MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Elgon is a massive solitary volcanic mountain on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Its vast form, eighty kilometres in diameter, rises 3070m above the surrounding plains, providing welcome relief in more than one sense of the word. Its mountainous terrain introduces variety to an otherwise monotonous regional landscape. Its cool heights offer respite for humans from the hot plains below and its higher altitudes provide a refuge for flora and fauna.
Mount Elgon has been a regional landmark for a long time: this extinct volcano is one of Uganda's oldest physical features, first erupting around 20 million years ago. It was once Africa's highest mountain, towering above Kilimanjaro's 5895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4321m, relegating it to 4th highest peak in East Africa (and 7th on the continent). However, its 4000km2 surface area is still the largest base of any volcanic mountain worldwide.
Mount Elgon is a hugely important water catchment. Its forests receive up to 3000mm of rain each year, which they store and release to support flora, fauna and more than a million Ugandans. Elgon's water is equally important to many Kenyans, for Mount Elgon is bisected by the international boundary. The mountain's natural vegetation, and its role <3,S a giant biological sponge, is protected by a Mount Elgon National Park on both sides of the border. The Ugandan park, which was upgraded from a forest reserve in 1993, covers 1,11 Okm2. Though its Kenyan counterpart measures just 170km2, it is adjoined by a forest reserve and national reserve. These parks and reserves in both countries combine to form a transboundary conservation area covering 2,229km2, which have been declared Man & Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO.
Mount Elgon receives far fewer visitors than other higher and more famous mountains in East Africa. However as routes on Mts. Kilimanjaro and Kenya become increasingly crowded and degraded, hikers are appreciating Mount Elgon's deserted moorlands. A climb on Mount Elgon is to explore a magnificent and uncluttered montane wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to higher regional mountains. Indeed the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mount Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321 m Wagagai peak, but the descent into the vast 40km2 caldera.
HOW TO GET THERE
Mount Elgon National Park lies 235km east of Kampala. A tarmac road runs through Jinja to Mbale town at the western base of Mount Elgon, before climbing to Kapchorwa on the mountain's north-western flank. Murram roads lead off the MbaleKapchorwa road to reach the various trailheads.
A Mount Elgon National Park Information Office is located on Plot 19/21 Masaba Road, near the Mount Elgon Hotel, in Mbale town. This is open from 08.00-13.:00 and 14,00-17,00, Mon-Fri and 09.00-13.00 on Saturdays. Bookings for park activities can be made at this office or at Uganda Wildlife Authority HO in Kampala.
SAFARI ACCOMODATION IN MT ELGON
The national park provides dormitory accommodation and self contained wooden cottages at the Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai. Meals are available on request. The park also has self catering guesthouses at Kapkwata and Suam. Outside the park, simple accommodation is available at Kapchorwa and Budadiri. A range of accommodation is found around the scenic Sipi Falls, and at the foot of the mountain in Mbale. The trails on the mountain have nine campsites, placed at strategic intervals. These are located near water sources, and tent pads and latrines are provided, but supplies and camping equipment must be carried.
HIKING TIPS FOR MOUNTAIN ELGON CLIMBERS
Hikers should familiaris e themselves with the syrr and treatment of hypothermia and the various fc altitude sickness. Be aware that above 2500m, sickness can affect anyone, irrespective of age, fitr previous mountain experience. The risk is reduced t ascents to enable acclimatisation, while the most e treatment is immediate withdrawal to a lower altitude. Affected hikers should not descend into the caldera, wh must climb upwards to leave.