Mount Elgon

Elgon is a mountain that arose as a result of a volcanic eruption, and it is one of the top 3 highest mountains in Uganda. Strangely, ancient tribes compared this mountain to a woman's 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 affordable, as trade markets are closer.

The Geology of Mount Elgon

But the highest point of Mount Elgon reaches 4,320 m. And not surprisingly, the top is flat, with a diameter of 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 impassable peaks. And it is undesirable to live near this mountain, as entire settlements suffer due to frequent landslides. During one of these landslides, as many as 18 people died.

Caves

But it's not just a volcano or a mountain. There are caves inside this Elgon Mountain that go deep to the place where there was once a crater. There are also large caves that have even received names such as Makingey, Ngvarisha, Chepnualil, and Kitum. There is scientific evidence that the first outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever came from the depths of these caves. These are the secrets of this volcano. Therefore, when exploring these caves, it is worth paying attention to the surrounding area.

Wildlife of Mount Elgon

There are many animals living 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 of them here. And you can even fish trout on the adjacent rivers, but you will have to buy a fishing permit at the national Park office and rent gear there.

Attractions

Mount Elgon is also part of the Kenya National Park. There are hot springs on the mountain, but you can not swim in them, as you can cook yourself alive. But don't worry, there are specially equipped hot springs for swimming. Several thousand years ago, for the tribes, the top of this mountain served as a place for rituals, worship of God, and various kinds of legends.

Legends

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