Mt Elgon is an extinct volcano and offers similar trekking experiences like Mount Kenya.
This mountain last erupted about 20 million ago. It has the largest intact Caldera in the world measuring 40km². This mountain was once tallest mountain in Africa but it was reduced to its height of 4321m making it fourth highest mountain due to erosion. The Wagagai peak (14,178 feet, 4,321m) is the highest peak. Mount Elgon has the largest base in the world at 3840km². It is also the largest solitary volcanic mountain in East Africa on the border between Kenya and Uganda.
Like the rest of East African mountains, on the slopes there are moorland zone, containing tree heaths, giant groundsels and lobelias that extends down to 10,000 feet (3,050 m), going downward there is bamboo forests and below 8,300 feet (2,550 m) is a temperate deciduous forest.
The Mount Elgon National Park was declared a UNESCO man and Biosphere Reserve.
Wildlife in Mt Elgon National Park
The wildlife is mainly found in the lower slopes of the mountain, these animals are found; Defassa waterbuck, Elephants, Oribi, Bushbucks, buffaloes, spotted hyena and Colobus monkeys.
Mount Elgon National Park is home to 296 birds species.
