Mount Elgon National Park

National Reserves in Trans Nzoia

Mount Elgon National Park: A Walker’s Paradise

Mount Elgon National Park, 169 km2 in area, lying astraddle the Kenya-Uganda border, comprises all the forest glades and mountain area above 2440 metres contour, on the Kenyan side. The Ugandan side is larger, covering 1,110 square kilometers. Mount Elgon, the major geological feature of the park, rises to 4313 metres at its highest area known as Koitoboss Peak. This is Kenya’s second highest mountain. The mountain’s highest peak, Wagagai (4,321 meters), rises over on the Ugandan park side, while the Kenyan side also features the lower peak of Suam.

The forest glades within Mount Elgon National Park contain plenty of wildlife, and elephants in particular, but the park is essentially more revered as a scenic park. Moreover, it’s designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thanks to its ecological significance. It is a pretty walkers paradise with relatively gentle slopes allowing for easy expeditions, ergo aiming for the series of caves some that are famous as elephant caves. The ideal season, June to August, December to February, is ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing as the trails are drier and animals are more visible.

Mount Elgon National Park offers endless opportunities for landscape, wildlife, and nature photography. An estimated 300 bird species, including the Jackson’s francolin, black-collared apalis, and the endangered Lammergeyer vulture. Well-maintained campsites within the park allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. There are four campsites within the Kenyan side of Mount Elgon National Park as well as Kapturo Cottages run by Kenya Wildlife Service. Chorlim Gate (the main gate) is located about 30 km northwest from Kitale town.


Kenya certainly has enormous touring resources. There are no less than sixty national narks, reserves and game sanctuaries, covering approximately 11% of the land surface. Each of these diverse and stunning national parks and reserves offers unique wildlife experiences and unique, breathtaking landscapes.


Trans Nzoia County is a vital region for Kenya’s agricultural and ecological balance. Its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty make it a unique and valuable part of the Rift and Western Kenya. The county’s potential for growth remains immense, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and environmental conservation.

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Trans Nzoia has a highland equatorial type of climate. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year, the higher areas in the west receiving more. Average annual temperature is 24oC.

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