Mt. Elgon National Park
An ancient volcanic mountain on the Kenya-Uganda border with massive caves, waterfalls, and the world’s largest intact caldera.
About Mt. Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano straddling the Kenya-Uganda border, rising to 4,321 metres. The Kenya side of Mt. Elgon National Park covers 169 square kilometres of montane and alpine ecosystems, including dense forest, bamboo zones, and moorland. The mountain features the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera (8 km wide) and spectacular caves, including Kitum Cave — famous for elephants that enter at night to mine salt from the walls.
The park supports forest elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and over 240 bird species. Hiking trails lead to waterfalls, viewpoints, and the summit.
Highlights
Quick Facts
Available Safari Packages
Explore our curated safari packages that include Mt. Elgon National Park
History & Culture
Discover the rich heritage and cultural significance of Mt. Elgon National Park
The Sabaot People
The Sabaot community has lived on the slopes of Mt. Elgon for centuries, practising agriculture and cattle herding. Their traditional circumcision ceremonies are still an important cultural event.
Wildlife & Animals
Discover the incredible wildlife that calls Mt. Elgon National Park home
Forest Elephants
Famous for visiting Kitum Cave at night to mine salt deposits from the cave walls.
Colobus Monkeys
Black-and-white colobus monkeys inhabit the montane forest canopy.
Buffalo
Forest buffalo herds graze in clearings and along the lower slopes.
Safari Activities
Experience the best of Mt. Elgon National Park with these amazing activities
Cave Exploration
Visit Kitum and Makingeny caves — massive lava tube caves used by elephants for salt mining.
Hiking & Trekking
Trails range from easy nature walks to multi-day summit treks.
Waterfall Visits
Spectacular waterfalls including Chepnyalil Falls and Kitum Falls.
Where to Stay
Choose from a variety of accommodation options in Mt. Elgon National Park
Kapkwai Forest Cottages
Simple but charming cottages at the forest edge, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
Fascinating facts about Mt. Elgon National Park that will amaze you
Mt. Elgon’s caldera is 8 km wide — the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world.
Elephants enter Kitum Cave in total darkness to mine salt, navigating by touch and memory.
Mt. Elgon is estimated to be over 24 million years old, making it one of Africa’s oldest volcanoes.