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Description
Untamed Wilderness, Secluded Splendor
High in the mist-wreathed hills of western Kenya is a towering volcanic giant, crowned by a vast caldera etched by glacial tarns, honeycombed by labyrinthine caves, fissured by valleys and cascaded by streams. Visitors can explore the forest, see the elephant caves and also enjoy biking, hiking, and rock on the eighth highest mountain in Africa, Mount Elgon.
Towering about 4222m high, covered in mist and drizzle Mt. Elgon is a soaring volcanic giant. It’s a sight to behold! The lush montane forest is thick and evergreen on the floor, but as you hike up, the foliage changes and the best place to see the lush montane forest is on the Chelulus circuit of the park. Mixed bamboo and Podocapus is the next forest zone that is a common feature on the mountain.
The heath zone is characterized by dense scrub and wildflowers. The alpine moorland zone boasts of the highest number of endemic plants species on the mountain while the open moorland grassland is dotted with clusters of giant groundsel and lobelia plants that are unique to East Africa.
Attractions & Activities
The salt-mining elephants of Kitum Cave are definitely a spectacle. Tonnes of elephants, dubbed ‘the troglodyte tuskers’ stream down the cave to dig out salt elements from the ground. The park boasts of caves formed from ancient lava tubes namely Kitum, Making’eny, Chepnyalil, Ngwarisha and Kiptoro. Cave exploration and excursions in the bat infested caves are common with outdoor junkies that love the thrill of being in the wilderness.
Making’eny cave, located about 1.5km from the Kitum caves has a spectacular waterfall over its mouth. A hike up is refreshing and the views breathtaking.
The park has two internationally recognized designations; Important Bird Area (IBA) and UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) sites.
Mt. Elgon offers great opportunities for hiking to Endebess Bluff and Koitoboss peak, Picnicking and Cave exploration, Primate and Bird watching, Cross border tourism, Horse riding, Botanical diversity, Spectacular waterfalls and beautiful picnic sites, Photography and Self-guided walking tours at nature trails and Hot springs at the border of Kenya and Uganda.
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Listing Features
Stay in the Wild. Explore. Create memories
Set in the quietude of nature, KWS offers a modest and wide range of self-catering accommodation options targeting the budget traveler. Whether you are looking to get away from the exhausting grind of life, a break away from the hustle and bustle of the city right into the serenity of bush, or you just long to soak in your senses and reconnect with nature, KWS bandas and guesthouses offer the perfect ambience.
Koitoboss Guesthouse
Accommodation; 1unit, 6pax
Consists of three bedrooms each with two single beds.
Amenities: Fully furnished sitting/dining area, equipped kitchen with a barbeque area outside. Beddings, towels, toiletries and two bathrooms. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.
Rates:
Citizens/Residents KES 6,000
Non-Residents – US$ 180
Kapkuro Bandas
Accommodation: 4units, 3pax per unit
Consists of one bedroom with one single and one double bed.
Amenities;
Kitchenette with a gas cooker, hot showers, beddings, towels and toiletries. Lighting is by electricity. A house care taker is available.
Rates:
Citizens/Residents KES 3,000
Non-residents – US$ 40
Special Campsite:
• Salt Lick
For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor has to reserve the campsite well in advance for exclusive use. Visitors are required to bring with them a source of fire and kitchen utensils.
Most of the special campsites are located near rivers in the park unless otherwise indicated.
Public Campsites
• Chorlim
• Nyati
• Rongai
• Mutamayo
For this category, standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area.
Public campsites do not require prior booking.
*Reservation of bandas/guesthouses and special campsites should be done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites including other park charges.
What to take with you
Whether camping or just visiting for a day trip, visitors are advised to carry with them the following; personal effects, drinking water, food, camping equipment if the visitor intends to stay overnight.
Also important are; Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid kit, sunglasses, appropriate hiking/mountaineering gear and reserve car fuel if intending to be in the park longer.
Security/Guided tour per guide
• KES 1,720 – up to 4 hours
• KES 3,015 – Over 4 hours
Community guided tours
a) Lower circuit KES 1,500/guide
b) Upper circuit KES 3,000/guide
Special Vehicle Hire
a) Kitale to end-road and back KES15,000
b) Kitale lower circuit and back KES12,000
c) Chorlim gate to end-road and back KES 12,000
d) Chorlim gate lower circuit and back KES 10,000
Vehicle Charges per day
• Less than 6 seats KES 300
• 6-12 seats KES 1,030
• 13-24seats KES 2,585
• 25-44 seats KES 4,050
• 45 seats and above KES 5,000
By Road: From Nairobi, drive to Kitale town and from here is a well signposted murram (dirt) Endebess road to Mt. Elgon Lodge and Chorlim gate. Chorlim gate is the main gate which also leads to the park headquarters
By Air: Visitors can fly to Eldoret airport (70 KM away). Kitale airstrip, located 10km outside Kitale town on the main Kitale-Bungoma road, is 30 km from the park.
Working Hours
- Monday Open all day
- Tuesday Open all day
- Wednesday Open all day
- Thursday Open all day
- Friday Open all day
- Saturday Open all day
- Sunday Open all day
Booking Inquiry
Location / Contacts
- Address : Mt. Elgon National Park, P.O.Box 753, Kitale
- Phone : +254 20 3539903
- Mail : elgonnp@kws.go.ke
- Website : http://www.kws.go.ke/content/mount-elgon-national-park
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