Coffee + culture "in balance with nature" on Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve

Coffee + culture "in balance with nature"

We offer travellers unique and undiscovered activities that create immersive adventures and facilitate genuine interactions with local communities. We are therefore excited to share that Mount Elgon – famous for hiking, coffee and local cultures – has been approved as UNESCO’s newest transboundary biosphere reserve!

What does this title mean for Mount Elgon?

The designation of the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in Uganda and Kenya National Parks recognises their importance in providing “a range of ecosystem functions and supporting forests, wildlife and livelihoods in the area.” In UNESCO’s words, the site has “an exceptional diversity of ecosystems and four distinct ecological zones: mixed montane forest, bamboo and low canopy forest, sub-alpine montane heath, and alpine moorland varying with altitude.”

Reasons to visit Mt Elgon

Reason no. 1 #adventuretourism

Mount Elgon is an interesting playground for a range of activities – from the foothills, to the slopes, to the peak itself!
Uganda’s Wagagai Peak measures 4,321 meters at its highest point, creating a stimulating multi-day hike adventure, as you can see in this video from Uganda Wildlife Authority and Explore Uganda.

The Sipi Falls series of waterfalls form a spectacular aspect. The longest of these waterfalls drops 95 metres, providing a thrilling experience abseiling experience for adventure tourists.

The foothills of Elgon and high altitude slopes of Kapchorwa attract runners from across the world: whether local professional athletes in training or visitors looking for a physical challenge in fabulous scenery.

Reason no. 2 #culture

Just over 1 million Kenyans and Ugandans live in this transboundary biosphere reserve. Some of the indigenous peoples include Bagisu, Teso, Sabiny, Luhya and Sabaot tribes, in addition to other communities. Ethnic diversity makes the region particularly appealing to travellers looking for authentic cultural experiences.

Reason no. 3 #coffee

The slopes of Mount Elgon are internationally recognised for the quality of its coffee. Imagine drinking locally grown coffee just where it’s been grown?

Reason no. 4 #localfood

Bamboo shoots (malewa in Bagisu) are one of the important items harvested from the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. Communities rely on having access to the reserve to collect salt for their cattle, firewood and medicinal plants, and grass for thatching houses. In order to gain community support for conserving the precious ecosystems, numerous community conservation programmes are in place.

Reason no. 5 #birds

Over 300 bird species inhabit Elgon’s diverse habitats. Elgon is one of the few Ugandan destinations where birders can spot the Lammergeyer, an endangered vulture species that measures over a metre in size!

Reason no. 5 gateway to #Karamoja and northeastern Uganda

A trip to Elgon can be combined with wider explorations of east and northeastern Uganda. Matoke Tours travel consultants are experts in combining and developing unique itineraries that combine adventure with engaging, responsible tourism experiences.

About Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon sits on the Uganda-Kenya border. It is “the oldest and largest solitary, volcanic mountain in East Africa.” It measures 4,321 meters at its highest point: Wagagai Peak, in Uganda. Elgon’s wildlife includes forest elephants, buffalo, rock and tree hyraxes, blue monkeys, spotted hyena, numerous antelope, leopard, civet and serval cats.

About UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme

UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme has recently approved the designation of 10 new biospheres reserves in 9 countries. The World Network now totals 748 sites in 134 countries.