Mountain Elgon National Park
Mountain Elgon National Park : Mt Elgon is nothing short of spectacular – from the U-shaped valleys and lush gorges, the roaring waterfalls, the relaxing climbs – it beguiles the mind. It is Uganda’s second highest mountain after Rwenzori, rising to an altitude of 4,321 m above sea level.
Throughout your 3 days hike to and fro its summit, you will be taken care of!
The mountain climbing experience is safe, exciting, and memorable even for solo travellers. It is a dramatic and transformational experience that is good for both the body and the soul. A walk through each of its vegetation zones offers one an opportunity to talk to nature and feel the tranquility that gives life a peace of mind. Thanks to the montane weather of the place, the scenery on the mountain is always glorious from forest zone, bamboo zone, moorland zone and heather zone. The butterflies and birds in these different vegetation zones are extraordinary! It is just so lovely and peaceful watching them float and flutter by in their own jungle. It is believed that the park has about 65 different species, inclusive of the endemic Rwenzori Turaco. However, you are likely to lose count of the many incredibly beautiful specimens you will encounter.
There are some steep stretches but nothing technical – all you need to make it to the top is a general good level of fitness. Most importantly, you need a positive attitude.
Don’t forget to take sun protection screen as the majority of the hike above cloud level is exposed to the sun. You will learn lots of mysteries about the mountain as told by the native guides. Throughout your stay, they will attend to your every need, and set a walking place that is manageable. You will also be provided sufficient drinking water to keep you hydrated as you hike.
In an effort to make the adventure less exhausting for you, the porters will carry your luggage. You will leave in awe at the speed they travel through the mountain to ensure that everything is okay by the time you arrive at the camp site/lodge where you are meant to spend the night for that day. They making everything run like clockwork. Similarly, the chef is a great guy to be around. His food is exactly what you need while climbing, with an emphasis on energy giving sugars and proteins.
Tours you can combine with a hike to Elgon
Sipi falls
Known as Uganda’s highest waterfall due to its 100meter height, Siipi is a magnificent wonder that is worth a special place on your bucket list when you come to Eastern Uganda. It is made of three cascading waterfalls that are fed by a river system that drains water from crater lakes atop mountain Elgon, as found along Uganda’s border with Kenya. The escarpment into which it flows is over 2,000 years old and hosts Uganda’s second biggest conservation area, Pian Upe. Seeing its surrounding is such a rewarding experience especially on a sunny day when the views are clear.
You can’t miss the thrill of experiencing Sipi’s beauty and majesty both from a distance and up-close. Its sheer power and beauty are such a natural wonder to behold.
You might have seen it in pictures, but seeing it with your own eyes will literally cause you to lose your breath. The longer you stand there, the more you will be startled and dazzled by the constant fall of water and the rainbow arch that forms at its foot.
The entire scene is very picturesque; waterfall cascades and the rushing water from the mountains provide a serene atmosphere. It’s the kind of heavenly location you would gladly spend an entire day at. Allow time to wander around or take a hike. It’s a beauty place to reconnect with nature. The site guide is ever patient and always accommodating.
Travel Tip
The trek down is quite hard on the knees, so bring something to tape your knees. You will also need warm sleeping bags that can endure temperatures below 150C.
Considering that Elgon experiences sudden rains, don’t forget to bring your best rain gear and waterproof hiking boots.
