Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon is an ancient extinct shield located at the border of Kenya and Uganda. Its estimated to be 24 million years making it the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa. Wagagai is the highest peak reaching 4321 metres and is located in Uganda. On the Kenyan side Koitoboss peak which is 4155 metres. Mt Elgon has the largest volcano base in the world. Its crater caldera is about 8 kilometres wide.

The mountain contains a series of caves which were formed as a result of volcanic activities, erosion and animal mining. Kitun cave is the most famous where elephants enter and use their tusks to mine minerals by use of their tusks from the walls and thr floor. Mount Elgon is home to montane forest,giant groundsels,waterfalls and diverse wildlifeandover 300 bird species. It also offers non-technical climbing.

Mount Elgon is internationally recognized and heavily protected under UNESCOs Man and Biosphere (MAB).

4,321 m

Altitude

2 Counties

Location

Moderate

Difficulty

Jan–Mar

Best Season

Transboundary Biosphere Reserve

World Heritage

Overview

Mount Elgon is situated at the border of Kenya and Uganda and is the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa. The mountain has several caves resulting from the volcanic activities,mining, animals and erosion. There is diverse wildlife in the area and over 300 bird species.

The mountain is an important water catchment, wildlife habitat and cultural landscape, supporting species such as elephants, buffaloes, leopards and many birds, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Mount Elgon

Why Visit?

If you are experienced mountaineer, curious explorer or looking for breathtaking scenery, Mount Kenya offers unforgettable experiences like hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, bird watching and spectacular sunrises.

"Mount Elgon is the ultimate plot twist: you hike up an extinct volcano for the epic views, only to end up underground watching wild elephants aggressively lick salt off a cave wall."

Popular Activities

  • Summit Trekking
  • Cave Exploration
  • Sipi Falls Hikes
  • Birdwatching & Primate Viewing
  • Mountain Biking