MT ELGON NATIONAL PARK 4.222M
Mount Elgon National Park rises on the Kenya-Uganda border with an area of 169 sq. km. This park has the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world and is the fourth highest mountain in Eastern Africa, Visitors can do hiking to explore magnificent waterfalls, enormous caves and scenic peaks with unique flora and fauna.
The best times to visit are during the drier seasons from June to August and December to March.
The climate is warm during the day but fresh temperature at nights due to high altitude.
How to get to Mount Elgon National Park
By car from Nairobi. It takes 7-8 hours.
By bus from Nairobi to Kitale (stopin Eldoret) and take a matatu to the Mt Elgon deviation in the juction on Kitale-Uganda cross border. In the juction you will find some bodas to pick you up to the gate. Agreed a pick up for the last day as he will wait for you at the time arranged. It takes 9-10 hours.
Things to do or see
Visiting Mt Elgon national Park requires to hire a local guide. You will find a Guide Association in Chorlim Gate. They will show you their social project exporting tea, advocates, pineapples to support local economy.
Caves. Mt. Elgon is dotted with caves formed from ancient lava tubes namely Kitum, Making’eny, Chepnyalil or Ngwarisha fulled of bats.
Salt-Mining Elephants of Kitum Cave
Kitum Cave is regularly visited by herds of elephants, dubbed the troglodyte tuskers, as well as bushbuck, Red Duiker, Grey Duiker and buffalo, all in search of the salts that abound in the mineral-rich earth of the caves.
Spectacular Waterfall. Making’eny Cave, located 1.5km from Kitum, has a spectacular waterfall over its mouth.
Hike the Koinobos peak (4.222m). You can start from Chorlim Gate, it requires 3-4 days trekking or you will need to arrange a transport in the Chorlim Gate (70 USD).
Entrances
Chorlim Gate via Kitale town or Eldoret.
KWS Public Campsite
Four basic campsites are located at strategic points along the trekking circuit.
Chorlim Campsite. This campsite is located near National Park Headquarters (Chorlim Gate). There, guests will find basic toilets, cooking facilities, non-potable water and firewood. There is not power. Bring drinking water, picnic items, camping equipment and torches if you intend to stay overnight.
Nyati Campsite
Rongai Public Campsite
Salt lick
Camping fees Resident Adult 350 KES - Child 200 KES Non Resident Adult 20 USD - Child 15 USD
Bear in mind that elephants live in the park so it's advisable to watch out and have a fire at nights.
Animals sighted
Zebras (lots), buffaloes (lots), bush buck (few), antelopes (few), blue monkey (few), babons (lots), waterbucks (lots), gazelle (few), elephants (lots), baboons (lots),
Others you may find:
Hyenas or gian forest hogs.
Entrance fees (24 hours)
Resident Adult 600 KES - Child 300 KES Non Resident Adult 26 USD- Child 17 USD
Car fees: 300 KES
Please note that only accepts payments with Credit Card, Mpesa and Paypal.
More info here.
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