Mount Elgon National Park location is on the Uganda – Kenya border and it is the oldest and largest solitary and volcanic mountain in East Africa. With the size of 4,000km², Mount Elgon National Park has the largest volcanic base in the world. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. Therefore, mountain Elgon’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna.
The park forms part of such districts like Mbale, Sironko, Bududa and Kapchorwa in eastern Uganda. The major towns around include Mbale town, Budadiri, Kapchorwa, Tororo and Sironko. However, don’t miss out on smaller interesting towns like Kapkwata trading centre.
Mount Elgon National Park is located below the snow line but it can get very cold at night or in wet weather seasons. So, you are advised to bring enough warm clothes, so that you do not experience high altitude related illnesses and symptoms near the park.
Though you can climb at any time of year, the ascent of the escarpment is a tricky path known as ‘the well of death’, and it is not recommended if you are afraid of heights.
A difference between Uganda and other countries in Africa is the location. Though located on the equator, Uganda is higher in elevation with more bio-diversity than most the neighboring countries. There are the Savannahs like in other African locations but there are rainforests, jungles, mountains, lakes and rivers.
Mbale District is bordered by Sironko district to the north, Bududa District to the northeast, Manafwa District to the southeast, Tororo District to the south, Butaleja District to the southwest and Budaka District to the west. Pallisa District and Kumi District lie to the northwest of Mbale District.
In Uganda, most visitors seeking for mountain climbing experiences will always compliment their visit with hiking the Rwenzori Mountains. In addition, a safari game drive in the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park is also exciting for many visitors.