Flora and fauna
The ascent of Mount Elgon passes through a series of roughly concentric vegetation zones. The lower slopes of the mountain are intensively farmed up to the park boundary. The first zone of natural vegetation is montane forest which runs from the park boundary up to 2500m. This is followed by bamboo and low canopy forest (2400 – 3000m), then high montane heath (3000 – 3500m) which includes the giant heather (Phillipea excelsia)growing up to 6m tall. Above 3500m, cold temperatures and fierce winds force the heather to give way to open moorland.
Finally, above 3800m, dramatic Afroalpine vegetation is found among tussock grasslands and Carex bogs. This rare and spectacular vegetation type is restricted to the upper reaches of East Africa’s highest mountains and includes the giant groundsel (Senecio elgonensis) and the endemic Lobelia elgonensis.
Mount Elgon supports a variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, Defassa’s waterbuck, oribi, bushbuck, leopard and spotted hyena. However, as is usual in forest environments, most of these species are rarely seen. The most commonly seen creatures are black and white colobus, blue monkey, duiker and tree squirrel.
The mountain is home to 296 birds including 40 restricted range species. Birds whose Ugandan range is limited to Mount Elgon include Jackson’s francolin, moustached green tinkerbird, and black collared apalis, the Ugandan ranges of which are limited to Mount Elgon. The bronze-naped pigeon, Hartlaub’s turaco and tacazze sunbird are limited to Mount Elgon and a few other mountains in eastern Uganda. Mount Elgon is also one of the few places in Uganda where the endangered Lammergeyer can be seen, soaring above the caldera and Suam gorge.
Local People
Mount Elgon is home to three tribes, the Bagisu, the Sabiny and the Ndorobo. The Bagisu and Sabiny are subsistence farmers and conduct circumcision ceremonies every other year to initiate young men (and in the Sabiny’s case, girls) into adulthood. Traditionally, the Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba, and you may hear the mountain called by this name. Local people have long depended on forest produce and have made agreements with the park to continue to harvest resources such as bamboo poles and bamboo shoots (a delicious local delicacy).
The Sipi waterfalls
Sipi Falls is found within Kapchorwa district, in the North-eastern side of Mbale and Sironko Town, at the edge of Mount Elgon National Park and is made up of a series of three breathtaking waterfalls. Hiking to the top of the waterfalls rewards tourists with the magnificent views of the Karamoja plains, the slopes of Mount Elgon as well as Lake Kyoga. There are several interesting activities within the Sipi falls and they include Cave exploration, rock climbing and abseiling, World-class hiking, trout fishing, bird watching, the runner’s experience, cultural encounters and coffee farm tours among others.
Attractions outside Mountain Elgon National Park
Forest Exploration Centre and Kapkwata
Several trails in the area allow for intriguing day hikes through friendly local villages and beautiful farming country. Pleasant campsites and lodge facilities, including meal services and hot showers are available at Crow’s Nest located just before the Sipi trading centre.
More expensive accommodation is available at the Sipi Falls Resort. Please enquire about guides to escort you on the gradual 1.5 hour walk to the Forest Exploration Centre. Seven rock-climbing routes are open at Nagudi rock, half-way between Mbale and Budadiri. The routes are bolted, but climbers must bring their own rock-climbing equipment. Each climber pays to the local Parish treasurer. More information and directions are available at the MENP Visitor’s Centre office in Mbale.
Bufumbo and Wanala Forest Reserves
These forest Reserves are located within Wanale Ridges, around 5 kilometers East of Mbale Town. The interesting attractions include primates such as the Vervet monkeys, the black and white colobus monkeys and the Blue-tailed monkeys, the shy African Civet mammals and bird species such as the Turacos. The activities to expect include nature/forest walks, birding, cliff viewing, primate viewing, rock climbing, Cave exploration and Camping around the Wanale ridge.
Other interesting sites to explore within Eastern Uganda include Bujjagali waterfalls, the Simu and Sisi falls, Sisiyi waterfalls, the Kagulu Hills and the Bulegeni and Butandinga cliffs among others.