Mount Elgon National Park Kenya

Mount Elgon is Kenya’s second highest mountain. It lies 140 km north-east of Lake Victoria and is bisected by the Kenya-Uganda border. It covers an area of 1279 sq km and is 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 60m 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.

Mount Kenya

Located in Mountain Elgon district, western province and Trans-Nzoia district, Rift valley province, Mount Elgon national park lies 470km northwest of Nairobi.
The vegetation in the park ranges from wet Montane and bamboo forests to Afro-Alpine moorlands.
Climate
Mount Elgon National Park experiences a moderately dry climate with annual rainfall totals of about 1,270mm. Surprisingly in Mount Elgon Park, it can rain at any time. The dry season runs from June to August, and December to March.
Attractions
-Fauna such as Porcupine, Rock hyrax, Genet cat, Oribi, Olive baboon, spotted hyena, Aardvark, Buffalo, giant forest hog, Red duiker.
-Birds about 240 species.
-Cave tours may be done to Chephyali and Makingeni.
Biodiversity (Wildlife & Birds)
Wildlife includes mammals such as the Porcupine, Rock hyrax, Genet cat, Oribi, Olive baboon, spotted hyena, Aardvark, Buffalo, giant forest hog, Red duiker, sykes’ and colobus monkey, Elephant, Bush buck, Leopard, and over 240 bird species.
Plant life comprises of the wet Montane, Afro-alpine moorlands and bamboo forest.
Getting There
Road: 2 WD vehicle is suitable for specific dry seasons; however; a 4WD is ideal all year through. From Kitale towards Endebess, there is a brown KWS signpost showing a left-hand turning to the park; a murram road leads to Mount Elgon lodge and 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.
Entry
Entry is by cash paid at park entrance in Kshs or US$.
No smartcard required at present.
Open: daily, 6:00am-7:00pm including pubic holidays.
Note: No entry is allowed on foot.
Visitors will not be allowed entry after 6:15pm.
Where to Stay
Kapkuro Bandas located inside the park premises, 1 km from chorlim gate, offers accommodation in 2 cottages each divided into 2 self-contained Bandas.
Each Banda has 1 bedroom with 1 double bed and 1 single bed.
The Bandas have a well-equipped kitchen; each has an outdoor dinning area, sitting room, bathroom and WC.
Safari Activities
- Vehicle circuits leading to animal viewing areas, the caves and Koitoboss peak
- Self-guided walking trails (ask for the Kitum Cave guide book at the gate)
- Hiking to Endebess Bluff and Koitoboss Peak
- Primate and bird watching
- Cave explorations
- Camping
- Horse-riding
- Photography
Note; Guests wishing to use Kapkuro Bandas must be escorted by a Ranger to the Bandas; according to park regulations.
When to visit
All year round