Wanale ridge is a sleeping tourism gem at the foot hills of Mount Elgon in Mbale eastern region. Standing at a height of 6,864 ft, Wanale can be viewed from all areas in Mbale and neighboring districts. It covers a huge portion of Bugisu’s land surface. Wanale ridge was named after Masaba’s son, it is also believed to be the place where Nabarwa, the Kalenjin woman who prevailed upon Masaba to get circumcised before they got married, came from on her way from Kenya.
Wanale ridge is can be explored by trekking through the ridges, as you ascend up the mountain reaching the water falls it becomes tarrying looking down where you came from amidst sloppy rocks and landslides. Wanale Mountain is a tourist attraction not yet discovered with escarpments, deep valleys, water streaked cliffs, caves and rocks.
A hike to the ridge will lead one to Khaukha cave which is the most prominent cave of them with calligraphic writings on its walls and a water stream. The other interesting features that Wanale offers are its many cascading waterfalls which include Namatsyo waterfall flowing two miles down from the mountain top and makes deep tunnels in the rocky bottom.
How to get there
Wanale ridge is in the eastern region, from Mbale town approximately 18 miles about 30-40 minute’s drive. Take a left turn after the Mbale High Court and follow the road that goes down to Busamaga Primary School. From here you take a right turn onto Bumboi road for 15-20 minutes’ drive.