DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK (BINP)

SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK

At 4,000 sq. km, Mt. Elgon has the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the Uganda-Kenya border, it is also the oldest and the largest solitary volcanic mountain in East Africa. Its vast form, 80km in diameter, rises more than 3,000m above the surrounding plains.

Elgon, whose name is derived from the Maasai name, Ol Doinyo Ilgoon ('Breast Mountain'), has five major peaks with the highest, Wagagai (4,321m), rising on the Ugandan side. It is the second-tallest mountain in Uganda (after Mt Stanley at 5,109m) and the eighth in Africa. A climb on Mt. Elgon's deserted moorlands unveils a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit-oriented approach common to many mountains: the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt. Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4,321m Wagagai Peak, but the descent into the vast 40km² caldera.

Its forest morphs into heath and then afro-alpine moorland towards the peak. The moorland is studded with rare plant species, such as giant groundsel and endemic Lobelia elgonensis. Duikers roam through the long grass while endangered lammergeier vultures hover overhead. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, creating an extensive trans-boundary conservation area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.

Spread out over the slopes of this massive extinct volcano are various primates and over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer, the rare Jackson's francolin, alpine chat and white-starred forest robin. Larger fauna, including leopard, hyena, buffalo and elephant are far harder to spot. Understandably, most visitors come to hike and marvel at the impressive landscapes.

Other activities:

• Cultural tours – The Bagisu and the Sabiny, with the marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet. The Bagisu, also known as the BaMasaba, consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by this name.