Mount Elgon
Location and Geography
Mount Elgon is a massive extinct shield volcano located on the border between Uganda and Kenya. Its summit lies within Uganda, in the Eastern Region, while its lower slopes extend into western Kenya.
Elevation: 4,321 meters (14,177 feet)
Highest peak: Wagagai (in Uganda)
It is Africa’s 8th highest mountain but has one of the largest volcanic bases in the world (about 80 km in diameter).
Mount Elgon is older than Kilimanjaro and once may have been the highest mountain in Africa before erosion reduced its height.
Geological Features of Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon is one of the oldest volcanic mountains in East Africa, having last erupted over 24 million years ago. It is now extinct. At its summit lies a huge caldera—about 8 kilometers wide—formed when the magma chamber emptied and the mountain collapsed inward.
Within the caldera are several smaller peaks, including Wagagai (4,321m), Mubiyi (4,210m), Jackson’s Summit (4,165m), and others like Sudek and Koitobos located on the Kenyan side.
One of Mount Elgon’s most unique geological attractions is Kitum Cave, a natural lava tube stretching 200 meters into the mountain. Elephants and buffaloes visit the cave to dig for mineral-rich salts, making it both a geological and wildlife highlight.
Tourism and Hiking
Biodiversity and Ecology of Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon features diverse vegetation zones that change with altitude. These include lowland forest at the base, montane forest, a bamboo zone, heath and moorland, and afro-alpine vegetation found above 3,500 meters. The mountain is home to unique plant species such as giant groundsels and giant lobelias, which thrive in the higher, cooler altitudes.
Wildlife on Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon is a haven for wildlife, offering refuge to many species. Elephants, especially those that dig for salt in caves, are a notable presence. Buffaloes, leopards, and forest monkeys such as the blue monkey and black-and-white colobus also inhabit the area. Rare species like De Brazza’s monkey and Jackson’s chameleon can be found here as well. The mountain is also rich in birdlife, with over 300 recorded bird species.
Mount Kadam supports a range of ecosystems shaped by altitude and rainfall. At its base are lowland savannahs, which gradually transition into dry montane forests rich in indigenous tree species. Higher elevations are covered by afro-montane grasslands, forming a diverse ecological zone. This mountain is also a sanctuary for wildlife, including birds such as sunbirds, turacos, hornbills, and raptors, as well as mammals like bushbucks, hyraxes, and monkeys. In addition, it harbors rare plant species like orchids and medicinal herbs. While parts of Mount Kadam are protected as forest reserves, some areas have been impacted by human activity.
Mount Elgon holds deep cultural significance for local communities, particularly the Bagisu (or Bamasaba) people of Uganda who inhabit its southern slopes. They regard the mountain as sacred and call it “Masaba,” after their ancestral founder. The mountain plays a central role in their traditions, especially in the Imbalu (circumcision) ceremony, a vital cultural rite linked to their identity and heritage.
In addition to its ecological and cultural importance, Mount Elgon is a popular destination for tourists and trekking enthusiasts. Its slightly lower elevation compared to Mount Kilimanjaro makes it appealing to those who want a challenging climb without the severe risk of altitude sickness. Trekkers are drawn to several highlights, including Wagagai Peak, the scenic Sipi Falls located at the mountain’s foothills, and the fascinating Kitum and Makingeny caves.