THE MOSOPISIEK TRAIL
Uganda’s ultimate slow trekking adventure
OVERVIEW
Step off the grid and immerse yourself in the indigenous culture of the Mosopisiek people with this unforgettable trekking experience. Nestled in the remote highlands of Kween District, this trail offers a rare glimpse into the traditional way of life, far removed from modern civilization. Led by David Mande, a native Mosopisiek guide and passionate ambassador for his Community, this journey combines adventure, cultural immersion, and a reconnection with nature.
Once hunter-gatherers in Mount Elgon’s rainforests, the Mosopisiek people have preserved much of their unique traditions, and many of Uganda’s running champions trace their roots to this area. This slow trek is designed to let you experience their way of life at a relaxed pace, while enjoying breathtaking landscapes and learning the rich stories of this remarkable tribe.
Key Details
Duration: Choose between a 2-day or 3-day trek
Difficulty: Moderate —> expect daily hikes of 12-15 km
Accommodation: Stay with David and his family at 2,700 meters above sea level. Hospitality is guaranteed, but luxury is not. Expect simple living!
Meals: All meals are included, featuring local specialties. A packed lunch is provided on the first day.
Price
$45 per person per day (1-2 pax)
$39 per person per day (3-6 pax)
$35 per person per day (7-10 pax)
What’s Included
Two (for 2-day trek) to three (for 3-day trek) cultural activities of your choice*
Experienced guide (David) for the entire trek
Porter service (optional)
All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation with David’s family
* Elder campfire storytelling, bamboo basket weaving experience, making of honey wine, child name giving ritual or Mukuuso cave visit.
What’s Excluded
Transport to and from the trailhead (approximately 1-hour from Kapchorwa). Boda boda service is available for $20 USD per person round trip, or you can arrange your own driver.
Important: Book at least five days in advance to secure your spot.
TESTIMONIALS ABOUT THE MOSOPISIEK TRAIL
“We recommend the 2-day Mosopisiek Trail that Home of Friends organises in collaboration with David and Cephus. Cephus took us for two days through a beautiful unspoilt environment and introduced us to the locals. A tough but unforgettable journey!”
“I don’t often write a review, but for this experience I would like to make an exception because the 2-day Mosopisiek walk and the stay at Home of Friends were really the highlight of our fantastic trip through Uganda.
From the many activities we chose the 2-day Mosopisiek walk on the lower flanks of Mount Elgon. The path winds through the fertile and beautiful landscape that belongs to the friendly Sebei tribe. We walked under the guidance of local guide David, a very inspiring personality who can tell a lot about everyday life in this region and is committed to more education, work and medical care in this region. It was a fairly tough walk (on day one from 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m. and on day 2 again until 4 p.m.) but in between David makes enough time for fun and educational encounters. At night you sleep comfortably with David’s family in a kind of mountain hut with beds; the abundant food is prepared by his super sweet wife. Be sure to bring a thick sweater because it gets very chilly in the mountains in the evenings.”
More about guide David
A background interview with (y)our guide David Mande:
1. What do you love the most about being a tour guide?
I love building cohesion and foster learning between tourists and my Community
2. What has been the biggest impact of tourism in your Community so far?
Tourism opens a door for greater visibility and love for my Community. It brings positive emotions for sustainable growth.
3. What is your favorite food?
All traditional dishes including mushrooms, greens, honey, milk and animal blood. Why? Because all are organic in nature, free from toxic chemicals and they make someone to live for at least 90 years on this earth!
4. Where do you envision your Community to be in 2040?
An equitable, developed Community with socio-economic freedoms wherein everyone enjoys dignified lives free from the injustice of poverty
5. What is the role of women in the (future) development of your Community?
All our movements are youth and women led. This encompasses local mobilisation structures and Community platforms. Women skill girls on crafts making (e.g. bamboo baskets), womanhood graduation and feed the population with indigenous food.
6. What is the role and impact of athletics in your Community?
Athletes inspire and coach the young generations to aim higher and perform better. Some of the athletes have developed their Communities and built greater synergies.
7. What do you want to say to people who are considering to visit your Community, but who are not yet convinced?
There are so many great things to discover, from culture to nature. My people are receptive, loving and peaceful. So you not only need to come, but you also need to stay longer, because our program can’t be finished in one day!
Explorers of the Mosopisiek Trail
These are the people 👈🏽 who explored and mapped the Mosopisiek Trail* back in August 2020, and together with David. From left to right:
Juma Chebet of Elgon Trek Adventures
George Mwoko, guide from Sipi
Job Soyekwo of Mulima Adventures
Daan Oxener of Home of Friends Guesthouse
Moses Massai of Blue Star Homestay
William Cheptoek of Discover Sipi
* The initial name we used for this activity was Ndorobos Trail. This name is still used by some of the tour operators on this photo. Both Ndorobos and Mosopisiek refer to the people in this area. We chose Mosopisiek after learning this name is more proudly indigenous.