Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon is Kenya’s second highest mountain in Kenya. It lies 140 km north-east of Lake Victoria and is bisected by the Kenya-Uganda border.
An ancient eroded volcano with a huge caldera, its summit has the spectacular flat-topped basalt column known as Koitobos.
Another unique feature of the mountain is the lava tube caves, some over 60 metres wide and only caves in the world frequented by elephants (and other animals) digging for salts.
Mount Elgon National Park was gazetted in 1968 and covers a narrow transect on its north-eastern slopes. The remaining forest and moorland is part of the Mount Elgon Forest Reserve.
Contact details
PO Box 753, KitaleTel: +254 (0)54 310456/7Email: menp@swiftkenya.com
www.kws.go.ke
Contact person
Senior Warden
Location
On the western border of Kenya with Uganda, in Trans-Nzoia District of Rift Valley Province.
Distance from Nairobi
420 km
Size
169 square km
Park fees
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contacttour operator.
Climatic conditions
The climate is moist to moderate dry. Annual rainfall is over1,270 mm
Attractions of Mount Elgon
Together with the fauna and flora, the park is endowed withvariety and breathtaking scenery of cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, mesas, calderas, hot springs, and the mountain peaks.
Wildlife in Mount Elgon
Elephant, leopard, giant forest hog, bushback, buffalo, duiker,black and white colobus, blue monkeys, and golden cat, among others. Birds: More than 240 bird species in the area, including the African crowned eagle, Ross’ turaco and red-fronted parrot.
Access to Mount Elgon
Road:
Access is via tarmac roadto Kitale, branch to murram road and then to the Chorlim Gate. Two routes to the gate can be used, either via Endebess or take the tarmac road 15 km past Kitale and turn left onto a murrum road leading to the gate.
Accommodation in Mount Elgon
Lodges:
Mount Elgon Lodge, 0.5 km outside the park gate
KWS Self-Catering
Accommodation: Kapkuro Bandas, Koitoboss Guesthouse, Kitum Guesthouse
Best time to visit
All year round
Activities in Mount Elgon
Vehicle circuits leading to animal viewing areas, the cavesand Koitoboss peak; self-guided walking trails (ask for the KitumCave guide book at the gate); hiking to Endebess Bluff and Koitoboss Peak; primate and bird watching; cave explorations;camping; horse-riding; photography.
Other Related Pages
Nairobi national park |
Aberdare National Park in Kenya |
Amboseli National Park in Kenya |
Arabuko Sosoke Forest National Park |
Lake Nakuru national park |
Mount Kenya national Park |
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park |
Mount Longonot National Park |
Mwea National Reserve in Kenya |
Nasolot National Reserve |
Ndere Island National Park in Kenya |
Bisanadi National Park |
Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve |
Chyulu Hills National Park |
Hells Gate National Park |
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