The world’s largest caldera is located at the summit of Mount Elgon, a giant, lone volcanic peak that stands on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya in Mbale and Kapchorwa Districts located in Eastern Uganda. One of Uganda’s oldest geological formations, this extinct volcano first erupted about 24 million years ago. Mount. Elgon, which was much higher than Kilimanjaro currently at 5,895m, was formerly Africa’s highest mountain. Its height has been diminished by decades of erosion to 4,321m, making it the 8th highest peak on the continent and fourth highest summit in East Africa.
Mount. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world, at 4,000 km2. Its enormous form, which has an 80km diameter, towers more than 3,000m over the neighboring lowlands. The cool heights of the mountain provide relief from the sweltering plains below, while the higher elevations serve as a haven for vegetation and fauna.
One of Uganda’s most romantic locations “Sipi Falls,” a collection of three prominent waterfalls, the longest of which drops 100 meters is found at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, not far from the Kenyan border. The second waterfall has upper cascades and then drops 75 meters. The third waterfall is 85 meters tall.
Two tribes live on Mount Elgon: The Bagisu and Sabiny, while the outcast Ndorobos are compelled to live deep within the Benet Forest. Mount. Elgon is referred to as “Mount. Masaba” by the Bagisu, also known as the Bamasaba, who believe it to be a reflection of their founding father Masaba.
Over 300 different bird species can be seen in Mount Elgon National Park, including the critically endangered Lammergeyer. National parks in Uganda and Kenya have been established to safeguard the higher slopes, resulting in a vast trans-boundary conservation area that has been designated a UNESCO & Biosphere Reserve.
Without the summit-oriented approach typical to many mountains, a climb on Mt. Elgon’s abandoned moorlands reveals a stunning and unspoiled nature. Instead, the purpose of reaching the mountain’s peak is the descent into the world’s largest caldera, which is 40 km2 wide.
Little is known about Mount Elgon’s mammalian flora.
Blue monkeys and black and white Columbus are the most prevalent species, or at least the species that hikers are most likely to see. A tiny percentage of elephants live in forests and many endemic montane moorland species.
ACTIVITIES DONE IN MOUNT. ELGON.
Bird Watching
More than 50 Afrotropical highland biome species, including the Moorland Francolin, Moustached Green Tinkerbird, and the renowned Alpine Chat, are found in Mount Elgon National Park, which is home to over 300 bird species. You can only locate some bird species in Mt. Elgon National Park, like the Jackson’s Francolin and the Black-collared Apalis. The Black-shouldered Kite and Tacazze Sunbird are two species that are restricted to a small number of mountains in eastern Uganda. The endangered Lammergeyer, which may be seen soaring above the caldera and the Suam Gorge, calls Mount Elgon home.
Hiking
The most popular trekking mountain in East Africa is Mount Elgon, a massive volcano with the largest crater among the continent’s major summits and one of the largest calderas. In order to reach the mountain peak and enjoy some beautiful features, you’ll have to use one of its three trails namely; The Sasa trailhead located in Budadiri, the Sipi trailhead located at the Forest Exploration Center in Kapkwai, and the Piswa trailhead located in Kapkwata.
Visiting Sipi Falls
The longest waterfall of the three prominent waterfalls, at 100 meters is found at Sipi. The falls collect the water that flows from Mountain Elgon’s slopes. Additionally, while there, you can hike to the several falls, which is an exhilarating experience, and then abseil at any of the falls.
Nature Walks
Various pathways, including the Khauka Cave Trail and the Bamboo Trail, can be used for nature treks in Mount Elgon National Park.
A tropical and bamboo forest surrounds the Kapkwai Cave bamboo walk. Numerous primates, birds, and unique trees like Elgon teak and Elgon olive can be seen along the trail. The ridge view trail is used for both the hike to Chebonet Falls and the hike to the Kapkwai caves.
Cave Visits
Highly peculiar caves are found within of Mount Elgon. These include Kitum, Ngwarisha, Chepnyalil, and Makingeny, which have larger caverns. It’s really a fantastic pit stop. Other, smaller caves that connect to Kenya exist, but they are too dark to provide accurate directions to the Kenyan border.
Visiting Arabica Coffee Farms.
The slopes of Mount Elgon include volcanic soils that are ideal for the growing of Arabica coffee. Visit the plantations in the Bugisu region to meet the growers, roasters, exporters, processors, and other people involved in the coffee producing process. On the farms, you may even make your own cup of coffee while helping with the sorting and roasting. One of the best coffees in the world, Arabica is steadily gaining recognition on a global basis. Due to these farms, Mbale is regarded as Uganda’s top location for producing coffee.
Cultural Visits and Experience
The Bagisu and Sabiny tribes live atop Mount Elgon, while the ostracized Ndorobos are forced to live deep within the Benet forest. The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, regard Mount Elgon as a manifestation of their founding father Masaba and refer to it as Mount Masaba. You can visit homesteads at the mountain’s base to learn more about local cultures, such as the Imbalu, a yearly circumcision ceremony performed by the Bamasaba people among the Bagisu.
Where to Stay while in Mount. Elgon National Park?
You can reside at Kapkwata Guesthouse, a self-catering guesthouse with most of the amenities like Wi-Fi, self-contained rooms and electricity. Other high-end and midrange hotels are in the nearby Sipi area.
