Mountain Elgon National Park - Gorilla Uganda Safaris

Visit MOUNTAIN ELGON NATIONAL PARK

Mountain Elgon national park is located at the border of Uganda and Kenya, north of Kisumu and Kitale. Mountain Elgon’s highest peak, Wagagai, is in Uganda. This is an extinct volcano that erupted 24 million years ago. Mountain Elgon was once Africa’s second highest mountain but it is now the 22nd because of the erosion that washed away the top. The mountain has the biggest volcanic base in the whole world. Its height is 4321m raised 3000m above the surrounding, hence forming a caldera.

Apart from the highest peak Wagagai, the mountain has other summits like the Kiong summit at 4303m, the Mubiayi summit at 4210m, and Jackson’s summit at 4165m. The mountain also forms rivers, one of which is river sipi forming the famous Sipi falls among other continuously flowing rivers.

Mountain Elgon forms Elgon national park at its slopes making it one of the gazetted national parks in Uganda. The national park occupies areas of Bududa, Mbale, Budadili, Manafwa, Buhugu, and Sipi. The whole national park is 1279 km2 and the Ugandan section is 1,110 km2 while the smallest part in Kenya is 169 km. The national park is 5 to 6 hours’ drive from Kampala to the east, via Jinja -Mbale route.

The national park has the largest caldera which takes about 7 days to reach, and various animal species like forest elephants, buffaloes, and monkeys. For bird watchers, the park is home to about 300 different bird species and one of them is the spectacular lammergeyer, others include Jackson’s francolin and marsh widowbird.

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ATTRACTIONS IN MOUNTAIN ELGON NATIONAL PARK.

Wildlife:

Wildlife species are found on the lower slopes of the park. The national park has various animal species like, antelopes, elephants, Oribis, bushbucks, buffaloes, the white and black colobus monkeys, and the colobus monkeys.

Birdlife:

Home to over 300 different bird species, 40 of which are Ugandan species including lammergeyer, Apalis, Jackson’s francolin, black-shouldered kite, tucazze, chin spot batis, Meyer’s parrot, lanner falcon, northern fiscal, white-bellied tit, tropical boubou, mosque swallow, black sawing and eastern mountain greenbul.

Caldera and the peaks

The highest peak is Wagagai followed by sudek, kitabis then finally the mubiayi summit. The caldera was formed as a result of magma drained from the chamber which couldn’t support the cone hence a depression with water called a caldera. Walk up to the northeast corner where you will find hot springs that will leave you amazed.

Caves

Mt Elgon slopes have caves that are believed to have been left by moving lava when the mountain was formed many years ago. The most accessible are Kapkwai Cave and Khauka Cave on Wanale Ridge. It is believed that hikers used these caves as shelter but currently, they act as locations for camps.

Sipi falls

Sipi Falls originate from the Sipi river formed by the mountain Elgon. Located on the north and the western side of the mountain is a massive basalt cliff over which these rivers form stunning waterfalls. Sipi Falls contains three waterfalls all at different altitudes. Hiking to Sipi falls will reward you with stunning views of the Karamoja lands, and coffee plantations not forgetting the lake Kyoga.

Vegetation

The vegetation in this place is divided into zones influenced by the rainfalls and the altitude of the area. Lower parts are covered by dense and regenerating forests and lichens. The top of the mountains is covered by afro-montane vegetation species.

WHAT TO DO IN MOUNTAIN ELGON NATIONAL PARK.

Mountain hiking and biking

The trails range from Sipi to Chema Hills found in Kapchorwa. This activity may take like 1 hour all providing excellent views of the waterfalls and the Karamoja lowlands plains. Sipi river lodge will be of help to hire bikes from, some of the routes have been opened up for such hikes. You can as well choose to climb Mountain Elgon with a bike though it requires fitness and flexibility. During this experience, you can create unforgettable memories.

Birding

Mountain Elgon national park is one of the national parks that will give you excellent bird-watching experiences. Kapkwai forest which stretches along the chebonet river has one of the best birding trails. While here, you will get to see white-chinned prinia, African goshawk, African blue flycatcher, Doherty’s bush strikers, and the baglafecht weaver.

Game viewing

Mountain Elgon has various wildlife; it allows one to encounter their favorite animals at all times. These mammal species include Oribis, elephants, and the primates like baboons, colobus monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Nature walks

Several walking trails are within and outside the park through thick vegetation. You will get on a hike that will take you about 2 hours as you walk through giving views of the Sebei and the Karamoja region.

Walk through the walls of death from Budadili to Mudange cliffs found in the tropical forests of the national park. During the nature walks, you will get a chance to see baboons and black and white colobus monkeys.

Rock climbing

This activity is done outside Mountain Elgon national park. The hardest climb is at 35 meters and the easiest is at 15 meters and for one who is a good rock climber, you shouldn’t miss out on this chance.

