Mount Elgon A Beginner’s Climbing Guide & Hiking Expeditions

Mount Elgon A Beginner’s Climbing Guide & Hiking Expeditions. In the Mt. Elgon National Park, on the Kenyan and Ugandan borders, north of Kisumu, and west of Kitale, is the extinct shield volcano Mount Elgon. Located in Uganda, the mountain is crowned with the Wagagai peak. This mountain ranks sixteenth among Africa’s highest, with an elevation of 4,321 meters (14,77 feet) above sea level. This mountain is the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa, dating back 24 million years. Around 3,500 sq km (1,400 sq mi) is the area covered by this mountain as well. Additionally, it is recognized as a single volcanic peak that borders both eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Above the surrounding plains, the mountain soars more than 3,070 meters, and its diameter is 80 kilometers. The higher altitude offers comfort to flora and fauna, while the cooler heights provide relief to humans from the sweltering plains below.

There are five peaks in the park: the wagagai peak in Uganda (4,321 m/14,177 ft), the Sudek peak on the Kenyan border (4,302 m/14,114 ft), the Mubiyi peak in Uganda (4,211 m/13,816 ft), the Masaba peak in Uganda (4,161 m/13,652 ft), and the basalt column Koitobos peak in Kenya (4,222 m/13,852 ft). One of the world’s largest intact calderas is located on this mountain. On top of the thrilling scenery of rare plants and animals, this mountain offers hikers the chance to explore caverns, waterfalls, summits, hot springs, and gorges. No matter the season, hiking this mountain is at its most enjoyable from December to March or June to August, when the weather is dry. This mountain is a popular destination for daily trekkers because it is not particularly steep, requires nothing in the way of specific equipment or expertise to reach the peak, and only physically fit hikers should apply themselves.