In a remote corner of Eastern Uganda, untouched natural splendor awaits you. Besides a hidden treasure of natural beauty, Kapchorwa is home to some of the most celebrated and well-known Ugandans: running champions Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo and Stephen Kiprotich. In this blog five reasons why Kapchorwa is one of the most interesting places to visit in Uganda.
1. Gateway to untouched natural beauty
Kapchorwa is the gateway to some astonishing natural beauty, stretching from Kapchorwa Town, via Kween and Bukwo District, to Suam at the border with Kenya. The number of tourists who visited this area can be counted on one hand. In August 2020 I explored the remote Benet Community, home to the authentic Ndorobos people. This Community is home to an abundance of beautiful trails, waterfalls and caves and to an authentic lifestyle. Especially in organic farming we can learn a lot from the Ndorobos. Around the home stay of local guide David you can learn how to make honey, pound millet or drink milk directly from the cow!
NB: The Ndorobos people and Community can be visited via a one day’s hike starting from Bugema close to the Kapchorwa – Suam highway. This highway is currently under construction so within a few years more visitors are expected here.
2. Land of Running Champions
Kapchorwa is the land of Running Champions. Sabinys – part of the Kalenjin runners tribe – have a natural talent and skill in long-distance running. It is only eleven years ago that the first Sabiny won an international gold medal: Moses Kipsiro during the Commonwealth Games. Since this moment of inspiration – and especially after Stephen Kiprotich won Olympic gold in London – large groups of young runners train hard to chase international fame. Because these developments only started of recent, the running culture is still pretty laid-back. Interested to run in the footsteps of these champions? Through the lush and green Kapchorwa hills and at your own pace?
Check out the Run Kapchorwa website for all things running in Kapchorwa!
3. Laid-back people
The Sabiny people are laid-back and friendly. While Sipi feels pretty touristic, brother Kapchorwa has a relaxed vibe. It is easy to do a Kapchorwa Nature Walk by yourself. Through our cultural experiences we provide you with various avenues to get-to-know the Kapchorwa people and their unique culture.
4. Healthy food
The soils of Kapchorwa are highly fertile. That’s why in our kitchen garden (almost!) everything grows. In a local restaurant – but also at Home of Friends – you can try out some of the tasty local greens. In Teryet – an interesting place that also accommodates the National High Altitude Training Center – you can taste ‘lakwek’ – a local honey beer mixed with Elgon forest herbs. According to the locals – this drink boosts your immune system!
5. Hub for outdoor sports adventure
Climb Mount Elgon. Explore Kapchorwa’s nature on a full-day hike. Run in the footsteps of Kapchorwa’s champions. Or go for abseiling. Kapchorwa hosts a great variety of outdoor sports adventures. At Home of Friends we like to inspire and guide you on these activities.
As you have seen, there is enough to explore in Kapchorwa. Ready to book your adventure or still having a few questions? Leave us a message for a bespoke advice!
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur based in Kapchorwa. Daan is the manager of Home of Friends Guesthouse. He is passionate about exploring Mount Elgon’s stunning nature and empowering youth through sports and tourism development. Daan is the founder of the Home of Talents Kids Athletics program and Run Kapchorwa.