Mountaineering

Choose to climb mountain Elgon down the cliffs of Sipi falls. This is one of the best mountaineering experiences in Uganda. As you are on the hikes, you can see the excellent landscape, and the ridge beside the cool waters of the pool while descending.

Sport fishing

This is a recreational activity that involves fishing just for fun. To obtain a permit, you will have to carry your equipment like the hooks, reels, lines, and baits. This recreation activity gives one the challenge to compete with the fellows.

Cultural and community walks.

Get on a community walk through the coffee Shambas located on the slopes of the mountain and get to learn about the coffee that is obtained from this area. You will be able to learn about the whole process of coffee making, coffee picking, coffee grinding, and coffee washing. The name of the coffee got from this place is Arabic or Sipi coffee.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ELGON NATIONAL PARK.

The best time to visit Mount Elgon national park is in the dry seasons that range from June, August, and December to March. Climbing the mountain can be done throughout the year.

HOW TO GO TO MOUNTAIN ELGON NATIONAL PARK?

Mountain Elgon national park is located 235 km in the east of Kampala. The park is accessible through the Kampala – Jinja – Mbale route.

How much is a gorilla permit per visitor?

There is no standard price for Uganda, Rwanda or Congo gorilla permit –each country has its rates. In Uganda, the charges vary depending on the visitor category. The foreign non-residents are charged USD 700 to have their gorilla permits booked, USD 600 for foreign residents and Ugandans (East Africa citizens) pay shs. 250,000 per person. To have a gorilla permit secured/booked, you need USD 1500 for Rwanda and this is most ideal for luxury/high-end travelers interested in visiting the endangered mountain gorillas.

Which are the best Gorilla safari destinations?

When booking a gorilla permit, it is also a good thing to have a destination of your desire in mind. The key places to consider a must-visit on gorilla tour include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park –these are gorilla trekking destinations for tourists on a tour in Uganda. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is where you can locate habituated mountain gorilla families and crossing the D.R. Congo, you can explore Virunga National Park.

When is the best time to book your gorilla permit?

It is a good thing to also understand when best to book your gorilla permits to avoid having issues on actual date of gorilla trekking. Considering our experience, we always recommend our clients to have their permits booked early enough at least 2-4 months. This can save you from last minute stress, especially if you plan to travel during the dry season also considered to be the peak season. The peak months of the year fall around June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.

How can I book a gorilla Permit?

Gorilla permits are among the relevant documents visitors must have to be allowed to track gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Not any gorilla permit should be presented on actual gorilla trekking adventure but a valid one. Booking gorilla permits is part of making the entire gorilla trip complete and should be done early enough before the actual visit to see mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas.

To have your gorilla permit booked, there is a process one should undergo through and is generally tedious. Considering your tight schedule back home, you may wonder how easier you can have your permit booked in advance to avoid last minute stress.

The easiest way to secure your gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda is by dealing with a recognized tour operator/company on the ground. This is where our reservation team comes in. As part of your gorilla safari requirement, our team being on ground will ensure that your permit is booked early enough and everything else that is needed for gorilla trekking is put together.

The beauty about dealing with local safari company such as ours is that we have knowledge on the different gorilla groups and surrounding communities plus various accommodation facilities for your night stay. This is in addition to making the entire gorilla permit booking process easier on behalf of our clients.

There is also an option of booking the permit directly through the reservation team of respective park authorities. But the challenge is that you must undergo through the long process to have your permit booked and this may not favor you depending on your schedule. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is an organ in charge not only for conservation of wildlife in the Pearl of Africa but also sets prices for tourism activities in the parks including gorilla permits. In Rwanda, you can contact Rwanda Tourism Board/Rwanda Development Board to have your permit booked.

What is the East African tourist visa?

The East African tourist visa is a joint visa that permits one to travel to specific countries within East Africa, namely Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only. A joint tourist visa can be used several times for various purposes as long as it’s not overdue.

Tourists should therefore find it important to always remember that the tourist visa lasts for only 90 days. Processing the tourist visa takes a maximum period of two working days. It is also important to note that the tourist visa prohibits employment.

How to apply for an East African Tourist Visa?

The process of applying for a tourist visa has been made easier since it can be done with the help of a tour operator or by the individual themselves online through the Ministry of Internal Affairs immigration portal. Visitors are required to log in to the portal, go ahead and accept the terms and conditions for the tourist visa, select the Visa / permit type, the subcategory and category, complete the application form and upload the required documents.

A reference number will be generated and sent to you through your email, submit it and proceed to payment. It’s important to note that the payment can be made using Visa cards. An approval letter will be sent to your email after the above process.

Report at the immigration office or border post for the biometric capture with all the necessary documents, receipt of payment, approval letter and your passport. Visitors should regard it as important to enter through the home country issuing the visa.

How much does the East African tourist visa cost?

The East African tourist visa costs a fee of $100 only, meaning that it can be obtained by all travelers ranging from the budget to luxurious ones.

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