As you journey, you will be seeing the famous Wanale waterfalls, otherwise known as ‘Nkokonjeru ridge’ in Luganda language. The name translates as ‘white cock’ in English. It was given to it for its whitish colour. This usually turns chocolaty brown though, especially in the rainy seasons as the rich soils atop the hill get eroded by the river.
Nkokonjeru ridge is a distinctive finger of forest extending outwards from the main massif of Mount Elgon. It lies at an elevation of 2,347m and covers a 25km-long tongue of lava that flowed out of the side of the volcano after the cone collapsed to block the main vent. Nkokonjeru ridge culminates at the superb Wanale cliffs which tower above Mbale Town. The seasonal Nabuyonga and Namatyo waterfalls are also located here. A trail at this western end of the ridge leads you to Khauka Cave where petrified wood can be found.
More About Nkokonjeru Ridge
The Nkokonjeru name was used by Semei Kakungulu’s people who used to refer to the mountain by that name. This came from the legend that Wanale, son of Masaba, reared only ‘white chicken’. It is believed that Wanale lived on top of Mount Elgon. Friends from Bugisu called him ‘Singokho’ or someone who likes chicken. The Baganda chose to name the mountain Nkokonjeru because of the many white chicken Wanale reared. Most of the mountain’s earliest inhabitants lived in caves.
Besides Nkokonjeru ridge, there are quite many other attractions around Mount Elgon National Park. Don’t miss out on hiking Sipi Falls, a visit to Nyero rock paintings and Kakoro rocks. Hiking Mount Elgon is also another major activity done in this region.
After visiting Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda is such a blessed destination that you can explore as a beautiful garden. You can make your way to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s spectacular wildlife safari park, to encounter the big five on your lucky day. Don’t miss the amazing boat cruise amidst the aquatic life and countless bird species. Further west, you can’t afford to miss the lifetime gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.