Mosopisiek Land. On Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda. It is a unique and captivating place. Why do I love to be here? It is a combination of the spectacular nature and the subdued atmosphere. The tranquility. And space. A great environment for reflection. To live healthy. And to gain new inspiration!
Visiting a Mosopisiek family, photo credit: Juma Chebet
A healthy lifestyle
The Western world can learn a great deal from the Mosopisiek. Especially when it comes to living a healthy life. Local mushrooms, indigenous spinaches and forest berries are part of a standard diet. There is a reason why the knowledge about organic food is still so fresh: Only until recent, the Mosopisiek lived in and from the forest (Mount Elgon National Park). The great thing is: During the Mosopisiek Trail you can experience this knowledge in a practical way. For example, by grinding millet, harvesting honey or cooking a spinach paste together with your host.
My personal favorite is ‘sweeywondet’ or sting needle, an indigenous spinach cooked with milk and served as a sauce, preferably in combination with the staple ‘kaleta’, a mix of Matooke and potato.
Berries from Mount Elgon forest
Sports inspiration
As a sports enthusiast, you will not be disappointed visiting this area. The roots of Uganda's successful long-distance runners can be found in the heart of Mosopisiek land. This is where the grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles and aunts of champions such as Joshua Cheptegei, Peruth Chemutai, Jacob Kiplimo and Stephen Kiprotich live. On a central hill, called Chelangal, there is a good chance that you will bump into young running talents. Rumor has it that Joshua Cheptegei still visits this place regularly to do a final test before a big championship.
I will never forget when I met the grandpa en grandma of Cheptegei, in a village called Yatui. Such friendly and proud people. With a strong connection with life in the forest.
Coach Martin Kiplimo with local athletes on Kapchelal hill (Mosopisiek Land)
A warm social environment
The Mosopisiek are warm-hearted people. They live a pure and simple life. From a socio-cultural point of view, they have a difficult time. Their tribal identity remains unrecognized to this day. Mosopisiek can only register under the name of their neighbors, the Sebei tribe. They also often lose the fight for jobs within the government.
By booking the Mosopsiek Trail you contribute to the well-being of the Mosopisiek. A portion of your tour price goes directly to the Community. Like a group of traditional dancers, women who demonstrate how to make a bamboo basket or a farmer who teaches you how to plow the land with his oxen.
Tourist experiencing ox plowing in Chepkwutus (2600m ASL)
Authentic stories
There are many unique stories to tell about the Mosopisiek culture and history. We prefer to do this with the elders. Those who have actively experienced life before the National Park was gazetted in the 1990s. Sitting around the campfire, connection and depth in the conversation almost naturally arise. What topics are you most curious about?
Cultural dance & singing performance by the Mosopisiek
Other interesting activities
Because the mountain rises very gradually, hiking on Mount Elgon (once the highest mountain in Africa!) is doable for many people. The paths in Mosopisiek land lead passed characteristic round huts. Interesting activities you can do during the trail are visiting the largest cave of Mount Elgon (Mukuuso), a sunrise walk or a naming ritual in one of the caves close to the National Park. There is a good chance that during your walk you will pass beautiful waterfalls or have spontaneous encounters with the Mosopisiek.
I visited Mukuuso cave for the first time in August 2020. The cave is remote and has a magical atmosphere. The heroic stories of guide David certainly contribute to this!
Mukuuso, the largest cave on Mount Elgon, photo credit: Juma Chebet
I am curious to hear what you think of this blog. Let me know by leaving a comment below🙏🏼
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 fiancé 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.