Reasons why you need to climb Mount Elgon

Reasons why you need to climb Mount Elgon: Many people seem to be interested in hiking Mount Elgon, the second-tallest mountain in Uganda. If you are a hiker anywhere in the world looking for a mountain to hike while on a safari in Uganda, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to hike Mount Elgon. If you are soon visiting Uganda not so sure of the mountain to hike then try Mount Elgon you won’t regret it.

Mount Elgon is an extinct volcanic mountain on the borders of Uganda and Kenya on the eastern side of the country. Mount Elgon is 4321 meters tall making it the second tallest mountain in Uganda after the snow-scaped mountain Rwenzori. The mountain has the largest volcano base and the largest caldera lake in the whole world

Thousands of tourists from different parts of the world choose to hike Mountain Elgon every year. When you hike Mount Elgon, you are visiting the second tallest after Mount Rwenzori. When you successfully get to the summit of the mountain you have an unforgettable sense of accomplishment. Here are the reasons why you need to climb Mount Elgon.

The second highest mountain in Uganda

You need to hike Mountain Elgon and be one of the luckiest to hike the second tallest mountain in Uganda. At 4321 meters above sea level, Mount Elgon is the second tallest mountain in Uganda after Mount Rwenzori which has its highest peak at 5109 meters above sea level. When you successful reach Wagagai peak on Mount Elgon then know you are at the peak of the second tallest mountain in Uganda.

The largest caldera lake in the whole world

Mount Elgon is said to be having the largest caldera lake in the whole world. The largest caldera lake which is 40 sq. km is found at the summit of the mountain. Hikers who will be able to hike up to Wagagai peak will be able to find the largest caldera lake in the whole world. This caldera lake has two hot springs on the sides so you will be able to take pictures and record videos once there.

It is very easy to climb by people from all walks of life

Despite being the second tallest mountain in Uganda rising up to 4321 meters above sea level, Mount Elgon is very easy to climb. Hikers with different physical levels can climb Mount Elgon using some of the easiest hiking trails. The hiking trails Sipi at Kapkwai Forest Exploration Centre, Sasa at Budadiri, and Piswa in Kapwata are easy to hike and all these will get you to the highest peak on the mountain which is Wagagai.

Even though we have said Hiking Mount Elgon is very easy as a hiker you need to come when you have done some exercises and your body is fit enough. You must bring along the right hiking gear to help you make the whole hiking easy for you. It takes a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 6 days to complete Mount Elgon hiking.

It’s a home of different wildlife species

The fact that Mount Elgon is located inside Mountain Elgon national Park means that animals living in the park can be spotted on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon. While hiking Mountain Elgon, hikers get an opportunity to see animals such as leopards, elephants, cape buffaloes, and a few monkey species. Over 300 birds have been recorded within Mount Elgon therefore good birders will be able to sport a few of them on the lower slopes of the mountain.

The infrastructure is good

You won’t have to worry about the hiking trails on the slopes of Mount Elgon. All the hiking trails namely Sipi trail, Sasa trail, and Piswa trail are well marked therefore you won’t go around destroying nature. Armed ranger guides will lead you through these well-established hiking trails as you ascend and descend the mountain. A visit to Mount Elgon benefits the porters, rangers, chefs, and other service providers.

Hiking Mount Elgon helps greatly the local economy

Thousands of hikers climb Mount Elgon each year and there is a way the local people benefit from this activity. The porters, cooks, armed ranger guides, food producers, hotel staff, and tour operators get jobs and earn some money which they use to improve their day to day life.

Hing Mount Elgon can help you achieve your dream

Many people from different parts of the world have read or heard about Mount Elgon and some have put it on the list of things to do. Hiking Mount Elgon is a dream come true for most hikers in the world therefore a dream would be achieved if one successfully hike the mountain. Standing at the summit of Mount Elgon which is Wagagai peak you will be at the second tallest point in Uganda.

So, hikers what are you all waiting for? Hiking to the summit of Mount Elgon is equivalent to hiking to the second-tallest mountain in Uganda and the eighth-tallest mountain in Africa. If you successfully reach Wagagai peak it will not be easy for you to forget such a moment. Hikers who are planning to visit Uganda should consider visiting the magnificent Elgon because they will never regret it.