Mount Elgon is not the type of mountain to conquer in one day.
You can spend a morning walking through coffee farms and waterfalls, cross the highlands on a full-day mountain trail, spend another day discovering village life - and still have plenty of Mount Elgon left to explore.
That's what makes hiking here different.
There are easy walks for a first introduction to the mountain, challenging day hikes for adventurous travellers, remote multi-day journeys through the highlands and classic summit treks to Wagagai Peak at 4,321 meters.
And - beyond the hiking - there are many more reasons to stay a little longer: indigenous culture, coffee experiences and high-altitude running or biking.
Whether you stay three days or three weeks, Mount Elgon gives you plenty of ways to fill them in an adventurous and meaningful way.
Kapchorwa makes a natural base for exploring these different sides of the mountain without having to pack up and move every day.
Which Mount Elgon hiking experience is right for you?
Mount Elgon is often reduced to two things: Sipi Falls and Wagagai Peak.
Both are spectacular. But they cover only a small part of the mountain’s abundant nature.
The lower slopes around Kapchorwa and Kween are a patchwork of farms, coffee gardens, small villages, remote waterfalls and highland trails. Higher up, the landscape changes into protected forest, bamboo, heath and moorland before opening into the vast volcanic caldera of Mount Elgon National Park.
That variety means you don't necessarily have to choose between a relaxing holiday and an adventurous one.
You can have both at the same time. Which sounds pretty healthy, right?☺️
Mount Elgon hiking at a glance
🥾 Best for: Nature lovers, curious hikers, active families, trail runners and adventurous travellers
⛰️ Hiking options: Waterfall walks, nature walks, full-day mountain crossings, cultural hikes and multi-day summit treks
📅 Recommended stay: 3 days to 3 weeks
⏱ Hiking duration: From around 1,5 hours to several days
💪 Difficulty: Easy to challenging
📍 Main hiking areas: Sipi Falls, Kapchorwa, Kween Highlands (Benet), Bududa, Budadiri, Sisiyi and Mount Elgon National Park
🏔 Highest point: Wagagai Peak - 4,321 meters
🤝 Combine hiking with: Coffee, culture, Community experiences, running, nature and unhurried time in Kapchorwa
Our guide David with a group of medical student-volunteers in front of Mengia waterfall in Kween District
The best thing about hiking Mount Elgon?
You don't have to choose just one hike!
If you have only a few days, you can choose one or two highlights.
But if you have more time, the mountain becomes much more interesting.
A three-day stay might combine a waterfall hike, a coffee experience and one longer trail.
With a week, you can explore different sides of the mountain without constantly packing and unpacking.
With two weeks, hiking can become one part of a much broader experience of Kapchorwa and the Mount Elgon region.
And with three weeks, you can slow down enough to explore the mountain as a temporary resident (you're likely receiving a permanent local name!) rather than a passing visitor.
“What stood out most during the walk was how welcoming everyone was. The guides are genuinely proud of their home and eager to share it. By the time we returned to the guesthouse that afternoon, overlooking the surrounding hills with a cup of coffee, we already felt surprisingly connected to the area.”
Our visitor Romy studying an indigenous plant together with Kapchorwa Nature Walk guide Romy!
How long should you stay around Mount Elgon?
3 days
Sipi or Kapchorwa nature walk → coffee experience → one rewarding full-day hike
5-7 days
Waterfalls → cultural experience → full-day mountain crossing → nature/forest walk → a slower day → another hike
10-14 days
Several different hiking landscapes, coffee, Community experiences, running, regional exploration and plenty of unplanned time
2-3 weeks
Use Kapchorwa as a base. Explore at different paces. Return to favorite trails. Meet people. Run. Read. Work. Rest. Discover places that aren't on the standard itinerary.
“Home of Friends is perfectly situated in Kapchorwa, with easy access to the surrounding nature and beautiful views. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed not as a guest, but as part of a Community.
What truly stands out is the team: Kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in making your stay meaningful and comfortable. The entire place is very well maintained: clean, quiet, green, and clearly cared for with attention.”
Team of Sipi and Kapchorwa guides doing the initial mapping of the Mosopisiek Trail in August 2020
Choose Your Mount Elgon Hiking Experience
Most hiking experiences around Mount Elgon fall into three broad categories.
1. Short walks and waterfall hikes💦
A good match when you want to get outside without committing an entire day.
These walks can combine waterfalls, coffee farms, viewpoints, forest and everyday Community life.
