Mt. Elgon is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya. The mountain is found north of Kisumu and west of Kitale on the Kenya Side. The mountain’s highest pick, named “Wagagai”, is located entirely in Uganda. On the Kenya side, the highest point is Sudek.
At 4,000km² Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. It is also the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Geologists estimate that Mount Elgon is at least 24 million years old. This detail is not verifiable since there is no record of Mt. Elgon’s earliest volcanic activity. If its age is held factual, Elgon is the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa.
Its further believed that Mt Elgon was once Africa’s highest mountain. Geologists believe that the once tallest mountain has since reduced in highest to a mere 4,321m, thanks to millions of years of erosion. Currently, Mt. Elgon is the 4th highest mountain in East Africa and 8th in Africa.
The People
Mount Elgon is home to five tribes, the Bagisu and Sabiny of Uganda and the Kenyan Sapiinjak, the Sabaot, and the Ogiek. The Ogiek are also sometimes referred to as Ndorobo.
Mount Elgon is the embodment of the Bagisu’s heritage. Their forefather Masaba also shares name with Mt. Elson. The Bamasaba call Elgon Masaba hence sometimes the name Mt. Masaba.
For the Birders, Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 species of birds. On your Safari here, you might even get a chance to see the endangered Lammergeyer. The highest picks of mountain Elgon are UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve. They are also protected by National Parks both in Uganda and Kenya.
The most common animals on Mount Elgon are the blue monkeys and black and white columbus. The mountain in its forests also hosts a few Elephants.
What You Can Do On Your Trip To Mount Elgon.
The activities you can do while on safari to Mountain Elgon are many and varied.
- For the Bird lovers, you will find this a good pick to go birding.
- If you are into nature walks, you will have a fun walk in the green.
- If you are into challenges, you will like summit hiking on Mt. Elgon.
- Elgon is home to some amazing caves. You could take a cave visit while here.
