Kapchorwa is a treasure trove of natural and cultural highlights that families can enjoy together. Whether you’re looking for leisurely walks, thrilling adventures, or immersive cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone, no matter their age or fitness level. To make it easier to plan your trip, we’ve categorized our activities in three levels: easy, moderate and difficult.
a) Easy Activities for Families
1. Kapchorwa Nature Walk
Take a gentle stroll through the scenic countryside, where lush greenery and local farms surround you. Perfect for families with young children, this walk provides plenty of photo-worthy spots and opportunities to observe indigenous flora and fauna, including chameleons!
2. Campfire Storytelling
Gather around the campfire under Kapchorwa’s starlit sky for an evening of enchanting local tales. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the warmth of the fire, the humor, and the cultural insights shared through these captivating stories.
Nice to know: This activity is done by the Sebei Cultural Storytellers, a group of native youth dedicated to revive Kapchorwa’s ancient culture. We work together with them since 2018.
3. Kapkwai Forest Walk
Explore the peaceful trails of Kapkwai Forest, where towering trees and cool shade provide a serene escape. This short and easy walk offers glimpses of colorful birds, playful monkeys and a beautiful waterfall and cave.
Good to know: This activity takes place inside Mount Elgon National Park, at a 45 minutes drive from our base, and is done by a conservationist-ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
4. Cooking with the Kapchorwa Mamas
Join the Kapchorwa Mamas in a fun cooking session where you’ll not only observe how to prepare local dishes, but also participate in collecting the ingredients from the garden. Kids can get involved too, making it a delightful family bonding experience in a natural and friendly environment.
Good to know: This activity takes place at a 10 minutes drive from our base, in the local village of Siron.
5. Bee Active Honey Tour
Visit a nearby apiary to learn about honey production and the importance of bees in sustainable farming. Families can enjoy sampling pure, organic honey while discovering how this sweet treat is made and what its positive impact is on the Community, women and athletes in particular.
“We stayed at Home of Friends for three nights with our two young kids. This is a fabulous place that we thoroughly recommend. Beautiful views, great garden to play in with the kids, delicious food and amazing hosts who organised a number of excursions in the vicinity (coffee tour, traditional cooking experience, walks).”
b) Moderate Activities for Adventurous Families
6. Guided Run on the ‘Champions Trail’
Run or jog alongside local athlete-guides on the same paths that produce world-class athletes. It’s an inspiring way to experience Kapchorwa’s scenic, undulating terrain and running culture.
Nice to know: Along the Champions Trail, that passes our Guesthouse, no more than 4 Olympic and World champions reside. Joshua Cheptegei, Peruth Chemutai, Victor Kiplangat and Jacob Kiplimo!
7. Cave Dance Experience
Step into a hidden cave and join a vibrant dance session, complete with drumming and cultural songs. This lively activity combines movement, music, and cultural storytelling in an unforgettable setting.
Nice to know: This activity is also performed by the earlier mentioned Sebei Cultural Storytellers.
8. Mengia Village Tour
Visit Mengia village to connect with the local Mosopisiek Community and learn about their way of life. From farming practices to cultural traditions, this tour offers an authentic glimpse into rural Ugandan life.
Good to know: Start and end point of this tour is a 1-hour boda boda or 4-wheel car drive away from our base. Due to the challenging condition of the road, this tour is only done in the drier months.
9. Mountain Bike Village Ride
Hop on a bike and cycle through Kapchorwa’s charming villages, banana plantations, and rolling hills. The moderate pace and occasional breaks make this a great adventure for families with slightly older kids.
Good to know: As of now we have two quality mountain bikes available, one size M and one size L. Our experienced mechanic and junior guide Ernest can accompany you on your ride.
10. Abseiling Sipi Falls (6+ years)
For a dose of adrenaline, descend alongside one of Kapchorwa’s iconic waterfalls. Children as young as six can participate in this thrilling yet safe activity, making it a standout family experience.
Good to know: There are three companies organising abseiling along Sipi’s main waterfall -> Rob’s Rolling Rock, Sipi Adventures and Mulima Adventures.
Practical Tips for Family Travel in Kapchorwa
Excited about a family adventure to Kapchorwa? Time for a practical intermezzo!
Here are some family-friendly tips to help you make the most of your trip while keeping everyone, big and small, happy and comfortable.
