Hiking Mountain Elgon
Lying on the border between Kenya and Uganda, Mount Elgon is said to have the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world and a caldera which covers over 40km2 at the top of the mountain. Mount Elgons’s highest peak is Wagagai which sits at 4,321m and is the second highest in Uganda (after Rwenzori) and the eighth highest in Africa, though millions of years ago it was the continents’ #39ths tallest.
Mountain Elgon cool heights offer respite for humans from the hot plains below and its higher altitudes provide diverse habitats for flora and fauna. The lower slopes of Mountain Elgon are clothed in tropical montane forest with extensive stands of bamboo. Above 3000m the forest fades into heath and then afro-alpine moorland, which blankets the caldera.
Rare plant species present on Mountain Elgon include the giant groundsel and the endemic Lobelia elgonesis.
As far as mammals, the duiker are more commonly seen, but lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of leopard, buffalo, hyena or elephant. Birdwatchers will enjoy the endangered Lammergeier vultures, Jackson francolin, and white-starred forest robin.
Trekking to the Top Mt Elgon is considered a good alternative to climbing Rwenzori in Uganda or Kilimanjaro in Tanzania since it offers a milder climate, lower elevation and much more reasonable prices. The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes 3-5 days to complete, following either Sasa or Sipi trails.
Mount Elgon has developed campsites for overnight accommodations with own camping gear.
Written By; Tushabe Micheal Sabiiti
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