Like Rwenzori mountain national Park, Mt Elgon National Park is centered on Mt Elgon Itself. Found in Eastern Uganda , this defunct Volcano which is shared by Kenya and Uganda has its highest point at the Waigagi Peak which is 4,321 meters above sea level and is found with in the Ugandan border. Though the main activity in this National Park is mountain hiking, it has a lot to offer in terms of scenery, birds, animals and flora. Mt Elgon also has one of the largest calderas in the world measuring 7 km by 8 km.

Like most mountains, Elgon's vegetation is distinctly zoned in relation to the altitude. The forest zone at the lowest altitude, followed by the bamboo, heath and lastly, the afro-alpine zones at the highest altitude. The Afro-Alpine Zone is dotted with giant Lobelia and Groundsels including the Endemic SENACIO BARBATIPES and SENACIO ELGONENSIS which can't be found anywhere else.

The Gem of this park is, no doubt about this, its amazing scenery. The enchanting Sipi falls are so dazzling; no words can describe the euphoric feeling with a strange mix of serenity to it that you get as you gaze upon one of nature's true miracles. So are the Spectacular views you get of the plains below as you ascend the mountain. You just can't afford to miss this modern day garden of Eden.

Mt Elgon National Park has got an impressive bird list standing at 305 species, which, even if around twenty percent is unconfirmed (which gives any ardent birder the chance of being the first to see those unofficial birds on the List) include 12 species of birds that are locally endemic to Mt Elgon. These are Jackson's francolin, Moorland Francolin, Red-fronted Parrot, Mustached-green Tinker bird, Red-Throated Wryneck, Cape Rook, Black-collered Apalis, Hunter's Cisticola, Cliff chat, Marsh Widowbird, Weyn's Weaver and the Streaky-headed Seedeater.

Mt Elgon is not famous for the group of animals it shelters which make up only 24 mammal species and those likely to encountered include primates like the Blue and DeBrazza's monkeys and the Black and white colobus or Herbivores like Elephants, Buffaloes, Sitatunga, Bush Pigs, Duikers or even carnivores like the Leopard. The Paltry number of species is due to the fact that during the political instability of the 70's and 80's, this area harbored Poachers, Rebels and political dissidents which caused mass migration of these species to the Kenyan side of the Mountain. Though, because of sustained peace and the vigilance of the park guides, some of these species are re-appearing in the Ugandan part.

The nearest town to Mt Elgon National Park is Budadiri and this town also acts as the launch pad for hikes. Budadiri is approximately 20 km from Mbale town, which is one of Uganda 's major Eastern Towns. The accommodation offered in the Park is only a remote campground at Sasa River but moderately priced lodgings and campgrounds can be found in Budadiri. For those who do everything first class, Mbale would be the obvious choice to spend the night.