Visit Any Time of the Year
Kapchorwa is a year-round destination with pleasant weather throughout the seasons. While the drier months of December to March are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, the wetter months bring out the lush greenery and dramatic waterfalls that kids will love. The good news is that all-year long morning hours tend to be sunny.
Stay Nourished and Hydrated
At Home of Friends, we make mealtime a stress-free moment for families:
Packed lunches for adventures: Perfect for hikes and outdoor explorations.
Kid-friendly menu: Choose from our à la carte kids menu options, such as chicken fingers and pasta primavera.
Local recommendations: For a change of environment, we’re happy to refer you to some of the best local restaurants in the area.
Free water refills: Stay eco-conscious by bringing reusable water bottles. We offer complimentary and safe refills at our restaurant.
Gear Up for Your Little Explorers
To make your adventure smoother, we provide a baby carrier upon special request. Our knowledgeable guides tailor every experience to children by pointing out fascinating natural wonders and sharing fun and insightful stories.
Take Advantage of Our Family Discounts
We believe adventures should be affordable for everyone. That’s why we offer:
Free activities for kids under 6 years of age
50% discount for kids aged between 6 and 15 years
Pack Smart for Outdoor Adventures
Make sure you’re ready for the day with these essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for the whole family.
Sunscreen and hats to protect against the sun.
A camera or smartphone to capture those special moments.
Snacks for picky eaters, though our packed lunches are a hit with most kids!
C) Difficult Activities for Families Seeking a Challenge
11. Mosopisiek Trail
Take on this longer trek that winds through unspoiled landscapes and remote villages. Though challenging, the breathtaking views and cultural encounters make it worth the effort.
Good to know: This Community and nature trekking takes either 2 or 3 days with 12 to 15km of hiking each day. You sleep at the homestay of guide David @ 2700m ASL.
12. TREKKING Mount Elgon
Conquer the slopes of Mount Elgon as a family, experiencing the raw beauty of its trails and diverse ecosystems. This more-day trekking* is best for families with older children who love adventure.
*Mount Elgon trekkings take between 2 and 5 days, depending on chosen route and pace. Read all ins and outs in our Complete Guide to Mount Elgon National Park.
13. Kapchorwa-Benet Trail
This hike combines scenic views with off-beaten trails as you journey through the greener-than-green flanks of Mount Elgon. It’s a rewarding experience for families seeking deeper connections with both the splendid nature and the Benet community, also known as the Mosopisiek or Ndorobos.
Good to know: From the endpoint @ Mengia waterfall, a boda boda takes you back to our Guesthouse during a 1-hour ride. Expect some bumpiness on the way back.
14. Kapchorwa Wilderness Hike
The latest addition to our offer! Step off the beaten path for an adventurous trek through Kapchorwa’s untouched wilderness. This hike requires stamina but offers an unparalleled sense of discovery. Highlight is a meet & greet with some modern-day cave dwellers!
15. Rock Climbing at Chebonet Falls (6+ years)
Explore the rocky face near Chebonet Falls in a family-friendly climbing activity suitable for adventurous kids aged six and up. With safety equipment provided, it’s a fun and exhilarating way to explore Kapchorwa’s rugged side.
“I don’t often write a review, but for this experience I would like to make an exception because the 2-day Mosopisiek Trail and the stay at Home of Friends were really the highlight of our fantastic trip through Uganda.
Home of Friends, located in Kapchorwa near the Sipi Falls, is a very nice place to stay. The managers Daan and Eliza are super friendly and helpful.
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, 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 and delicious food is prepared by his super sweet wife.”
Plan Your Family Adventure
Kapchorwa is the perfect destination for families looking to reconnect with nature and each other. To make planning even easier, check out these tailored options:
Weekend Getaway Package: Experience the best of Kapchorwa in just two days with a mix of adventure, culture and relaxation.
Best of Mount Elgon 8-Day Hiking Package: Explore the highlights of Mount Elgon with your family in this well-balanced and exciting itinerary.
Customized Itineraries: Tell us which of the above activities you are interested in and we help you design a personalized plan for your family.
Whether you’re after laid-back exploration or thrilling adventures, Kapchorwa has something for every curious and adventurous family.
Get in touch today to start planning your unforgettable trip🤗
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur who is based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Daan manages Home of Friends Guesthouse, together with his wife Eliza. He is passionate about documenting Mount Elgon’s beautiful nature and remarkable culture. Daan is also engaged in Community & youth empowerment through adventure tourism.
