How to Get to Mount Elgon National Park
Getting to Mount Elgon National Park
Uganda’s Mount Elgon National Park is an adventure unto itself, with a range of transportation choices to fit all tastes and budgets. Please find below a thorough road map to this magnificent location:
Via Air:
International Airport of Entebbe (EBB)
The majority of tourists to Mount Elgon National Park land in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport, which is close to Kampala, the country’s capital. You can then choose to get to the park by ground transportation or a domestic flight to Jinja or Soroti.
Flying Within the Country:
Entebbe is served by several domestic airlines that fly to neighboring airports including Mbale Airport and Soroti Airport. Ground transportation to Mount Elgon National Park can be arranged from there.
By Road:
Private Vehicle:
Those looking for independence and flexibility often drive to Mount Elgon National Park. Roads from big cities like Kampala and Mbale lead to the park. The trip takes, depending from where you start, usually six to eight hours.
Renting a Car
You can get to explore Mount Elgon National Park at your own speed by obtaining a Uganda car rental. A variety of cars fit for both paved and dirt roads are available from a number of automobile rental businesses that operate in Kampala and other big towns. Ask about insurance and any extra needs for cross-country travel.
Public Transportation:
Public buses and minibusses offer a reasonably priced means of getting to Mount Elgon National Park for those on a tight budget. From Kampala, buses go to Mbale, where you can get into smaller cars or taxis that are going to the park. Even if the trip could take longer, it provides an opportunity to see the local way of life and landscape.
Routes to Mount Elgon National Park
From Kampala
Mount Elgon National Park lies 235km east of Kampala. A tarmac road runs through Jinja to Mbale town at the western base of Mount Elgon, before climbing to Kapchorwa on the mountain’s north-western flank. Murram roads lead off the MbaleKapchorwa road to reach the various trailheads.
A Mount Elgon National Park Information Office is located on Plot 19/21 Masaba Road, near the Mount Elgon Hotel, in Mbale town. This is open from 08.00-13.:00 and 14,00-17,00, Mon-Fri and 09.00-13.00 on Saturdays. Bookings for park activities can be made at this office or at Uganda Wildlife Authority HO in Kampala.
Mbale is 4 hours from Kampala via Tororo.
Kampala – Mbale via Jinja and Tirinyi Rd – 256km 3 hours.
Mbale – Budadiri – 30km 1 hour (road can be muddy and slippery in wet conditions)
Mbale – Sipi Falls – 66km 1 1/2 hours.
Sipi Falls – Kapkwata – 45km 1 1/2 hours
Matutus to Sipi Trading Centre depart from the clock tower taxi park in Mbale. The fare is Ush 4000-. The road has been completely tarred up to The Sipi Falls Trading centre with work continuing up to Kapchorwa. The road is steep in places however a pleasure to drive. This route was prior to the tar was a 6 hour hell journey after any rain.
Budadiri is accessible by public transport. Matatus for Budadiri also depart from the Clock Tower taxi park in mabale. The one way fare is Ushs 2,000-. Those with their own vehicles can be sure of finding safe parking in Budadiri or at Sipi Falls at a price obviously. Use public transport to get to the trail head at Kapkwata. Porters and guides will be found c/o the sub headquarters in Budadiri or Kapnarkut.
Guides and porters in Budadiri can be organised through the Mt. Elgon Guides and Porters Association.
To the park head quarters in Mbale:
Mbale is east of Kampala, about four to six hours by road. From the clock tower at the center of town, head up Republic Street. It’s a bit of a walk, so if on foot, hop on a boda-boda (a bicycle taxi). The park offices will be on your left.
To Budadiri (for Sasa Trail):
From Mbale: from the clock tower at the center of town, head up Kumi road and catch a matatu (minibus taxi) to Budadiri.
Kapkwata (for Piswa Trail):
From Mbale: from the clock tower at the center of town, head up Kumi road. Look for a matatu (minibus taxi) heading to Kapchorwa and ask to be dropped off at Sipi trading center. From Sipi it’s another 45 kilometers to Kamkwata.
Where to Stay
In Mbale:
Mbale is one of the major towns in Uganda and there are plenty of options to choose from in town, for a range of budgets. Remember to stock up on supplies here.
In Budadiri:
Rose’s Last Chance is where most travellers stay. Simple rooms, good food and right opposite the National Park office. Rose can also help you get organised for the trek.
Piswa Trailhead:
You can stay at the guesthouse operated by UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority). Enquire at the National Park office.
Tours to Mount Elgon National Park
Planned Tours
Mount Elgon National Park guided tours are available from many tour operators, who also provide hassle-free lodging, transportation, and activities. An ideal choice for people looking for a well planned experience with knowledgeable guides and extra convenience is to join a tour.
Scheduled Services:
Shuttle services are provided by a few hotels and travel agencies between Mount Elgon National Park and big cities like Kampala and Mbale. Usually providing comfortable van or minibus transportation, these shuttles have prearranged pickups and departures at predetermined locations.
More on accommodation options at the Travel Uganda page.