This extinct Volcano is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupted around 24 million years ago. Mt Elgon was Africa’s highest mountain that exceeds Kilimanjaro’s current 5,895m. Mt Elgon is home to two tribes, the Basigu and the Sabiny with the Marginalized Ndorobos forced to dwell deep within the forest of Benet. The Bagisu also known as the Ba Masaba consider Mount Elgon to be the embodiment of their founding father Masaba and refer to the mountain by his name. At just 4,000km, Mt Elgon has got the largest volcanic base in the world and its located on the Uganda- Kenya border and it’s the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa. Mount Elgon National Park is home to over 300 bird species including the endangered Lammergeyer. The higher slopes are protected by national parks in Uganda and Kenya, which creates an extensive trans- boundary conservation Area which has been declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve.

A hike to Mt Elgon’s abandoned moorlands show a magnificent and uncluttered wilderness without the summit oriented approach common to many mountains; the ultimate goal on reaching the top of Mt Elgon is not the final ascent to the 4321m wagagai peak, but the descent into the vast 40km caldera.