What to do in and around Mountain Elgon National Park.

Unlike the South western Uganda, Eastern Uganda has a few national parks and one of them is mountain Elgon national park. Mt. Elgon national park, however has a lot to offer. Before we list what to do in and around Mountain Elgon National Park, allow us to give you a little history about Mt Elgon National Park.

Located on the Uganda Kenya boarder, Mount Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world and it has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere reserve. This is because of the presence of over 300 different species of birds include in the endangered Lammergeyer.

Unlike other mountains the ultimate goal in climbing Mt Elgon is not about reaching its highest peak which is the Waggagi peak at 4,321m above sea level. However, it is about the descent into the vast vast 40km² caldera.

What to do in and around Mt Elgon National Park.

On that note therefore, there is a lot that you can do in and around Mount Elgon National park and these includes;

Abseiling USD 50

Abseiling is done near Sipi villages / Sipi falls and it is good for adventure lovers who are most interested in the adrenaline rash. Clients can Rappel from the 100metre high sipi falls or more so try to climb on the numerous high cliffs. Abseiling gives one an opportunity to be close to the falling waters and also have a scenic view of the falls. This is a once in a lifetime experience.  The activity is coordinated by professionally trained Mountain climbers and CE approved equipment’s are used. Please note that regular safety audits are conducted.

Coffee Tour USD 15

Learn about the life cycle of Coffee from Seeds to your cup. Coffee grown and refined from Sipi Falls is one of the finest in the world. This trip takes you to meet the local farmers, learn about the traditional ways for growing coffee , and also roasting it before it is ground to make the fine coffee that you take back home. The trip ends with a taste of this finest Arabica coffee of Uganda.

Mountain Hiking / Climbing.

Climb the largest and oldest caldera in the world and reach it peak at 4,321m above sea level.  The return journey from the beginning to the end requires a minimum of 4 days to be able to reach the waggagi peak and also to appreciate the floor and fauna that makes this national park.

Nature walks to Mudange cliff. / Sipi Falls

Also referred to as the walls of death, you can enjoy a full days nature walk/hike in Mt Elgon National park. The walk starts from Budadiri and takes you to the Mudange cliffs also referred to as the walls of death closer to the boundary of the park. The walk will reward you with views of plenty of flora because eth cliff is located in the Tropical forest. You will also be able to spot a number of baboons and also the blue, and black and white colobus monkeys.

You can also go for a nature walk to the sipi falls.  The walk usually takes between 20 minutes to 30 minutes. The falls are scenic and worth the walk.

Mountain biking  

For adventure lovers and those interested in cycling you can go mountain biking around the park. The mountain bike trail runs from Sipi trading centre to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa town. The ride will reward you with views of various water falls and also the Karamoja plains. Check out our 8 days Mt Elgon and Sipi falls safari.

Bird watching Safaris.

As mentioned earlier, Mt Elgon national park is an excellent and extra ordinary site that all bird watching  tourists should visit . The park is home to over 300 different species of birds and we recommend to visit the secondary forest along the loop trails that cover Chpetui falls. This is an excellent place ofr birding that you shouldn’t miss out on.  We have listed a number of birds that you should expect to see and these include; African Goshawk; Tacazze Sunbird, ,Chubb’s Cisticola, Hartloub`s Turaco, African Blue Fly-catcher, Baglafecht Weaver , Chinspot Batis, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Dohertys and Luhders Bush-shrikes, White-chinned Prinia, Cinnamon Bee Eater, Moustached Tinkerbird, , Olive- and Bronze-naped pigeons, Black Kite and Black-collared Apalis.

Rock climbing. 

This is one of the activities that those who ain’t afraid of heights should consider doing whilst in Mt. Elgon national park.  The park has over 14 rock climbs that require different levels and techniques of rock climbing.  Most noteworthy, is that no matter the option you choose, all of them offer excellent views of the mains falls and the Karamoja plains.

To participate in all these activities, you need a minimum of at-least 3 working days and you can join in some of our Uganda safaris. 6 days Mountain Hike Uganda.