Mount Elgon National Park

In this article, we will be discussing Mount Elgon National Park.

Get ready to explore the breathtaking Mount Elgon National Park, home to East Africa’s fourth-highest peak and a haven for eco-tourism. This stunning destination offers thrilling adventures, guided tours, and unforgettable wildlife sightings amidst the African savannah’s scenic beauty. With 4×4 safari adventures and diverse wildlife, Mount Elgon National Park is a must-visit for any adventure-seeker.

Let’s dive into the wonders of the incredible Mt Elgon National Park,

Mt Elgon National Park Location

Mount Elgon National Park is located in western Kenya, near the border with Uganda. The park is approximately 420 kilometers from Nairobi, which translates to about a 7-8 hour drive. You can get to Mount Elgon via air or road since Kitale Airport is approximately 30km.

To get to Mount Elgon National Park, you can drive to the destination by taking the tarmac road to Kitale town and then the murram road to Chorlim Gate (the main entrance to the park), take a bus from Nairobi to Kitale or Bungoma, and then transfer to a taxi or another bus to the park, or you can escape the hassle and bustle and let Zunguka Africa Safaris transport you using their luxurious tour vans.

Activities to do at Mt. Elgon

Mountain Climbing

Boasting of having the world’s largest caldera, and the largest free standing volcano, Mount Elgon is considered one of the best hiking spots in Kenya and Uganda.

Mountain climbing at Mount Elgon offers an exhilarating experience in the middle of the wilderness, and exceptionally beautiful landscapes. As you go up, the panoramic views of the African Savannah and diverse wildlife will definitely catch your attention. This gives you an opportunity for nature exploration and eco-tourism. With the help of the professional guides, you are guaranteed to have a great time especially if you enjoy hiking.

Nature Walks

Nature walks at Mount Elgon offer a serene and serendipitous experience in the heart of the savannah. Get the chance to explore the scenic landscape and the beauty of the park while walking and breathing the fresh air of the riverline forests, and all this on a guided tour, so that you do not have to worry about your safety.

Explore and learn more about the nature, flora, and the wildlife in the area, all while taking photos of the amazing views for your Instagram, since I is one of the instagrammable places in Kenya.

Cave Exploration

In the midst of the untamed wilderness, discover hidden caverns, unique geological features and ancient rock formation at Mount Elgon National Park. With the help of a professional trained guide, explore the dark and hidden parts of the caves with proper equipment for safe exploration.

Explore the scenic beauty of caves such as the Kitum Caves, which has exquisite rock formations and elephant tusks embedded in the walls, and the Mackingeny Caves, which is not commonly known but offers unique geological formations and breathtaking views.

Cultural Experiences

The area around Mount Elgon is surrounded by the Bagisu, Sabinyo, and the Bamasaba cultures. Immerse yourself in the journey to learn more about the culture, and way of life of the local communities.

You will get a chance to witness and participate in the cultural dances, engage with the locals about their daily lives, traditions and customs, sample local cuisine and learn about their cooking methods, and even participate in community projects. Apart from gaining knowledge, you can also support local artisan by buying local handmade crafts, weaved baskets and wood carvings.

Game Drives

Game drives in Mount Elgon offer an exhilarating safari experience and an unforgettable safari adventure in the African savannah. Get the chance to explore the conservation area in a 4X4 vehicle with a tour guide and spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, hyenas, and other species.

The Apart from watching and spotting wildlife, the game drives ar also a wonderful way to see the lush greenery, breathtaking landscapes, and panoramic views. Game drives are often done early in the morning, during the day, or at night, when you can spot animals in their natural habitat.

Try Sports Fishing

Visiting Mount Elgon gives you an exciting experience to try sports fishing at the renowned Sipi Falls, which is one of the three waterfalls found in Mount Elgon National Park.

Fishing is often done above the highest of the three falls and the area is known for presence of the rainbow trout, which have beautiful colors and are known for their fighting ability. The best time to fish is usually early in the morning for better success but you are required to bring your own fishing gear and secure a permit.

Did you know: A person who fishes with a rod and line is called an Angler? Now you know.

Picnics

Picnics at Mount Elgon offer a picturesque and serene experience amidst the natural beauty of the Mount Elgon National Park. If you are looking for a day trip with your friends or just a girls’ picnic in the Mount Elgon region, look no further.

The picnic spots, which are located in different spots, offer diverse views. If you are looking for a mountain picnic, you will be met by panoramic views and surrounding landscape while if you are looking for a cozy picnic surrounded by trees and waterfall sounds, the riverline forests is the best place.

Camping

Pitch your tent and immerse yourself in nature, and surrounded by the diverse wildlife and serene environment at Mount Elgon. If you are looking for a camp site and you do not have the gear, Mount Elgon National Park has options to ensure your stay is worth it by offering more oprtions for accommodation.

The advantage is that there are several campsites which have different and unique views of the landscape and the mountains. If you are planning to spend a night, you will enjoy stargazing in the clear skies and you might even spot some shooting stars.

Animals to Spot at Mount Elgon National Park

Being a national Park, there are several species to be found. Whether small animals or large mammals, you will definitely spot a big number of the animals there. The animals to be found at Mount Elgon National Park include:

• Bushbucks
• Antelopes
• Elephants
• Buffalos
• Waterbucks
• Blue Monkeys
• Colubus Monkeys
• Warthogs
• Hyenas
• Squirrels
• Oribi

Apart from mammals, Mount Elgon has reported to have over 300 bird species including turacos, sunbirds, Jackson’s Francolin, Elgon Francolin, and the endangered Lammergeyer, also known as the Bearded vulture.

Best time to Visit Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is available to tourists and locals all-year-round. It is, however, recommended that you visit Mount Elgon National Park during he dry season, which is between June and August, and December through to March. This is because the trails are dryer during that time and it is easier to spot wildlife.

Though the park is usually beautiful during the wet seasons, because of the flowing rainfall and lush greenery, it is very slippery and muddy, and therefore not recommended.

Mt Elgon National Park Entrance Fee

Ready to Travel?

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover the world in an epic way. Contact us on email via info@zungukasafaris.com or using the contacts on our website now to plan your next adventure!

Check Out

1. Samburu National Reserve
2. Mount Kenya National Park
3. Impala Park Kisumu
4. Buffalo Springs National Reserve