Mount Elgon National Park Uganda
Mount Elgon National Park
Mt. Elgon NP is the 4th highest mountain in East Africa and is located near Mbale town on Uganda’s eastern boarder. It is 1121kms2 in size, Budadiri is the main tourist centre, 4 hours drive from Kampala and accessible by public transport.
Activities include day walks from Budadiri at forest exploration centre and hikes on the up the mountain. On average, it can take one 5days to complete the entire circuit. It is also worth visiting is the romantic Sipi falls.
Tourism Activities:
Mountaineering:
Three main trails are used by tourists. The Budadiri (Sasa trailhead), forest exploration center-Kapkwai (Sipi trailhead) or Kapkwata (Piswa trailhead). Sasa trail is accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks. It passes through the park’s largest area of bamboo forest.
Sipi trail leads to the Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest, while Piswa trail is famous for the Podpcarpus forest, a good place for wildlife viewing.
Climbing the peaks requires no special equipment or technical climbing experience.
Bird Watching:
• Over 300 species of birds have been recorded. Among the key species are Jackson’s and Moorland Francolins, Eastern Bronze napped pigeon, Red fronted parrot and Oriore finch.
.Wildlife viewing
• The Park is home to elephants, buffalos, leopards, colobus and blue monkeys, giant forest hog, waterbuck, bushbuck, antelope, civet, and wildcat and the elusive leopard.
Bush duiker, hyena, and jacka among others,
Sipi falls
Sipi Falls is located 55km north of Mbale and is arguably one of the most beautiful water falls in Uganda. The falls are spectacular and there are guided nature walks coupled with beautiful scenery in every direction.
Accommodation:
Sipi Falls Rest Camp: Charming Mid-range Camp overlooking Sipi waterfall with 5 thatched cottages.
Mt. Elgon Forest cottages (kapkwai):
There are situated just near the source of river Sipi. There are wooden executive cottages which are well designed to blend with nature and awell maintained camp site.
Mbale Resort Hotel: Charming mid-range hotel in Mbale town. 12 rooms. Recently renovated.
Wash & Willis Country Home: Mid-range hotel in the country-side near Mbale. Available are also in door games like; gym, pool table and chess.