Mountain Elgon National Park

Straddling the Kenya-Uganda border this extinct volcano-mountain is the eighth highest in Africa and it rises from the broadest base of any freestanding mountain in the world. Formed at the time of the creation of the Great Rift Valley this volcano would have been substantially higher than Kilimanjaro, currently the highest mountain in Africa. Unlike Kilimanjaro and some of the Rwenzori peaks this extinct volcano does not have a snow or glacial covering at its summit.

The mountain side is covered in montane forest which gives way to open heather grassland at the higher altitudes where Giant Lobelia’s and bamboo stands are to be found.

There are few mammals here, estimated at 70, but include some primates, key amongst them being the rare De Brazza’s monkey, elephants, buffalo, bush pig, leopard, duikers and sitatunga.

The recorded bird species are 300.

Exploring this park can only be done on foot as there are few roads or tracks.

Getting there:

By Road from Kampala to Mbale then follow signs for the Park

What to do:

• Hiking
• Bird watching
• Game viewing

Best time to go:

All year round