Mount Elgon National Park

Discover Mount Elgon National Park – Uganda’s Hidden Hiking Paradise

Towering quietly on Uganda’s eastern border with Kenya, Mount Elgon National Park is one of East Africa’s most overlooked gems—a dream destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a serene adventure off the beaten path. With its vast caldera, dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and lush montane forests, Mount Elgon is the ideal destination for travelers looking to explore Uganda’s scenic highlands without the crowds of more famous peaks.

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we proudly offer guided treks and nature experiences in this peaceful and unspoiled wilderness. Mount Elgon offers a rare chance to experience Uganda’s natural beauty on foot, to feel its altitude in your breath, and to walk paths once taken by ancient tribes, colonial explorers, and modern adventurers alike.

Why Visit Mount Elgon National Park?

Rising to 4,321 meters, Mount Elgon is the 8th-highest mountain in Africa and once stood taller than Mount Kilimanjaro. Its massive eroded caldera—one of the largest in the world—measures over 40 km across and shelters some of the richest biodiversity in East Africa. Yet, what makes Mount Elgon special is not just its height but its gentle slopes, making it one of the most accessible major mountains for trekking in Africa.

Unlike the technical climbs of other mountains, Mount Elgon’s treks require no specialized equipment or mountaineering experience, making it a great choice for first-time hikers, families, and travelers who want to combine wildlife, culture, and adventure into one unforgettable experience.

Highlights of Mount Elgon National Park

1. Wagagai Peak (4,321m)
   The highest point of Mount Elgon, Wagagai Peak, is the ultimate goal for trekkers. Reaching the summit offers breathtaking views over Uganda and Kenya, especially at sunrise.

2. The Caldera
   This vast collapsed volcano crater is one of the largest in the world and home to unique vegetation, including giant groundsels, endemic wildflowers, and spectacular lobelias.

3. Sipi Falls (just outside the park)
   A trio of stunning waterfalls tumbling down basalt cliffs, Sipi Falls is the perfect start or end to your Mount Elgon journey. The area offers scenic walks, abseiling, and rich coffee experiences.

4. Caves & Ancient History
   Kapkwai and Tutum caves were once used as shelters by the Bagisu people and today serve as atmospheric overnight camps on multi-day hikes.

5. Wildlife Watching
   The park is home to elephants, buffalos, bushbucks, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as more than 300 bird species, including the endangered Lammergeier (bearded vulture).

6. Rich Cultural Heritage
   Mount Elgon is deeply tied to the Bagisu tribe, known for their Imbalu circumcision ceremonies, traditional dances, and coffee farming practices on the mountain slopes.

Trekking & Optional Activities with Uganda Horizon Safaris

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we offer fully guided, customizable Mount Elgon trekking adventures. Whether you have 1 day or 5 days, our expert local guides ensure a safe, exciting, and enriching experience.

🥾 Multi-Day Treks (3–5 Days)

Choose from several scenic routes:

• Sasa Trail (most direct, starting from Budadiri)

• Piswa Trail (gradual ascent, ideal for scenic views and wildlife)

• Sipi Trail (longest but most gradual, starting near Sipi Falls)

Our multi-day treks include tented camping at ranger outposts, cooked meals, and porters for support.

Day Hikes

Short on time? Take a guided day hike along the lower slopes, through bamboo forests, to hidden caves or viewpoints.

Birdwatching Tours

With over 300 species, Mount Elgon is a birder’s paradise. Look for African blue flycatchers, Jackson’s francolin, and the Hartlaub’s turaco.

Coffee Tours & Cultural Visits

Tour local farms and learn about Bugisu Arabica coffee, grown on the mountain’s fertile slopes. Interact with local farmers and taste some of Uganda’s best brews.

Visit Sipi Falls (Optional Add-On)

Located near the park entrance, Sipi Falls offers excellent accommodation, waterfall hikes, abseiling (rappelling), and the chance to relax before or after your mountain trek.

Best Time to Visit Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon National Park can be visited year-round, but the best trekking months are during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. Trails are drier, and visibility is clearer for photography and wildlife viewing.

Accommodation Options

Stay in charming eco-lodges, guesthouses in Sipi, or tented camps on the mountain. Uganda Horizon Safaris partners with locally owned lodges to ensure comfort, warm hospitality, and authentic experiences.

Travel with Uganda Horizon Safaris

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we believe every journey should inspire, educate, and uplift. With our Mount Elgon tours, you not only conquer a mountain—you connect deeply with Uganda’s people, nature, and spirit.

Whether you want to reach Wagagai Peak, explore the giant caldera, or simply experience the tranquil beauty of Sipi Falls, we’ll make it happen with care, professionalism, and passion.

Let us take you beyond the ordinary—Mount Elgon is waiting.