By Road: From Nairobi, drive to Kitale town, and from here is a well-signposted murram (dirt) Endebess road to Mt. Elgon Lodge and Chorlim gate, which is the main gate which also leads to the park headquarters

By Air: Visitors can fly to Eldoret airport (70 KM away). Kitale airstrip, located outside Kitale town on the main Kitale-Bungoma Road, is 30 km from the park.

MODE OF PAYMENT: Through Ecitizen  (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS ,Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Security/Guided tour per guide:

• Ksh. 1,720 – up to 4 hours

• Ksh. 3,015 – Over 4 hours

Vehicle Charges Per Day

No. of Seats

• Less than 6 seats - KSH.300

• 6-12 seats - KSH.1,030

• 13-24seats - KSH.2,585

• 25-44 seats - KSH.4,050

• 45 seats and above - KSH.5,000

Vegetation

The diverse terrain and dramatic ascents of altitude combined with the vagaries of rainfall and weather produce four distinct vegetation zones on Mt. Elgon. They include:-

The Lush Montane Forest (2000m-2500m): The forest is of the dry, highland evergreen type and includes over 100 species as well as epiphytic orchids, ferns and trailing lianas. The best place to see this type of forest is on the Chelulus circuit.

Mixed Bamboo and Podocapus Zone (3000m-3500m): Together with the forest contain the highest biodiversity on the mountain.

Heath Zone (3000m-3500m): is characterized by dense scrub, brilliant wildflowers

Moorland Zone (3500m-4321m): Boasts of the highest number of endemic plants species on the mountain. The open moorland grassland is dotted with clusters of peculiar Giant grounded plus Lobelia plants which are unique to East Africa.

When to go

Open year round; the Mt. Elgon area can be wet throughout the year. The driest months are December to February. There is cross-border tourism initiative where tourists climb on the Kenyan side and descend on the Ugandan side or vise-versa for convenience.

What to take with you

Whether camping or just visiting for a day trip, visitors are advised to carry with them the following; personal effects, drinking water, food, camping equipment if the visitor intends to stay overnight.

Also important are; Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid kit, sunglasses, appropriate hiking/mountaineering gear and reserve car fuel

Park Size

169 sq. Km

The salt-mining elephants of Kitum Cave are definitely a spectacle. Tonnes of elephants, dubbed ‘the troglodyte tuskers’ stream down the cave to dig out salt elements from the ground. The park boasts of caves formed from ancient lava tubes namely Kitum, Making’eny, Chepnyalil, Ngwarisha and Kiptoro. Cave exploration and excursions in the bat infested caves are common with outdoor junkies that love the thrill of being in the wilderness. Making’eny cave, located about 1.5km from the Kitum caves has a spectacular waterfall over its mouth. A hike up is refreshing and the views breathtaking. The park has two internationally recognized designations; Important Bird Area (IBA) and UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) sites.

Mt. Elgon offers great opportunities for hiking to Endebess Bluff and Koitoboss peak, Picnicking and Cave exploration, Primate and Bird watching, Cross border tourism, Horse riding, Botanical diversity, Spectacular waterfalls and beautiful picnic sites, Photography and Self-guided walking tours at nature trails and Hot springs at the border of Kenya and Uganda.

Mt. Elgon National Park offers the following;

Koitoboss Guesthouse

Accommodation; 1unit, 6pax

Consists of three bedrooms each with two single beds.

Amenities;

Fully furnished sitting/dining area, equipped kitchen with a barbeque area outside. Beddings, towels, toiletries and two bathrooms. Lighting is by electricity. A house caretaker is available.

Rates;

Citizens&Residents Ksh. 6,000

Non-Residents – US$ 180

Kapkuro Bandas

Accommodation; 4units, 3pax per unit

Consists of one bedroom with one single and one double bed.

Amenities;

Kitchenette with a gas cooker, hot showers, beddings, towels and toiletries. Lighting is by electricity. A house care taker is available.

Rates;

Citizens&Residents Ksh. 3,000

Non-residents – US$ 40

Special Campsite; Salt Lick

For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor has to reserve the campsite well in advance for exclusive use. Visitors are required to bring with them a source of fire and kitchen utensils.

Most of the special campsites are located near rivers in the park unless otherwise indicated.

Public Campsites

• Chorlim
• Nyati
• Rongai
• Mutamayo

For this category, standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area.

Public campsites do not require prior booking.

*Reservation of bandas/guesthouses and special campsites should be done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke

*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites excluding other park charges.

Phone: +254203539903

Email:  elgonnp@kws.go.ke