Difficult

Mount Elgon National Park

Mbale and Kapchorwa Districts Eastern Uganda

Uganda's oldest and largest extinct volcano, offering spectacular hiking, caves, and diverse ecosystems from savannah to moorland.

4.4

Rating

4

Days Recommended

Difficult

Difficulty Level

December-March, June-September

Best Season

About Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is home to Uganda's oldest and largest extinct volcano, Mount Elgon, which rises to 4,321 meters above sea level. The park covers 1,279 square kilometers and features diverse ecosystems ranging from savannah and montane forest to bamboo and moorland zones.

The park is famous for its extensive cave system, including the Kitum Cave where elephants come to mine salt from the cave walls. Hiking routes range from day walks to challenging multi-day expeditions to the summit.

Mount Elgon offers excellent opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and experiencing the unique high-altitude ecosystems that are rare in East Africa.

Highlights

Mount Elgon summit (4,321m)
Kitum Cave with elephants
Diverse ecosystems
Extensive cave system
High-altitude hiking
Unique moorland landscapes

Activities

Mountain hiking Cave exploration Bird watching Nature walks Photography tours Cultural experiences Summit climbing

Wildlife You May Encounter

Elephants Buffaloes Various antelope species Over 300 bird species Colobus monkeys Forest hogs Hyenas

Accommodation

Mountain huts along hiking routes. Base camp accommodations at Budadiri and Sipi. Luxury options include Sipi River Lodge. Camping available at designated sites.

Getting There

Road access from Kampala via Jinja and Mbale (4-5 hours). Charter flights to Mbale airstrip. 4WD vehicles recommended for mountain access.

What to Pack

Warm clothing for high altitude, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sleeping bag, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, and first aid kit.

Plan Your Visit

Approx. USD 40

Entry Fee per Person

Need help planning?

Call us: 0740-916-389

Location

Mbale and Kapchorwa Districts • Eastern Uganda

Quick Facts

Location: Mbale and Kapchorwa Districts
Region: Eastern Uganda
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Season: December-March, June-September
Recommended Days: 4

Tours in Mount Elgon National Park

Discover carefully crafted tours that showcase the best of this remarkable destination

Mount Elgon Hiking & Cave Adventure
USD 1,800.00

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