The Kapchorwa Nature Walk, for example, can be adapted to different interests and fitness levels. You might walk through farmland, visit waterfalls, learn about coffee or simply spend time getting a feel for the landscape around town.
Sipi Falls offers the iconic waterfall experience, while less-visited places such as Sisiyi provide a different perspective on the mountain.
Popular options:
Kapkwai Forest Walk
Sisiyi Falls Walk
Best for: First-time visitors, families, photographers, nature lovers and travellers who want to combine hiking with other experiences.
Hiking in the Benet / Mosopisiek highlands
2. Full-day hikes and mountain crossings💚
If you want to push your limits a little bit more - and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Elgon’s landscapes - then choose one of the full-day hikes and mountain crossings.
These longer trails move away from the obvious attractions and into remote valleys, farms, mountain villages and highland landscapes.
Expect longer distances, steeper climbs and - hopefully - a healthy sense of achievement at the end.
Popular options:
Sisiyi long hike
Wanale Ridge & Namatsyo Falls
Best for: Active travellers who want adventure without committing to a multi-day mountain expedition.
3. Multi-day cultural and summit treks🥾
There are two very different reasons to spend several days walking Mount Elgon.
One is to reach Wagagai Peak, the mountain's highest point, through the protected forests and moorlands of Mount Elgon National Park.
The other is to explore the inhabited highlands more slowly, following trails through communities, farms and remote villages.
The Mosopisiek Trail is a firm part of the second category.
And this distinction is important.
A multi-day hike doesn't necessarily mean a summit trek.
For some travellers, sleeping in a mountain community and sharing stories around a village fireplace can be just as memorable as standing at 4,321 metres.
Popular routes:
Female solo traveler along the Mosopisiek Trail in the highlands of Kween District
Compare Mount Elgon's HIKING EXPERIENCES
Good to know 💡
You don't have to climb Wagagai Peak or just Sipi Falls to experience the best of Mount Elgon. Many guests give us feedback that a combination of a short nature walk, a full-day hike and a cultural experience or guided run provides a richer and more varied adventure than focusing solely on the summit or the best-known waterfalls.
Runner from the Netherlands admiring one of the SIpi waterfalls
Short hikes
Don't underestimate the impact of a few hours on Mount Elgon!
Not every memorable Mount Elgon experience requires a summit or a full day on the trail.
Some of the most rewarding walks take only a few hours.
And that's important if you're staying for longer.
You don't have to make every day an adventure day.
One morning you might hike to a waterfall. The next day you could go for coffee. Another day you might take a longer mountain trail. Then you can simply enjoy the view from your veranda.
That is one of the advantages of having more time.
Kapchorwa Nature Walk
A flexible hiking experience. Just outside the town of Kapchorwa, yet in the middle of beautiful nature.
Along the route there’s a high chance of having a spontaneous interaction with a farmer or coming across cows blocking the trail. This experience is a charming combination of village life, local farms and incredible viewpoints and waterfalls.
Duration: 1,5-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: First-time visitors, families and travellers looking for an introduction to everyday life around Kapchorwa.
→ Explore the Kapchorwa Nature Walk
Sipi Falls Hike
The region's best-known hiking experience with the simplicity of walking through green farmland and suddenly standing beside a powerful waterfall.
Depending on your chosen route, you'll visit one, two or all three waterfalls while walking through coffee farms, caves and spectacular escarpment scenery.
Although Sipi is the region's most visited attraction, the Sipi Falls Hike remains one of the best introductions to Mount Elgon's landscapes and is suitable for most visitors with a reasonable level of fitness.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Short stays, photographers and first-time visitors.
Home of Friends managers Eliza and Daan in front of a waterfall along the Kapkwai Forest Walk trail
Kapkwai Forest Walk
Located inside Mount Elgon National Park, the Kapkwai Forest Walk provides cool, shaded forest where you may find monkeys playing above your head, along with colorful birdlife, caves and a small waterfall.
It's one of the best options for travellers interested in Mount Elgon's biodiversity, without having to trek for multiple days to the peaks of the mountain.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Families, birdwatchers and nature lovers.
→ Learn more about Mount Elgon National Park
Wanale Ridge & Namatsyo Falls
Located near Mbale on Mount Elgon's western slopes, Wanale Ridge offers a different perspective on the mountain.
Steep trails lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Mbale City before continuing towards the beautiful Namatsyo Falls. Although separate from the Kapchorwa hiking area, it makes an excellent addition for travellers exploring the wider Mount Elgon region.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best for: Hikers staying in or around Mbale.
