Where is Mount Elgon located?

The mountain stands directly on the border between Kenya and Uganda, positioned west of Kitale and north of Kisumu.

Is Mount Elgon an active volcano?

It is an extinct shield volcano, recognized as the oldest known extinct volcano in East Africa.

Which country holds the highest summit of Mount Elgon?

The highest point of the mountain, named Wagagai, sits entirely within Ugandan territory.

What is the origin of the mountain name?

The name originates from the Maasai name Ol Doinyo Ilgoon.

Kenya

Mount Elgon: what's nearby, how to get there and when to go · 2026

A long stay near the caldera means arranging life around border formalities and high-altitude weather rather than urban conveniences.

About the place

Now in the cityMount Elgonlocal time on site

Exchange rateKES 129.98per 1 $KES — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

About the place

Mount Elgon is an ancient extinct shield volcano spanning the frontier between Kenya and Uganda.

The massif forms a massive volcanic relief along the international border, positioned west of Kitale and north of Kisumu. Its geological profile stems from an extinct shield formation, regarded across the region as the oldest surviving volcanic structure in East Africa. The physical geography shapes local weather patterns, demanding proper gear and preparation from anyone establishing a base near the slopes.

Read on

The mountain derives its modern title from the Maasai designation Ol Doinyo Ilgoon. While the Kenyan slopes provide access to expansive foothills, the highest summit named Wagagai sits on the Ugandan side east of Mbale. Fieldwork across the territory requires navigating binational administration, isolated trail networks, and stark differences in accessibility between the opposite flanks of the caldera.

Associations

Wagagai PeakThe highest summit sits entirely across the border in Uganda.
Shield VolcanoAn extinct formation recognized as East Africa's oldest volcanic mass.
Ol Doinyo IlgoonThe traditional Maasai name that gave the mountain its modern identity.
Border PartitionCrossing between slopes requires passing formal border checkpoints.

Facts

The mountain represents the oldest known extinct volcanic formation in East Africa.
The highest elevation point, Wagagai, lies on the Ugandan side of the border.
The name of the mountain originates from the Maasai term Ol Doinyo Ilgoon.
The landmass spans the frontier between Kenya and Uganda, situated west of Kitale and east of Mbale.

Updated September 21, 2026Source: Wikipedia