Aberdare National Park
National Park
Western Kenya Scenic Park
Mt. Elgon National Park
Untamed Wilderness, Secluded Splendor
A high volcanic mountain park of montane forest, caves, waterfalls and alpine vegetation, famous for salt-mining elephants at Kitum Cave.
Overview
About Mt. Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon rises to 4,222 metres and protects a remarkable altitudinal sequence from evergreen montane forest through bamboo and heath to alpine moorland. KWS highlights Kitum Cave’s salt-mining elephants, ancient lava-tube caves, waterfalls, hiking peaks and the mountain’s Important Bird Area and UNESCO Man and Biosphere status.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Kitum Cave and salt-mining elephants
Ancient lava-tube cave systems
Making’eny waterfall
Koitoboss Peak and Endebess Bluff
Important Bird Area
UNESCO Man and Biosphere designation
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Hiking
- Cave exploration
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Horse riding where available
- Nature walks
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Elephant
- Primates
- Montane birds
- Forest wildlife
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
KWS states the park was gazetted on 5 April 1968 to protect the Mount Elgon massif, montane forest, biodiversity and water-catchment functions.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
From Kitale, follow the signposted Endebess road toward Mt. Elgon Lodge and Chorlim Gate.
By air
Eldoret Airport is about 70 km away and Kitale Airstrip about 30 km from the park.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 50 | USD 25 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Mt. Elgon National Park FAQs
What is Mt. Elgon National Park best known for?
Mt. Elgon National Park is especially known for Kitum Cave and salt-mining elephants, Ancient lava-tube cave systems, Making’eny waterfall, Koitoboss Peak and Endebess Bluff. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Mt. Elgon National Park?
Road: From Kitale, follow the signposted Endebess road toward Mt. Elgon Lodge and Chorlim Gate. Air: Eldoret Airport is about 70 km away and Kitale Airstrip about 30 km from the park. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Mt. Elgon National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 50 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Mt. Elgon National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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