There is very little excitement that can be had in Mbale, Uganda. But, this dearth of nightlife and commercial activity is well compensated by the abundance of natural attractions you can visit for a little communing with nature. Most interesting of all of the natural wonders you can explore from Mbale is Mount Elgon. This mountain is the fourth highest peak in East Africa. At the foothills of the mountain is an excellent hiking area known to locals as Mabasa. The mountains serve as a water catchment into which the waters from Nzoia River flows down to Lake Victoria, and from Turkwel River which flows down into Lake Turkana. As you hike up to the top of Mount Elgon, you will witness a variety of wildlife roaming around.
The mountain is home to different animal species including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and forest monkeys. There are also around three hundred bird species that have found homes in the mountain. Through the mountain’s slopes, you can find elephants and buffaloes visit the various caves to lick the natural salt off the cave walls. Another cave you can enter from the side of Mount Elgon is the Kitum cave. On the cave’s ceiling hang wonderful crystalline formations. From Mbale, you can drive to the foothills of Mount Elgon where you can enter the Mount Elgon National Park through vehicle paths that lead to various animal viewing areas as well as to the mountain’s caves. One particular viewing area you can visit is the Endebess Bluff where you can enjoy a panoramic view of various land and water forms. If you wish to go on a hike, you can get a copy of the Kitum Cave guide book to lead you on self-guided walking trails.
Mbale Has a range of delicate Art Deco Façades and buildings including the clock tower and Old Library. many shops retain the motifs and labels of their original vendor in a 1920’s or 30s style giving an insight into the historic development of the town. While it is understandable especially today, the day after Ugandan independence Day (09 Oct) that there is little taste for celebrating while living memory still is occupied by days of colonial rule the history of the town and the stories, names and trades of people who formed the towns development could form a basis for tourist interest and trade.