Mount Elgon still rises 3000m above the hot dusty plains of Karamoja to provide a cool respite for humans and a refuge for flora and fauna. Tourist activities on the mountain cater for various levels of ambition. Visitors can make extended hikes, requiring a minimum of 3 days, to the summits, take day/half day walks through forest on the lower edge of the park, or simply relax in resorts overlooking delightful waterfalls just outside the park at Sipi. Visitors also can enjoy an exciting variety of activities outside the park. These activities include:
Visiting the Sipi falls: The 7km section of the Sipi Valley immediately outside the national park is improbably scenic as the river plunges over three sets of basalt cliffs during its decent to the plains beneath. These have given rise to a cluster of tourist lodges and a variety of activities.
Mountain biking: The Sipi area has much to offer mountain bikers, ranging from casual exploration of the many lovely trails in the vicinity, to the challenging Elgon Enduro.
Rock climbing: Many of the basalt cliffs around Sipi have been bolted and can safely be climbed.
Fly fishing: Fly fishing for rainbow trout is possible on the Sipi River between the park boundary and the highest of the three waterfalls at Sipi.
Coffee tour: Uganda’s finest coffee is produced from Arabica beans grown on Mount Elgon. Take a guided tour of a coffee garden at Sipi to see how the beans are grown and ground.
Other regional attractions include Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and Nyero Rock paintings near Kumi.