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Straddling the border between Kenya and Uganda, Mount Elgon National Park is one of Kenya’s most scenic yet underrated natural attractions. Centered around Mount Elgon, an ancient extinct volcano, the park is a haven for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a quieter, less commercialized alternative to other mountain parks in the region.
Located in Western Kenya, about 140 km north of Kisumu, the park spans 1,279 square kilometers on the Kenyan side and features a stunning blend of cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and lush montane forests. It offers a refreshing escape from the savannah and coast, making it a favorite among nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.
Mount Elgon rises to a height of 4,321 meters, making it Kenya’s second-highest mountain after Mount Kenya. Unlike the more technical climbs of Mount Kenya, the trails on Mount Elgon are less crowded and more accessible, offering excellent opportunities for moderate hiking and multi-day treks.
There are several trails leading to the peaks and caldera, with Koitobos Peak being the highest point on the Kenyan side. Hikes through the forested slopes often pass giant lobelias, bamboo zones, and open moorlands, providing sweeping views and diverse landscapes.
This makes Mount Elgon National Park one of the best destinations for mountain climbing in Kenya without the pressure of altitude or technical gear.
One of the most fascinating attractions in the park is its lava caves, especially Kitum Cave, which extends over 200 meters into the mountainside. These caves are famous for an unusual phenomenon: salt-mining elephants.
At night, herds of elephants and other animals enter the caves to lick the salt-rich walls. This behavior is rarely seen elsewhere in the world and adds a unique aspect to wildlife viewing in the park.
Other caves such as Chepnyali and Ngwarisha are also worth visiting and are accessible via guided hikes.
Wildlife in Mount Elgon National Park includes a wide range of species, such as buffaloes, bushbucks, colobus monkeys, leopards, and the giant forest hog. While larger predators are rarely seen, the park is rich in biodiversity and offers quiet, rewarding game viewing in a forested environment.
The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds recorded, including the Hartlaub’s turaco, crowned eagle, and various sunbirds that thrive in the montane ecosystem.
Mount Elgon National Park is accessible from Kitale town, which has good road connections to other parts of Western Kenya. The park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Service, and entry is through the Chorlim Gate.
Accommodation options include self-catering bandas, forest lodges, and camping sites within the park, as well as hotels and guesthouses in Kitale.
For travelers seeking something different from the typical savannah safari, Mount Elgon National Park delivers peaceful hiking trails, rare wildlife experiences, and stunning natural features like caves and waterfalls. Whether you’re climbing through misty forests or watching elephants mine salt in ancient lava tubes, Mount Elgon offers a truly unique side of Kenya’s natural beauty.
