At Home of Friends, our heart lies in Kapchorwa — in Community trails, cooking fires and early-morning red dirt runs.
But Kapchorwa isn’t the only place worth exploring. And Mount Elgon doesn’t stop at Sipi Falls.
Within a two-to-three-hour radius of our hilltop Guesthouse, you’ll find ancient rock art, an untamed wildlife reserve, remote waterfalls, sacred mountain ranges and villages shaped by running champions.
If you have an extra day — or better two — here are the hidden gems that deserve your curiosity.
Let’s go a little beyond the obvious.
Cultural & Historical Treasures
Nyero Rock Paintings (Kumi District)
Step back thousands of years at the Nyero Rock Paintings, located just 10 km off the Mbale–Soroti highway.
These Iron Age drawings are among Uganda’s most important archaeological sites — and one even appears on the 1,000 UGX note. A small museum now adds context, making the visit deeper and more educational.
If you enjoy understanding the roots of a place before walking its trails, Nyero is a meaningful stop on your journey east.
Searching for the Sunken Village (Kween District)
Somewhere in Kween’s oral history lives the story of a village that vanished into the earth.
Is it legend? Is it truth? That depends on who you ask.
Our guides Shadrack and David sometimes guides curious guests into this landscape of memory — where storytelling and exploration meet.
Wild & Untamed Landscapes
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Uganda’s second-largest protected area — and still wonderfully quiet.
Between January and March, when grasses are lower, wildlife viewing improves dramatically. You may spot:
Roan antelope
Greater kudu
Jackson’s hartebeest
Ostriches
Dik-dik
And if you’re a birder — you’ll struggle to leave.
Recent investments (airstrip, conservation management & improved infrastructure) signal that this reserve is gaining recognition.
It feels raw. Wide. Open.
Very different from busier safari circuits.
Kitum Cave (Kenyan side of Mount Elgon)
Two hours from Kapchorwa, elephants walk into this cave to mine salt.
Yes, really.
They break rock with their tusks and slowly expand the cave walls — a behaviour so unique that National Geographic documented it.
It’s one of the rarest wildlife phenomena in Africa.
If you’re crossing into Kenya or combining Elgon with western Kenya, Kitum is unforgettable.
Peaks, Trails & Adventure Routes
Bushiyi Trail (Southern Mount Elgon)
Developed by Massif Montane Expedition in collaboration with UWA, this trail begins in Bududa District and climbs toward Wagagai Peak.
It’s less traveled. Wilder. And physically demanding.
Montane forests give way to moorlands and rocky ridges. If you’re seeking an authentic summit route away from the standard paths, this is it.
Peaks, Trails & Adventure Routes
Bushiyi Trail (Southern Mount Elgon)
Developed by Massif Montane Expedition in collaboration with UWA, this trail begins in Bududa District and climbs toward Wagagai Peak.
It’s less traveled. Wilder. And physically demanding.
Montane forests give way to moorlands and rocky ridges. If you’re seeking an authentic summit route away from the standard paths, this is it.
→ Explore our Complete Guide to Mount Elgon National Park
Piswa Trail (gentler peak access from Kween)
If you want to reach Mount Elgon’s peaks with less steepness, Piswa is often the most forgiving route.
Starting near David’s homestay in Mosopisiek, this trail connects beautifully with a Mosopisiek stay or multi-day cultural hike.
It’s a quieter, longer ascent — but incredibly scenic.
Mengia waterfall in the higher belts of Kween District. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
Waterfalls Beyond Sipi
Yes, Sipi Falls is iconic.
But it’s not alone.
Mengia waterfall (Kween District)
Almost as tall as Sipi’s main falls — but surrounded by quieter villages and less commercial energy.
The Mengia Village Tour combines:
Participative farming
Community storytelling
Cave exploration (Mukuuso cave)
Hilltop views
Waterfall walk
It feels more raw and personal.
Hidden seasonal waterfalls
During rainy months, Mount Elgon’s rocky slopes awaken with dozens of temporary cascades.
Our local guides know where to find them — especially in the Benet highlands and lower Kapchorwa belts.
If you prefer discovering something not yet pinned on Google Maps, this is your season.
Tawut waterfall along Atar river - lower side of Kapchorwa Town.
Culture, Running & Highland Life
Visit the Village of Champions (Mosopisiek)
In the highlands of Kween lies Mosopisiek — home to Olympic and World champions.
Visitors sometimes meet families of athletes like Jacob Kiplimo or Joshua Cheptegei. But beyond medals, you discover:
Forest-grown food
Bamboo basket weaving
Indigenous cooking traditions
Campfire storytelling with elders
It’s one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in the Elgon region.
Bamboo basket crafting
Women in Mosopisiek still use Aldoneria Alpina bamboo to craft trading baskets — symbols of heritage and daily life.
Learning the technique — even briefly — connects you to something deeper than sightseeing.
Prayer mountain
A sacred site overlooking the plains.
During Easter or Christmas, hundreds gather here. On quiet days, it offers panoramic views and reflective silence.
The ride itself — via rugged Atar-Ngenge road — is part of the adventure.
How to Combine These Gems
If you’re staying with us in Kapchorwa, here’s how guests typically combine these:
2-3 days exploring Kapchorwa & Sipi
1 day Pian Upe safari
Cultural stop at Nyero when traveling northeast- or west
The wider Mount Elgon region rewards those who stay a little longer.
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.