→ Learn more about this activity through our partner CWMbale Eco Lodge
On the foothills of Wanale with the spectacular Namatsyo falls on the backdrop
Sisiyi Falls & Hiking Trails
Less visited than Sipi Falls, Sisiyi Falls is one of the most interesting alternatives for travellers who want to explore Mount Elgon beyond the known tourism spots.
The classic hike leads through the green countryside to the top of Sisiyi Falls, covering approximately 3km and taking around 2-3 hours. But this isn't the only option. Community guides connected to Sisiyi Falls Campsite also offer longer 10-15 km hikes of around 6-7 hours, as well as Community tours in the surrounding area.
Sisiyi is particularly interesting for travellers who want to discover everyday rural landscapes in a less polished environment.
Duration: 2,5 hours to a full day
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the route
Best for: Waterfall lovers, adventurous travellers and visitors looking beyond Sipi and Kapchorwa.
→ Contact Sisiyi Falls Camp Site & Resort Gardens of Eden directly for guided hikes and Community tours.
Which short hike should you choose?
For iconic waterfalls: Sipi Falls Hike
For local culture and flexibility: Kapchorwa Nature Walk
For forest, wildlife and birdlife: Kapkwai Forest Walk
For a quieter waterfall experience: Sisiyi Falls Walk
If you're travelling with children or looking for more gentle outdoor activities, our Family Adventures in Kapchorwa guide highlights the best walks and experiences for families of different ages.
Sisiyi Falls Campsite on the foothill of Sisiyi Falls, in Bulambuli District
Full-day Hikes
If you have a full day to explore, Mount Elgon reveals a more adventurous side of itself.
These hikes take you beyond the region's best-known attractions into remote valleys, mountain villages and dramatic highland landscapes. Expect longer distances, steeper climbs and a rewarding sense of achievement at the end of the day.
Unlike the multi-day summit treks inside Mount Elgon National Park, these routes can all be completed in a single day, making them ideal for active travellers who want a meaningful challenge without camping overnight.
Kapchorwa-Benet Trail
The Kapchorwa-Benet Trail is one of Mount Elgon's most spectacular day hikes. Crossing the greener than green northern slopes of the mountain, it combines panoramic viewpoints, remote villages and the beautiful Mengia Waterfalls into one challenging but unforgettable journey.
Rather than following a circular route, you'll traverse the landscape from Kapchorwa towards the Benet Highlands, experiencing a combination of stunning nature and picturesque village and farm life.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Strong day hikers looking for scenery, culture and a rewarding mountain crossing.
Hikers in the Mosopisiek highlands in Kween District (2450m ASL)
Kapchorwa Wilderness Hike
If you're searching for Mount Elgon at its wildest, this is the route to choose.
The Kapchorwa Wilderness Hike ventures deep into a little-visited valley with open highland landscapes. With quiet trails, hidden waterfalls and spectacular viewpoints this is one of the region's most physically demanding day hikes.
It's a route for hikers who enjoy spending an entire day immersed in nature and don't mind earning every view along the way.
Duration: 9-10 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (terrain) to challenging (distance)
Best for: Experienced hikers seeking a remote and adventurous experience.
Easy combinations from a Kapchorwa baseℹ️
2 nights: Sipi Falls + Kapchorwa Nature Walk
3 nights: Kapchorwa Nature Walk + Community experience + full-day hike
4-5 nights: Add coffee, running or Mengia
6-7 nights: Combine the lower slopes with a Mosopisiek or National Park trek
Mengia Village Tour
Not every full-day hike needs to be an endurance challenge.
The Mengia Village Tour combines moderate hiking and spontaneous encounters with the Mosopisiek people who live in one of Mount Elgon's most scenic rural communities. Along the way, you'll cross farmland and reach the impressive Mengia waterfalls and Mukuuso cave while learning more about daily life in these remote highlands.
It's an excellent choice if you want a good walk, beautiful scenery and enough time along the way to get a glimpse of everyday life in the Mosopisiek highlands.
Duration: 6 hours (4 hours walk + 2 hours for the drive way and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Active travellers interested in both scenery and Community.
→ Learn more about the Mengia Village Tour
Which full-day hike should you choose?
For the classic Mount Elgon crossing: Kapchorwa-Benet Trail
For the biggest physical challenge: Kapchorwa Wilderness Hike
For an off-the-beaten-path waterfall adventure: Sisiyi Falls long hike
For culture combined with scenery: Mengia Village Tour
For travellers based near Mbale: Wanale Ridge & Namatsyo Falls
If you have more than one day available, consider combining one of these full-day adventures with a shorter nature walk or waterfall hike. Together, they offer a broader picture of Mount Elgon's landscapes, communities and hiking diversity before moving on to one of the region's multi-day treks.
