Mount Elgon is on the Uganda - Kenya border, it is an extinct volcanic mountain standing at 4, 321 meters above sea level. Mt. Elgon is an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world (50 km by 80 km ), Mount Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in Eastern Africa, with the second-highest peak in Uganda (Wagagi Peak - 4321 metres ).The wild life that can be seen here include Leopard, Hyena, Buffalo, Bush Buck, and Water buck, duiker and tree Hydrax. Mount Elgon contains crater covering over 40 kms at the top of the mountain, surrounded by a series of rugged peaks.

There are two main trailheads i.e. starting points which lead to the mountain's peaks. Salsa Trail (Buddukiro trailhead) is the most easily accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks. It passes through the Park's largest area of bamboo forest. However it is also a steep and rugged climb of over 1600m on the first day. For a more gentle climb (660m first day) you may choose to ascend via Pisa trail ( Kapkwata trailhead ). Along this route you can explore a vast Podocarpus forest, an excellent place for wildlife viewing. These trails offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mount Elgon's unique plants and wildlife in shorter time period. A fourth trail has recently been opened to reach the enormous Tutum Cave, 11 km from the centre. This trail also passes through a range of vegetation types and offers opportunities to see wildlife such as Black and White Colobus Monkeys and a variety of birds.

While climbing Mount Elgon's enthralling slopes, you will pass through thick montane forest and mixed bamboo belts teeming with birdlife. You will then enter the fascinating heath and moorland zones containing several interesting endemic plant species such as Giant lobelia and groundsels. Wildlife enthusiasts will be pleased to spot primates such as the Black and White Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, and hundreds of fascinating bird species, including Golden Winged and Tacazze sunbirds, Ross's and Hartlaubs Turacos, Black and White Casqued and Crowned Hornbills, the endangered Lammergeier and the Jackson's Francolin which is found nowhere else in Uganda. If you are particularly observant you can also see buffalo, duiker, hyena or even the elusive leopard.

The secondary forest and thick scrub along the Chebonet River near camp supports, African Goshawk, Chubb's Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, African Blue Fly-catchers, Chin-spot Batis, Mackinon's Fiscal, Doherty's and Luhder's Bush-Shrikes and Baglafecht Weaver.

The full trekking circuit to the peaks takes 4-5 days to complete. All visitors are encouraged to discuss options with an Information Clerk at the Male, Budadiri or Kapkwata Visitors' Centers. Five basic campsites are located at strategic points along the hiking circuit. Respect Park regulations by camping at only designated campsites. No camping is allowed within the caldera. Some items such as tents and sleeping bags can be hired through the Park office in Mbale. Carry a warm jacket and rain gear, as extreme weather conditions should be expected. Also please take a fuel-efficient camp stove if possible to avoid placing additional pressure on Mountain firewood resources.