Showing posts with label Camping safaris in Uganda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camping safaris in Uganda. Show all posts

Monday 18 November 2013

Mount Elgon National Park - Uganda Safaris


Mount Elgon National Park is found in Eastern Uganda in The "Masaba Region".The Elgon mountain that stands magnificently about 4,321meters  above sea-level,is one of the greatest attractions at the site.
Sipi falls
Mount Elgon first erupted more than 24 million years ago but at the moment,it stands as a dormant volcano.The 50km by 80km wide mountain is also referred to as the "Masaba" Mountain because of the neighboring local people called the "Masaba".
The Park is a great tourist destination in Uganda and it posses the largest surface area of any extinct volcano  in the world.The Park is fourth highest in East Africa.
Mount Elgon straddles to the Kenya border.
Wagagai is the highest peak on this Mountain with 4321m above sea level.

What are the great attractions at the Park?
The presence of a magnificent flora and fauna at this park has led to the increased number of Tourists that visit the Mountain.The mountain's slopes support  a rich variety of splendid vegetation zones.These Vegetation zones range from lush Montana,mixed bamboo belt forest, to open moorland.
The vegetation contains rear endemic plant species that are breathtaking from both short and long distances.This is accompanied by the everlasting wild flowers that make the place look adorable to guests.

Activities at the Park
Trekking:
For those visitors that are interested in trekking,mount Elgon offers an unforgettable adventure as you climb past the big rocks and caves.There are 3 trailheads leading to the mountain's peaks.One trail starts from Budadiri,the second trail starts from Sasa and the last one starts from Kapkwai.

Cultural Walks:
Meet the Bagisu and Sabiny people around this park.These people are generally subsistence farmers and they are well know for practicing annual circumcision ceremonies.These ceremonies are carried out to initiate men into adulthood.

Hiking:
Hiking at this Park exposes a guest to a variety of unique forest monkeys and small antelopes plus elegant buffaloes and elephants.

The beautiful Sipi waterfalls offer a unique touch to the hike as you watch the beautiful waters drift from upper to lower levels.

Camping:
The Park has 9 basic campsites to offer.These campsites are strategically located along the trekking routes.Visitors are expected to carry there own camping equipment.


Accommodation at the Park
A tourist can opt for any lodge or hotel that he/she wishes to spend a night.Some of the accommodations at the park include the International standard hotels found in Mbale town (Mount Elgon Hotel,Country home,Mbale Resort and Sunrise Inn) and up-market lodges within the park.