Community woman in Mengia village weaving a bamboo basket
Inside or Outside Mount Elgon National Park - Or BOTH?
One of the most common questions we receive is whether it's better to hike inside Mount Elgon National Park or explore the trails outside the park.
The honest answer is that neither is better.
They simply offer two different ways of experiencing the mountain.
Outside the national park, hiking revolves around living landscapes. Trails pass through farming communities, coffee gardens, waterfalls and highland villages, where nature and daily life have developed side by side for generations.
Inside the national park, the experience becomes wilder and more remote. Multi-day treks lead through montane forests, bamboo zones, giant heather, alpine moorlands and the vast caldera surrounding Wagagai Peak.
The comparison below may help you decide which experience suits your travel style best.
| Outside Mount Elgon National Park | Inside Mount Elgon National Park |
|---|---|
| Coffee farms, villages, waterfalls and cultural landscapes | Protected forests, alpine moorlands, caves and summit landscapes |
| Flexible walks from 1,5 hours to 3 days | Primarily structured multi-day trekking routes |
| Frequent interaction with local communities | Immersive wilderness experience |
| Generally lower costs and no park entrance fees | Uganda Wildlife Authority entrance fees and ranger support required |
| Easy to combine with coffee tours, cultural experiences and running activities | Focus on trekking, camping and reaching Wagagai Peak |
| Ideal for short stays and flexible itineraries | Best suited to travellers with 3–6 days available |
| Accommodation in lodges, guesthouses and homestays | Camping or basic mountain huts during the trek |
Which experience should you choose?
If you're visiting Mount Elgon for the first time, don't assume you have to climb Wagagai Peak to appreciate the region.
Many travellers discover that a combination of shorter hikes, cultural experiences and one rewarding full-day adventure offers a richer introduction to Mount Elgon than focusing solely on the summit.
On the other hand, if you've always dreamed of completing a multi-day mountain trek, Mount Elgon National Park rewards you with dramatic scenery, changing ecosystems and the unforgettable experience of standing on one of East Africa's largest extinct volcanoes.
Ultimately, these experiences complement rather than replace one another. One introduces you to the people who call Mount Elgon home. The other reveals the mountain's wild and protected heart.
Our recommendation 💡
If you have six to seven days, consider combining both worlds. Spend your first days exploring Kapchorwa's nature walks, waterfalls and mountain communities before setting off on a multi-day trek, or simply enjoy the diversity of the lower slopes if you're not aiming for the summit.
That's how many of our guests experience the greatest variety that Mount Elgon has to offer.
Hikers enjoying the plain views during a Kapchorwa Wilderness Hike experience
Multi-Day Hikes on Mount Elgon
For travellers who love to explore areas extensively, Mount Elgon offers some of East Africa's most rewarding multi-day hiking experiences.
Some journeys lead to Wagagai Peak (4,321 m), Uganda's fourth-highest mountain, crossing changing ecosystems from montane forests to alpine moorlands and the vast volcanic caldera.
Others remain on the mountain's inhabited slopes, where days are spent walking through highland communities, staying with local families and discovering a landscape where nature and culture are closely connected.
The choice isn't simply between easy and difficult.
It's about deciding what kind of journey you're looking for.
Mosopisiek Trail
Unlike most multi-day hikes on Mount Elgon, the Mosopisiek Trail doesn't aim for the summit.
Instead, it follows undulating footpaths through the green highlands of Kween District, connecting remote villages, mountain farms, waterfalls, caves and the stories and traditions that make this part of Mount Elgon unique.
The highlands can get cold at night, especially around David's homestay at 2,700 metres. But this is more than compensated by the warmth of your hosts: storytelling with elders around the fire, spontaneous encounters along the trail and slowly making your way through the green hills.
It's a trek where the people you meet can become just as memorable as the landscapes you walk through.
Duration: 2-3 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best for: Slow travellers, photographers, hikers interested in culture and Community life.
A curious traveller learning how to weave bamboo baskets along the Mosopisiek Trail
Summit Treks to Wagagai Peak
For many hikers, standing on Wagagai Peak is the ultimate Mount Elgon achievement.
Several trekking routes reach the summit, each offering its own combination of scenery, difficulty and hiking experience. All require multiple days and are accompanied by Uganda Wildlife Authority guides.
Whether you choose the gradual ascent of the Piswa Trail, the classic Sipi route, the faster Sasa approach or the quieter Bushiyi Trail, you'll experience one of Africa's largest extinct volcanoes and an extraordinary diversity of landscapes along the way.
