|
Elgon
is a 4,321m high extinct volcano which in
prehistoric times stood taller than
Kilimanjaro does today. Although the
mountain straddles the Kenya border, its
loftiest peak, Wagagai, lies within Uganda
and is best ascended from the Uganda side.
Elgon is an important watershed, and its
slopes support a rich variety of altitudinal
vegetation zones ranging from montane forest
to high open moorland studded with the
other-worldly giant lobelia and groundsel
plants.
Spectacular scenery is the main attraction
for hikers on this oft-neglected and
relatively undemanding mountain, but there
is also a variety of forest monkeys and
small antelope, along with elephant and
buffalo. A checklist topping 300 birds
includes many species not recorded elsewhere
in Uganda.
Other attractions include ancient cave
paintings close to the trailhead at Budadiri,
and spectacular caves and hot springs within
the crater.
SIZE:
1,145 sq km
WHAT TO DO:
From Budadiri or within the Mount Elgon
Forest Exploration Centre; hikes of four
days or longer traverse the peaks.
Well worth visiting is the lovely Sipi
Falls.
WHEN TO VISIT:
The lower slopes are fine throughout the
year. The drier months (June to August,
December to March) are best for hiking. |
