Elgon is a 4,321m high extinct volcano which in prehistoric times stood taller than Kilimanjaro does today. Although the mountain straddles the Kenya border, its loftiest peak, Wagagai, lies within Uganda and is best ascended from the Uganda side.

Elgon is an important watershed, and its slopes support a rich variety of altitudinal vegetation zones ranging from montane forest to high open moorland studded with the other-worldly giant lobelia and groundsel plants.

Spectacular scenery is the main attraction for hikers on this oft-neglected and relatively undemanding mountain, but there is also a variety of forest monkeys and small antelope, along with elephant and buffalo. A checklist topping 300 birds includes many species not recorded elsewhere in Uganda.

Other attractions include ancient cave paintings close to the trailhead at Budadiri, and spectacular caves and hot springs within the crater.

The Bagisu and the Sabinyo who practice circumcision every even year are the inhabitants of the area. June to August and December to March are the best times to visit the park since this is the dry period.

The park contains varied peculiar attractions of montane forests, bamboo, giant Lobelia, brilliant species of flowers, birds, bushbuck, antelope, wild cat, rock hyrax, hyena, caves, craters, gorges, the magnificent Sipi falls and many more.