Mount Elgon

Elgon is a mountain resulting from a volcanic eruption, and it is one of the top 3 highest mountains in Uganda. Strange, but ancient tribes compared this mountain with a female breast. Mount Elgon itself is located on the African Plains, not far from Lake Victoria, the main settlements are closer to Kenya, and this is due to the fact that the extraction of resources and food for living is more accessible, as trade markets are closer.

Geology of Mount Elgon

But the highest point of Mount Elgon reaches 4320 m. And, not surprisingly, the top is flat, the diameter reaches more than 38 km. But it will be very, very difficult for a climber to climb this mark, since the edges of this mountain are solid peaks that are difficult to pass. Yes, and living near this mountain is undesirable, since entire settlements suffer from frequent landslides. During one of these landslides, as many as 18 people died.

Caves

But it's not just a volcano, or a mountain. Inside this Mount Elgon there are caves that go deep to where the crater once was. There are also large caves, which even received such names as Makingey, Ngwarisha, Chepnualil, and Kitum. There is scientific evidence that the first outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever came from the depths of these same caves. These are the secrets that this volcano keeps in itself. Therefore, when examining these caves, it is worth paying attention to the surrounding area.

Animals of Mount Elgon

A lot of animals live at the foot of Mount Elgon, but hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, and mountain goats are considered the main ones. Birds can also surprise, there are more than 290 species here. And on the adjacent rivers, you can even fish for trout, but you will have to buy a fishing permit at the national park office and rent equipment there.

Sights

Mount Elgon is also part of the National Park of Kenya. There are hot springs on the territory of the mountain, but you can’t swim in them, as you can boil yourself alive. But do not worry, there are specially equipped hot springs for bathing. Several thousand years ago, for the tribes, the top of this mountain served as a place for rituals, worship of God, and all sorts of legends.

Legends

There is a legend about the Kitum cave that if someone goes there at least once, he will die. It all came from the very tribes that lived there. Animals entered and did not leave, people disappeared. Yes, this may seem like a series of failures. But there are reasons for this. Animals come in because of the salty coating on the walls of the cave, and cannot climb back out because of the narrowing walls. And people could well fall somewhere and injure their legs, after which they couldn’t get out on their own.