We’ve always been captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultures surrounding Mount Elgon. Our love for this region has taken us on slow travel journeys filled with immersive hikes and rich cultural experiences. Mount Elgon is the perfect destination for a week (or more!) of off-the-beaten-path exploration, allowing you to enjoy nature and culture at your own pace.
Here are seven benefits of embarking on a slow travel adventure on Mount Elgon:
1) STEP out of your comfort zone
Mount Elgon’s vast, rolling landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for stepping outside your usual boundaries. Whether it’s conquering a challenging hike, running with locals, or taking on steep mountain bike trails, this region will push your limits in the best way possible. You can find inspiration in the Mosopisiek people, who are renowned for their endurance, sharing the genes of Kapchorwa’s World and Olympic champions. For the truly adventurous, the Sipi Falls area offers exhilarating rock climbing and abseiling opportunities.
Ready for a thrill? Mount Elgon is a playground for adventure seekers looking to push their boundaries!
Our native guide Cephus with a guest on the Kapchorwa-Benet Trail. Photo credit: Explore Travel Oasis (Mosopisiek Trail, September 2023)
2) Learn from a healthy lifestyle
There’s nothing quite like the fresh, revitalising air of Mount Elgon. Couple that with the region’s abundance of organic, locally grown foods, and you have the perfect recipe for a rich learning experience about healthy living. At Home of Friends, our chefs use these fresh ingredients to create delicious, nutritious meals that combine both local and continental flavors. Do you want to deepen your experience? Then try our immersive Cooking with the Kapchorwa Mamas activity, where you’ll learn how to prepare a wholesome, traditional meal.
With endless trails to explore, Mount Elgon is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Take this chance to nurture your mind and body while embracing a greener, healthier way of life!
One of Home of Friends’ organic mocktails. Made by host Eliza.
3) Make LIFELONG FRIENDS
While the Sabiny people may initially seem reserved, they are warm and welcoming, often inviting visitors to share in their daily activities. During your slow travel adventure, our local guides will also help you connect with the Community, offering invaluable tips to make the most of your stay. The bonds you form here could last a lifetime. Don’t be surprised if you leave with new friendships that transcend borders!
Cave Experience: traditional dance & drama close to our Guesthouse.
4) Take time to relax
Slow travel is all about pacing yourself, and there’s no better place to unwind than at Home of Friends. Our spacious, green garden offers the perfect setting for relaxation. You can treat yourself to a soothing massage from our host, Eliza, or find peace and serenity through yoga or meditation on a nearby hilltop. Whether you’re looking to reflect or simply recharge, Home of Friends is your go-to sanctuary during your Mount Elgon adventure.
5) LEARN NEW SKILLS
Curiosity is at the heart of every great slow travel adventure. The Sabiny people are naturally curious about visitors’ backgrounds, and they love exchanging stories and experiences. This curiosity extends to the many hands-on cultural activities available here. You can learn how to weave bamboo baskets, brew traditional coffee, plow fields with oxen, pound millet, or even join in singing and dancing with the locals.
Your slow travel experience offers a unique opportunity to live like a local, acquiring new skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for the Sabiny way of life.
6) SAVE MONEY
One of the additional advantages of a slow travel adventure on Mount Elgon is how affordable it can be! Our tours are reasonably priced, and the accommodation at Home of Friends offers excellent value. Plus, local restaurants and shops in this rural region are easy on the wallet.
While the journey from Entebbe Airport to Kapchorwa can be pricey if you opt for a private car ($170-$220), a more budget-friendly option is taking a local minibus for just $15 per person. Sure, it’s a snug fit for the 7-8 hour ride, but that’s all part of the authentic slow travel experience!
Cave Experience with a group of clients from Norway and Estonia (2019)
7) make a positive impact on the COmmunity
When you choose slow travel, you’re not just gaining an enriching experience for yourself. You’re also making a meaningful contribution to the local Community. The guides and performers involved in your activities directly benefit from your participation, and the friendships and knowledge exchanged leave a lasting impact.
Even more, 20% of the revenue from our Kapchorwa-Benet Trail and Mosopisiek Trail goes toward empowering a group of craftswomen in the Yatui community. These talented women grow bamboo and create beautiful handmade crafts, which you can learn about during our bamboo weaving experience. By supporting these initiatives, your adventure helps to empower the people in this beautiful region.
Ready to start your next slow travel adventure? Pack your bags and prepare to dive deep into the beauty, culture, and untamed landscapes of Mount Elgon. The perfect off-the-beaten-path journey awaits!
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.