Mount Elgon National Park
Eastern, Uganda

Mount Elgon National Park

A remarkable wilderness experience in Uganda's heart.

Plan My Visit
Distance from Entebbe 379 km Approximate driving distance
Altitude 2,711 m Above sea level
About This Destination

A scenic highland park in eastern Uganda, Mount Elgon offers gentle hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, and one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas.

Why You'll Love Mount Elgon National Park
✦ Mount Elgon caldera (one of the largest in the world)
✦ Wagagai Peak (4,321m)
✦ Sipi Falls near the park boundary
✦ Elephant caves and salt-mining sites
✦ Scenic highland views and rolling landscapes
✦ Diverse vegetation zones from forest to moorland
✦ Less strenuous trekking compared to other major mountains
Experiences & Activities
✦
Mountain hiking and trekking
✦
Climbing Wagagai Peak
✦
Nature walks and forest exploration
✦
Visiting Sipi Falls
✦
Bird watching
✦
Cave exploration
✦
Cultural visits to Bagisu communities
✦
Camping and photography
Wildlife & Species
Forest elephants Buffaloes Leopards Blue monkeys Black-and-white colobus monkeys Bushbucks Duikers Hyenas Lammergeier (bearded vulture) Jackson’s francolin Sunbirds Over 300 bird species
Transport Options
Road Air
Getting There

Mount Elgon National Park is accessed via Mbale in eastern Uganda. The drive from Entebbe or Kampala takes about 4 - 5 hours (approximately 235 km) via Jinja and Mbale. Roads are generally in good condition. Chartered domestic flights can be arranged to nearby airstrips such as Soroti, followed by a road transfer to the park.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options range from budget campsites to mid-range lodges around Mbale and Sipi Falls. Visitors can stay in eco-lodges with scenic views of the mountain or choose simple guesthouses near park entry points such as Budadiri.

Best Time to Visit
June – September

Peak travel season

June – September and December – February are ideal for hiking with drier conditions and clearer views. March – May and October – November are wetter, making trails more challenging but offering lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate: Mount Elgon National Park has a cool, moist mountain climate. Temperatures vary with altitude, generally ranging from 10°C to 25°C. Rainfall is common, especially during March – May and October – November, while higher elevations are cooler and often misty.
Entry Fees & Permits
Park entry fees (approximate):
Foreign Non-Residents: $35 per adult per day
Foreign Residents: $25 per adult per day
East African Citizens: UGX 20,000 per adult per day

Additional costs:
Hiking permits
Guide fees
Camping fees
Community and cultural experience fees
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