Mount Elgon National Park
Mountain Elgon National Park protects the higher slopes the massive extinct Volcano – Mountain Elgon found on Uganda- Kenya border which holds the World’s largest Caldera. This Mountain Once towered about Kilimanjaro but due to erosion, it reduced to 4321m, rising to 3000m above the hot dusty plains of Karamoja regions where it provides a cool respite for humans and refuge for flora and fauna.
The Wildlife includes the elephants and Buffalos, though these are rarely seen, with over 300 species of Birds and afromontane plants peculiar to East Africa’s highest mountains. The highest Park lie along the jagged rim that encloses an 8km giant caldera
Expert –Led Experiences
Coffee Tour
Uganda’s finest coffee is produced from Arabic beans grown on Mountain Elgon slopes. Visitors take a guided tour through the coffee garden to see how beans are grown and grinded. The Sipi Coffee Tour is a practical and fun experience! During this tour you will trace the story of coffee from seed to cup. Sipi Arabica Coffee is a world-renowned coffee (e.g. being sold in the Starbucks shops of the United States). You will learn about the origin of this coffee and how local farmers maintain plantations organically. Visitors acquire traditional roasting skills so you can make your own cup of tasty Arabica coffee!
Guided Hikes to Sipi Falls and Rock Climbing
The 7Km section of the Sipi Valley found immediately outside the National Park is undoubtedly scenic as the river plunges over three sets of basalt cliffs during its descent to the plains beneath. Visitors also have a chance to engage in Rock climbing since many of the Basalt cliffs have been bolted thus can safely be climbed. As well the scenic region has given birth to unforgettable Mountain bike excursions ranging from a casual exploration of many dramatic trails in vicinity to the challenging Elgon Enduro hosted by Sipi River lodge. Whilst, the spectacular rivers are excellent for fishing.
Guided Forest Walks
Trails of varying length explore the forest around the forest centre passing caves, Waterfalls and viewpoints while providing an opportunity to observe the Birdlife which includes the goshawk, Chubb’s cisticola, white – chinned prinia and African blue flycatcher to the primates that characterise the region.
Mountain Climbing
An ascent of Mt. Elgon represents an exciting alternative to strenuous climbs on East Africa’s higher mountains. The Mountain offers a comparable attraction which includes the Afromontane botany, with milder climate and lower elevation with no special equipment or technical experience required. A number of routes such as Sasa Trail ascend the 4321m Wagagi peak from the small part of Budadiri which stands 1250m above sea level in Sironko Valley – this is the shortest and most direct route where guests can summit to Wagagi in 3-4Days return journey to Sironko.
The Lowest of the Park is the montane forest dominated by bamboo trees, followed by the groves of the giant heather as the mountain side opens into a moorland dotted with outlandish forms of giant lobelia and groundsels.