan side – Endebess Bluff & Kitale)

Best Time to Visit Mount Elgon National Park

🌤 Dry Season (Best for Hiking & Wildlife Viewing):
✔ June – August & December – February
✔ Clear trails, great visibility, and fewer mosquitoes

🌧 Wet Season (Best for Waterfalls & Birding):
✔ March – May & September – November
✔ Lush green landscapes, best time for waterfalls

Accommodation Options in Mount Elgon National Park

Uganda Side:

Luxury Lodges: Sipi River Lodge, Mbale Resort Hotel, Rafiki Lodge
Mid-Range Lodges: Lacam Lodge, Moses Camp, Kapkwai Bandas
Budget Campsites: Budadiri Community Campsite, Forest Exploration Centre

Kenya Side:

Luxury Lodges: Kiptogot Lodge, Kitale Club
Mid-Range Lodges: Endebess Cottages, Chorlim Lodge
Budget Campsites: Kaberwa Forest Camp, Chorlim Camp

How to Get to Mount Elgon National Park

🚗 From Kampala (Uganda)

Drive (5-6 hours) via Jinja – Mbale – Kapchorwa

✈️ From Nairobi (Kenya)

Fly to Eldoret or Kitale Airport, then drive (1-2 hours)

🚗 From Eldoret or Kitale (Kenya)

Drive to Mount Elgon National Park Gate

Why Visit Mount Elgon National Park?

✅ Less Crowded than Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro
✅ Affordable Trekking & Hiking Experience
✅ Diverse Activities: Trekking, Wildlife Safari, Culture, & Waterfalls
✅ Home to the World’s Largest Volcanic Caldera