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MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL
PARK - UGANDA
Mt. Elgon is an extinct
volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With
the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50
km by 80 km ), Mt. Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in
Eastern Africa, with the second-highest peak in Uganda (Wagagi
Peak - 4321 metres ). Mt. Elgon contains crater covering over 40
km' at the top of the mountain, surrounded by a series of rugged
peaks.
BIRD WATCHING
The secondary forest and
thick scrub along the Chebonet River near camp supports, African
Goshawk, Chubb’s Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue
Fly-catchers, Chin-spot Batis, Mackinon’s Fiscal, Doherty’s and
Luhder’s Bush-Shrikes and Baglafecht Weaver.
FLORA AND FAUNA
While ascending Mt. Elgon's
enchanting slopes, you will pass through dense montane forest
and mixed bamboo belts teeming with birdlife. You will then
enter the fascinating heath and moorland zones containing
several interesting endemic plant species such as Giant lobelia
and groundsels.
Wildlife enthusiasts will
be pleased to spot primates such as the Black and White Colobus
Monkey, Blue Monkey, and hundreds of fascinating bird species,
including Golden Winged and Tacazze sunbirds, Ross's and
Hartlaubs Turacos, Black and White Casqued and Crowned
Hornbills, the endangered Lammergeier and the Jackson's
Francolin which is found nowhere else in Uganda. If you are
particularly observant you can also see buffalo, duiker, hyena
or even the elusive leopard.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
Visiting Mount Elgon
National Park ( MENP ) presents an exciting setting for extended
hikes. In addition to the interesting and unique flora and
fauna, you can expect to experience magnificent waterfalls,
enormous caves, scenic peaks and gorges, and hot springs which
bubble up at 48'C.
The best times to visit are
during the drier seasons from June to August and December to
March. However, even in the wetter months trekking is
manageable. No technical climbing equipping or skills are
required, and all major peaks are accessible to hikers.
TREKKING TRAILHEADS AND
ROUTES
There are two main
trailheads ( starting points ) which lead to the mountain's
peaks. Salsa Trail ( Buddukiro trailhead ) is the most easily
accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks.
It passes through the Park's largest area of bamboo forest.
However it is also a steep and rugged climb of over 1600m on the
first day. For a more gentle climb ( 660m first day ) you may
choose to ascend via Pisa trail ( Kapkwata trailhead ). Along
this route you can explore a vast Podocarpus forest, an
excellent place for wildlife viewing.
The full trekking circuit
to the peaks takes 4-5 days to complete. All visitors are
encouraged to discuss options with an Information Clerk at the
Male, Budadiri or Kapkwata Visitors' Centres.
CAMPING
Five basic campsites are
located at strategic points along the trekking circuit. Please
respect Park regulations by camping only at designated
campsites. No camping is allowed within the caldera. MENP
camping is primitive, and all necessary camping equipment must
be carried with you.
Some items such as tents
and sleeping bags can be hired through the Park office in Mbale.
Make sure not to forget a warm jacket and rain gear, as extreme
weather conditions will add to your Mt. Elgon adventure! Also
please take a fuel-efficient camp stove if possible to avoid
placing additional pressure on MENP firewood resources.
GUIDES PORTERS AND RANGER
ESCORTS
Please support local
community members and encourage continued conservation of MENP's
valuable resources by hiring local guides and porters. All
certified guides have received training in natural/ cultural
histories, emergency first aid and communication. Porters will
assist you by carrying up to 18 kg of your gear as well as
preparing meals, setting up/taking down your camp, and
collecting your water. Fees are set at Ush 8,000 (guide) and Ush
7,000 (porter) per stage. The wages cover the guide or porter's
park visitation fee and the cost of sufficient food and
supplies. Make sure to ask to see a guide's license before
hiring. For additional safety reasons, a Park ranger escort must
be hired when visiting the calderas or ascending the peaks. You
will meet your ranger escort at Sasa or Piswa patrol hut where
you must present your park receipt before proceeding upwards.
DAY HIKES
The Forest Exploration
Centre has three " day " trails ranging between 3 and 7 km.
These trails offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mt. Elgon's unique plants and
wildlife in shorter time period. A fourth trail has recently
been opened to reach the enormous Tutum Cave, 11 km from the
centre. This trail also passes through a range of vegetation
types and offers opportunities to see wildlife such as Black and
White Colobus Monkeys and a variety of birds.
ACCOMMODATION
Simple accommodation
facilities are available inside the Park at the Kapkwata Rest
House and the Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai. Prior
arrangements through the MENP Visitors' office in Mbale are
necessary as these facilities do not accommodate large numbers
of visitors. Kitchen services are available, but visitors should
bring their own food supplies or provide money to buy food on
arrival . The Forest Exploration Centre also conducts a four-day
environmental program for school groups of up to 30 students
which allow children to experience a living forest ecosystem
while learning the importance of conservation. It has dormitory
- style rooms and bathing facilities with running water .
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE
THE PARK
The magnificent Sipi Falls
are located 66 km from Mbale, en-route to the Forest Exploration
Centre and Kapkwata. Several trails in the area allow for
intriguing day hikes through friendly local villages and
beautiful farming country. Pleasant campsites and lodge
facilities, including meal services and hot showers are
available at Crow's Nest located just before the Sipi trading
centre. More expensive accommodation is available at the Sipi
Falls Resort. Please enquire about guides to escort you on the
gradual 1.5 hour walk to the Forest Exploration Centre. Seven
rock-climbing routes are open at Nagudi rock, half-way between
Mbale and Budadiri. The routes are bolted, but climbers must
bring their own rock-climbing equipment. Each climber pays to
the local Parish treasurer.
More information and
directions are available at the MENP Visitor's Centre office in
Mbale.
WHAT TO BRING
Tent, Sleeping Bag, Warm
Clothes Gloves/ Hat, sturdy Hiking shoes Flashlight, water
Bottle, Rain gear, first aid kit, Cooking equipment, sufficient
food supplies
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