The size of Mount Elgon National Park covers an area of 1,279 square kilometers (494 sq mi) and is bisected by the border of Uganda – Kenya. The Ugandan part of the park covers 1,110 square kilometers (430 sq mi) while the Kenyan part covers 169 square kilometers (65 sq mi). The Kenyan part of the park was gazetted in 1968 and the Ugandan side in 1992.
At 4,000km² as the size of Mount Elgon makes it the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border it is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains. The mountain’s cool heights offer respite from the hot plains below, with the higher altitudes providing a refuge for flora and fauna.
More About the Size of Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon is the second highest in Uganda, after Rwenzori mountains, the fourth and eighth highest in East Africa and Africa respectively. Though millions of years ago it was the continent’s tallest. A climb on Mount Elgon’s deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many other mountains. The ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon
This extinct volcano is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupting around 24 million years ago. Mount Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain, far exceeding Kilimanjaro currently at 5,895m. Millennia of erosion have reduced its height to 4,321m, relegating it to the 4th highest peak in East Africa and 8th on the continent.
Mount Elgon is home to two major tribes, the Bagisu and the Sabiny or Sebei people, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet. The Bagisu, also known as the Bamasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father ‘Masaba’ and refer to the mountain by this name.
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.