Mount Elgon, Uganda and Kenya is the place that will give you a fascinating experience with its stunning views. Overthere, you’ll enjoy its wilderness trails and few roads. If you want to have a chill-out experience, this extinct volcano is the place for you.
Things to do
Hike to the Summit
Start your trip by hiking the 4,222m high meters of the summit. You’ll walk through a dirt road that’ll leave you near the summit base. After that, you’ll make a 1 hour 5-minutes tripe from the gate to the summit’s end. Also, you can extend your trip to the end road from the park gate, that’s 2 days tour.
The caves
Around Mount Elgon, you’ll find a couple of caves. These include the Kitum Cave with its darkness and lots of bats. If you’re a quite a scout, you’ll love exploring the Mount’s caves. Also, you’ll appreciate beautiful views along its valley. In the same way, you can go to the Mude Cave Camp. Over there, you’ll find the best camping place in Mount Elgon.
Camping/Birdwatching/Trekin
Over Mount Elgon, you’ll be able to make an amazing treck just walking around it. Later, you can cross the border into Uganda and watch its amazing waterfalls, hot springs and the like. Also, you’ll find several campsites you can camp out at.
How to get there
To get to Mount Elgon it is necessary to reach Kitale Town first. You’ll need to land at Kitale Airport (KTL) in Kenya and take a taxi to the city. It is a 7-minute journey of $22 to 26 USD.
Over there, you’ll drive around 3 hours to Mount Elgon Lodge or the Chorlim gate, which will lead you to the park headquarters.
When to go
The best time to visit Moun Elgon is during the dry seasons. From June through August and From December through March.
How long
To completely enjoy your trip I recommend you spend at least 5 days. This is so you can hike the camp side and summit the road by taking some time for your camping nights.
Opening and Closing Hours
You can visit Moun Elgon whenever you want. However, if you want to hike and camp, remember to start your trip early in the morning.
Planning
If you’re visiting Mount Elgon, you can call the park office in Budadiri. Over there, you’ll be able to find information and book everything you need for a better trip. Also, you can use the website Sipi River Lodge to arrange guides, porters, food, transport, sleeping bags, and everything.
On the other side, if you don’t want to camp, you can stay at Kenyan Wildlife Service Bandas. This is a small cottage with a hot water shower, a kitchen, and comfortable beds. Also, about 20 minutes from the park gate you’ll find and old colonial building named Mt Elgon Lodge.
On the other hand, there are no supermarkets or restaurants in the park. Remember to bring your own food. You can cook in the Bandas or take your camping stove.
Inside Information
This climb doesn’t require special equipment or expertise. This trail is doable for anyone with a good hiking condition.
The weather on the mountain is unpredictable. So take your best and more comfortable clothes for varying conditions and camping. Also, do not forget your hiking shoes. Also, there are numerous places to get water along the trailI. I recommend you to take your sunscreen to avoid having a bad sunburnt.
History
Currently recognized as an extinct volcano, Mount Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain. Also, it is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features and its last eruption was around 24 million years ago. On the other side, it is actually home to two tribes: the Bagisu and the Sabini and 300 species of birds.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Broderick Falls
This stunning place in Kenya is the one you can’t miss if you go visit Mount Elgon. Over there, you’ll fall in love with is wonderful foods. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful view and its divine waterfalls. Besides, you will have support staff that will teach you all the secrets of the place. They will also help you enjoy a swim in its fresh waters.
Salt – Mining Elephants of Kitum Cave
In your trip to Mount Elgon, you will find the Kitum Cave that is regularly visited by herds of elephants. You will be fascinated by these animals looking for the salts that abound in the caves.
Forest Exploration Centre
With caves, waterfalls, escarpments, and viewpoints this is another place you cannot miss. Over there you’ll be able to admire different species of birds and primates. Above all, you will discover the amazing forest that surrounds Sipi Town.
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