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mount elgon national park |
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The
Park Mt. Elgon has been called a "Mountain of Illusion" partly because of the number of hiking parties lost on its slopes in the past (not anymore!) and also because no one could determine its highest point. Sudek and Koitobos Peaks (Kenya) were both proclaimed " the top of Elgon" at different times.
The majority of the park is situated above 2000m and extends up to the highest peak (Wagagai) at 4321m.
Although there is no verifiable evidence of its earliest volcanic
activity, Mt. Elgon is estimated to be at least 24 million years
old, making it the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa. This presents
a striking comparison to Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in
Africa at 5895m, which is just over one million years old.
Judging by the diameter of its base, it is a common belief among
geological experts that Mt. Elgon was once the highest mountain
in Africa, however erosion has played a significant role in reducing
the height to its present elevation of 4321m. Mt. Elgon is now the
eighth highest massif on the African continent!
The caldera (crater) is one of Mt. Elgon’s most spectacular
geological features. Following intense eruptions, the magma chamber
drained and the hardened, over-lying volcanic cone collapsed, forming
the caldera. Approximately 8km in diameter, Mt. Elgon’s caldera
is one of the largest intact calderas in the world. Weathered hills
and peaks several hundred meters above the caldera floor form a
wide ring around the caldera. The highest peaks in Uganda are: Wagagai
(4321m), Mubiyi (4211m), and Jackson’s Summit (4161m), while
Sudek (4302m), and Koitobos (4222m) Peaks are located in Kenya.
Hot springs bubble up to 44C at the head of the Gorge.
Mt. Elgon provides a vital source of good quality water to several
million people in eastern Uganda and western Kenya, and acts as
a major water catchment area for the Lakes Kyoga, Turkana, Victoria,
and eventually the Nile River. In addition, the mountain provides
essential forest products such as fresh bamboo shoots, honey, and
medicinal plants. Over 110,000 hectares of this 1154 sq km national
park is heavily forested, thus presenting an important timber resource
for local communities and the nation as a whole.
The area is full of colourful dances, dress and handicrafts of the people are well worth seeing. The village markets bustle with life, and local craftsmen work as they have done for generations. In this area visitors can discover the infinite variety our lifestyles and heritage which make Uganda so special
Access
Distances between important locations.
Kampala to Mbale via Jinja and Tirinyi Rd. 256km/3hours.
Mbale to Budadiri 30km/0.25hrs
Mbale to Nagudi Rock 15km/0.5hrs
Mbale to Sipi Falls 66km/1.5hrs
Sipi Falls to Forest Exploration Center 12.5km/0.5hrs
Sipi Falls to Kapkwata 45km/1.5hrs.