MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Over one day, you dive deep in the natural environment of the national park surrounding Mount Elgon (4'321m). There, you visit Kitum Elephants caves and discover an amazing wildlife. If the chance is on your side, you might see some elephants.
OPTION 1 : VISIT OF THE NATIONAL PARK ONLY
The participants start their journey at 6:00 AM in Iten. After two hours and a half driving through farmlands, they reach Kitale where they have breakfast (non-included). From there, they join the massif of Mount Elgon which is has been previously the highest mountain of Africa, before erosion's work.
After checking-in the park, the participants receive some historical details about the majestic mountain by the guide. Mount Elgon has an undisturbed ecosystem which acts as home to so many bird life, wildlife and various species of plants. The striking beautiful scenery is a great attraction for climbers on this mountain.
The participants are guided through the park aiming to spot animals such as blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, leopards, bush pigs, elephants and buffalos existing in their natural state, as well as many species of birds and plants.
At some point, they start another adventure towards the Kitum caves that are dotted on the mountain. On the way to this magical point, participants appreciate the natural ecosystem constituted by so many plants and animals. While at the cave, you are able to see the spectacular waterfalls that is found on the mouth of Makingany cave. Beneath the waterfalls is a river that water the mountain and gives it the beautiful green color.
They can then continue your visit of the park and climb up to the view point that gives you an overview of the surroundings, before to head back to Iten, for an arrival in the Evening.
OPTION 2 : HIKE TO THE TOP OF MOUNT ELGON
Over one day, you will experience an amazing tour at Mount Elgon (4'321m). There you will hike up to the top to enjoy a 360° view between kenyan and Ugandan boarder. An experience to live once a lifetime !
The participants start their journey at 3:30 AM in Iten. After three hours and a half driving through farmlands, they reach the entrance of the Mt Elgon National Park.After checking-in the park, the participants are driven during 1.5 hour up to the mountain on a rough road. While the road elevate, they see the landscapes evolving from jungle forest to bamboo forest, then alpestre and finally moorland.
Around 9:30 AM, they reach the end of the road and start the 8 km hike up from 3,500 to 4,222m above sea level (+ 700m elevation gain). At the top, the participants have some time to enjoy the breathtaking view and the fresh air. The temperatures are moderate, so there is no need of carrying heavy clothes (a softshell jacket is recommanded). After the hike down to the vehicle (8 km again), the adventurers are driven back to the entrance of the park to head back to Iten, for an arrival in the Evening.
Difficulty of the hike: Technically moderate, physically high due to high altitude. Recommended to physically trained participants.
Duration of the hike: 5 to 6 hours.
