Mount Elgon National park is a national park 140 kilometres (87mi) northeast of Lake Victoria. The park covers an area of 1,279 square kilometres (494 sq. mi) and is bisected by the border of Kenya and Uganda. The Ugandan part of the park covers 1,110 km2 (430 sq. mi) while the Kenyan part covers 169 km2 (65 sq. mi). The Kenyan part of the park was gazetted in 1968, while that of Uganda part in 1992. At 4000km2 Mount Elgon national park has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa, its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains.
Attractions in Mount Elgon national park.
Caves.
Mount Elgon National park is dotted with the caves formed from ancient lava tubes namely Kitum, Making’eny, Chepnyalil, Ngwarisha and many others some of which are outside protected areas.
Salt- Mining Elephants of Kitum Cave.
Kitum Cave is regularly visited by herds of elephants, dubbed the troglodyte tuskers, as well as bushbuck, Red Duiker, Grey Duiker and buffalo, all in search of the salt that abound in the mineral – rich earth of the caves.
Spectacular waterfall.
Making’eny Cave, located 1.5 km from Kitum, has a spectacular waterfall over its mouth. Which has the great and amazing flow rate hence making the guests to feel good about the national park because of the great moments of the spectacular waterfalls.
Birds.
Mount Elgon national park is a home to over 300 species of birds including the endangered Lammergeyer species, the park is suitable for birding because of the various bird species in the national park.
Wildlife.
The wildlife is mainly found in the lower slopes but rarely seen in the forest setting; Defassa waterbuck, elephants, Oribi Bushbucks, Buffaloes, spotted hyena and among many others.
Activities done in mount Elgon national park.
Hiking.
Hiking in Mount Elgon national park, is an exciting and rewarding experience to encounter in, which is done by the help of the tour guide who leads the hikers to trail with the magnificent views.
Bird watching.
For the bird lovers, the Mount Elgon national park has got various bird species in the park, where the guests can be able to view and spot various bird species during their visit in the park by identifying a vast number of them including the endangered Lammergeyer.
Game Viewing.
The mountain supports primates and mammals giving the visitors an opportunity for game watching, expect to see which includes forest monkeys that include the black and white colobus and monkeys, elephant, Buffalo and small antelopes that include the duiker.
Mount. Climbing.
Mount Elgon national park is the best mountain climbing destination, which gives the best experience to the guests who have come to the mount Elgon national park, to have a chance of climbing around the Mount Elgon, as well as observing and viewing various features in the park.
Best time to visit Mount Elgon National park.
The best time to visit Mount Elgon National park is during the dry (June – August and December-March) seasons. It is important to note that hiking to the top of the mountain and all other park activities continue even during the wet/ rainy season.
Where to stay in Mount Elgon National park.
There are various accommodations, with comfortable beddings and environment during your visit to Mount Elgon national park which includes Kapkuro Cottage, Chorlim campsite, Nyati Campsite, Rongai Public campsite, Salt lick.
Entrance park fees of Mount Elgon national park.
| Category | Citizen | Resident |
| Adult | 300 | 300 |
| Children | 215 | 215 |
How to get to Mount Elgon National Park.
Mount Elgon national park can be accessed by both road and Air means of Transport.
By Road Transport. One route leads from Kitale town, while there are two options leading from Eldoret, both lead by murram road to Mount Elgon and Chorlim gate. Chorlim gate is the main gate which also leads to the park headquarters.
By Air Transport. Visitors can fly to the Eldoret airport (70 km away) or the airstrip within the park. You can contact the warden for airstrip details. Kitale airstrip, located 10 km outside Kitale town on the main Kitale- Bungoma road, is 30 km from the park.
