Mountain Elgon
Mountain Elgon
Mountain Elgon is a volcano extinct located in eastern Uganda, Mbale town lying on the border between Kenya and Tanzania which is surrounded by a series of rugged peaks like the Jackson’s summit, kiongo, mubiyi and Wagagai which is the highest peak(4321 metres). Mountain Elgon is known as Masaba by the local people around.
The name Masaba was the ancestor of the neighboring Bagisu who believe that their ancestors appeared from this cave many years ago.
There are trekking trails heads and routes where they all lead you to the peaks of the mountain and the two main trail heads are;
The salsa trail known also as Buddukiro trail head which is easily accessible and the most direct route and one can summit without the need for any technical climbing. It is a multi-day trek to the summit, and the number of days depends on the fitness of the group and how much of the mountain you wish to explore.
The Pisa trail also known as the Kapkwata trail head which is excellent for wildlife viewing. It’s notable for its rich wildlife and spectacular views of the Karamoja plains in Uganda and the Nandi and Kapeguria hills in Kenya. The Pisa trail also passes the hot springs on the way to the caldera and the peaks.
Things to see
The flora and fauna where the natural vegetation is a dense montane forest which runs from the park mixed with bamboo belts swarming with birdlife. Afro alpine vegetation is found among tussock grasslands and Carex bogs. This rare and spectacular vegetation type is restricted to the upper reaches of East Africa’s highest mountains
Mount Elgon supports a variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, leopard and spotted hyena. However, as is usual in forest environments, most of these species are rarely seen. The most commonly seen creatures are black and white colobus, blue monkey, duiker and tree squirrel.
The mountain is home to birds include blue fly catchers, lemon dove, mountain yellow warbler, baglafecht weaver among others
The magnificent waterfalls where you get to hear the raring sounds of the waters and the enormous caves with scenic peaks and gorges.
Caves which include hunters cave, mude cave, siyo cave and tutum cave
Nkokonjeru ridge and Wanale which are cliffs where the seasonal waterfalls of Nabuyonga and Namatyo are located
You get to see the finest growers of Arabica coffee which is has a reputation in Uganda and Kenya
Nyero rock paintings which show the art and tradition which is the best encounter of art you enjoy to see
Things to do
Nature walks / hiking
Where you get to walk through the trails that will lead you to the caves the view points of the waterfalls and the scenery
Bird watching
This place offers excellent birding opportunities around kapakwi forest exploration in the thick thrubs where you get to see the African blue fly catcher, lemon dove, among others
Cultural encounters
You get the encounters with the Budadiri community where they do cultural dances, coffee tours, community nature walks and know more about their way of life
Rock climbing at Sipi falls
Rack climbing at Sipi where the requirements to use can be hired at Sipi falls and also requires different techniques
Mountain climbing
You follow the trails where you choose any of your choice among the trails which takes you 4 to 5 days depending on your skills, speed and energy
Mountain biking
A mountain biking trail runs from Sipi trading centre to Chema Hill in Kapchorwa town which provides views of various waterfalls and the Karamoja plains.
Abseiling at Sipi falls
You enjoy the descending of a rock face using a doubled rope coiled round the body and fixed at a higher point and enjoy the view of the water falls
Sipi falls
Sipi falls are outside the mountain Elgon national park and no far away from the park with a breathtaking view and beautiful scenery.
Sipi falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of Sironko and Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border.
The Sipi Falls area is the starting point for many hikes up Mt. Elgon. The most popular route starts Budadiri and follows the Sasa trail to the summit and then descends down the Sipi trail back into the Sipi Falls. Hikes around and the offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains
A rare view of the Sipi falls
Bamasaba culture
The Bamasaba are commonly known as the Bagisu or Gisu people here in Uganda who are renowned for their imbalu dances and ceremonies conducted by native people during their initiation ceremonies.
The Gisu men under go circumcision where they make initiation ceremonies every two years during the month of August. Their local language is known as Lumasaba
Among the Gisu there is no central rule and the imbalu norms are passed on from the days of old to present where the ritual is practiced publicly and also the woman’s pride is when they get married to circumcised man in their culture
The bagisu dancing to their kadodi dance
Best time to visit
You can visit mountain Elgon throughout the year but the beat time to visit is in the month of June to August and December to March
What to bring for mountain climbers
Tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy hiking shoes, flashlight, water bottle, and a rain gear
Accommodation facilities around
There are a number of lodges and camps in and around the camp which can easily be found. Some of the accommodation facilities include;
Suam guest house (UWA), forest exploration center Bandas, Sipi valley resort Kapchorwa, campsite in Kapakwi, student hostel, Kapkwata Guest house (Along the Pisa trail), Sipi river lodge in the Sipi falls area, Masha hotel in Kapchorwa, Rose’s last chance which is Community run Camp in Budadiri. For bookings please communicate early for preparations
