Tour Guide, Kampala, Uganda
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The main tourist attraction for hikers on this neglected and relatively undemanding mountain is its spectacular scenery, mountain Elgon area also offers to sight a variety of unique forest monkeys and small antelopes, along with huge elephants and buffaloes. The unique Sipi waterfalls, ancient enormous Stone Age cave paintings close to the Budadiri trail head, the scenic mountain peaks, the hot springs that bubble up at 4800c and gorges are to mention but some of the thrilling attraction the Elgon area has to offer. With a checklist topping up to 300 birds, birding safari tourists have many bird species not recorded elsewhere in Uganda to see, plus unique hot springs within her crater, Elgon is indeed a great Africa tour destination.
Trekkers have up to three main trailheads leading to the Elgon mountain peaks. One may start from Budadiri i.e Sasa trailhead, Sipi trailhead- forest exploration centre - Kapkwai or may use the Kapkwata commonly referred to as the Piswa trailhead. Sasa trail passes through the park’s largest area of bamboo forest. It is the most direct route to the peaks though steep with rugged climbs of over 1600m in the start and its accessible from Mbale. The spectacular Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest is what Sipi trail has to offer, as opposed to the towering Podpcarpus forest offered by the Piswa trail, an excellent place for Wild game viewing. Contrary to the two routes, the Sipi and Piswa trails start at much higher elevations and have a more gradual climbs to the peaks. All trekking routes have camping sites with water sources plus tent pads and latrines.
In place is across boarder tourism between Mount Elgon National Park Uganda and Mount Elgon Park Kenya. The two entities hand over visitors to either team at the Hot Springs. Usually, the full trekking circuit to the peaks takes about 5 days to complete.
All trekking events/expeditions require a trained ranger guide to show you the way and enrich your journey by interpreting environmental aspects such as the Flora and Fauna and ensuring your safety, these are available at each trail head. Local porters are available for your carriage needs.
The Elgon area has nine basic campsites to offer located at strategic points along the trekking routes. Camping should only be done at designated campsites and tourists are advised to carry along with them all the required camping equipment.