Monutain Elgon is an extinct volcano With the largest surface area of any extinct Volcano in the world (50km by 80km), the fourth highest in E.Africa .Mounatin elgon national Park is the second Uganda’s interesting National Parks for Mountain climbing or Mountaineering after mountain of the moon (Rwenzori mountain). Mountain Elgon has been a regional landmark for a long time and is one of Uganda's oldest physical features due to the fact there are more features which can't be found any where else forexample the landslid,mass wasting effect that has created more effect to the mountain which lead to the formation of more features which are recent examples to the people. The mountain is a highly important water catchment area and this is because It’s forests receives up to 3000mm of rain each year, which they store and release to support flora, fauna with in the park and to the surrounding population.
Mount Elgon in Uganda receives fewer visitors than other higher and more famous mountains in East Africa. However its now experincing an increase in the number of visitor due to the formation of new feature which can only be found on mountain elgon only due to recent landslids.
Location
It is located in Mbale district in Uganda occuping an area of 1,154 sq. km. The Park is located on the border of Kenya and Uganda and this make the park to be shared by uganda and kenya with many rivers originating from it top due to the high rainfall recieved throught the year among these rivers include Nzoia River , Turkwel River
HIKING MOUNTAIN ELGON
This is the most tourist activity taking place in Mount Elgon National Park. Climbing Mt. Elgon is relatively easy as the mountain is not difficult to climb and there fore there are no specialized skills or equipment is required to access the peaks. Tourists are free to climb this mountain any time of the year though the dry months of June to August.
Other Tourists attraction
The Park has other attractions such as the Elephants and buffalo which are found on the lower slopes. The park is also home to a variety of small antelope and forest monkeys, such as the Black-and-white Colobus and Blue Monkey. It also has over 300 birds which can be found in the area plus fauna and flora, the park has a variety of physical features like cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and the mountain peaks.
LOcal people
Bagisu and Sabin are the two ethnic tribes found around the Mountain. These practice subsistence farming and conduct circumcision ceremonies every year to prepare young men and woman for challenges of adult hood. These two communities have made agreement with the park for sustainable harvest of traditional forest product.