Piswa Trail
A longer but more gradual ascent through a dense rainforest and across open moorlands in a vast and scenic landscape.
Duration: 4-5 days
Best for: Hikers seeking a steady climb with panoramic views.
Sipi Trail
One of the most varied summit routes, combining forests, waterfalls and moorlands.
Duration: 4-5 days
Best for: First-time Mount Elgon summit trekkers.
Sasa Trail
The shortest and steepest route to Wagagai Peak.
A physically demanding climb favored by experienced hikers looking for the quickest summit ascent.
Duration: 3-4 days
Best for: Fit and experienced trekkers.
Bushiyi Trail
A quieter southern route offering a more remote trekking experience with fewer visitors. Includes one of the last remaining bamboo forests.
Duration: 3-4 days
Best for: Experienced hikers looking for solitude.
| If you're looking for... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| Local culture and homestays | Mosopisiek Trail |
| The easiest summit ascent | Piswa Trail |
| The most varied summit route | Sipi Trail |
| The fastest summit climb | Sasa Trail |
| The quietest summit experience | Bushiyi Trail |
Local insight 💡
The summit may be Mount Elgon's highest point, but it isn't necessarily its highlight.
Many travellers tell us their strongest memories come from sharing stories around a village fireplace, waking up in a mountain homestay or walking through landscapes where people have lived alongside the mountain for generations.
Hikers on one of the higher trails leading to Wagagai peak
Best Time to Hike Mount Elgon
Thanks to its mild temperatures and high elevation, Mount Elgon offers pleasant hiking conditions in every season. The main difference between seasons is the amount of rainfall and the greenness of the landscape.
Disclaimer: although classic seasonal patterns still occur, weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable over the past years.
December to March: Best for clear skies and longer hikes
The dry season from December to March generally offers the most predictable hiking conditions.
Trails are drier, river crossings are easier and panoramic views are often at their best. These months are particularly popular for summit treks, full-day hikes and trail running.
It's also an excellent period for combining hiking with camping, photography and multi-day adventures.
Best for:
Summit treks
Full-day hikes
Trail running
Photography
First-time visitors
April to June: Green landscapes and powerful waterfalls
As the rains return, Mount Elgon transforms into one of Uganda's greenest landscapes.
Forests become lush, coffee farms flourish and waterfalls reach their most impressive flow. Although some trails become muddier and steeper sections require more care, many visitors appreciate the quieter atmosphere and dramatic scenery.
If your focus is nature rather than reaching the summit, this can be a wonderful time to visit.
Best for:
Waterfall hikes
Nature photography
Birdwatching
Travellers seeking fewer crowds
July and August: A balanced hiking season
The middle of the year often brings a welcome balance between dry and wet conditions.
Many trails are in good shape, temperatures remain comfortable and the landscape is still beautifully green after the earlier rains. It's a popular period for active holidays that combine hiking, running and cultural experiences.
September to November: Quiet trails and vibrant scenery
The second rainy season once again brings fresh green hillsides and lively waterfalls.
Some summit routes may become more challenging because of muddy conditions, but shorter hikes, community walks and cultural experiences remain highly enjoyable.
For flexible travellers who don't mind occasional rain showers, this season offers a peaceful and authentic experience.
A group of hikers - including Home of Friends host Eliza - along the Bushiyi Trail
| If you're looking for... | Best time to visit |
|---|---|
| Multi-day summit trekking | December – March |
| Waterfalls at their best | April – June and September – November |
| Green landscapes | April – November |
| Trail running | December – August |
| Photography | Year-round (depending on your preferred scenery) |
| Fewer visitors | April – June and September – November |
Local insight 💡
There is no single "perfect" season to hike Mount Elgon.
Some visitors dream of standing on Wagagai Peak beneath clear blue skies. Others remember the mountain for its mist-covered forests, vibrant waterfalls or the warm welcome they received in a village after an afternoon rain shower.
Every season reveals a different side of Mount Elgon.
Practical Tips for Hiking Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon accommodates hikers of all experience levels, but its generally steep terrain and altitude mean it's worth arriving well prepared.
Choose the right footwear 🥾
Many trails combine dirt tracks, rocky paths and, depending on the season, muddy sections.
Comfortable hiking shoes or trail running shoes with good grip are suitable for most day hikes. If you're planning a multi-day summit trek, waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended.
Pack for changing weather 🎒
Weather on Mount Elgon can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.
We recommend bringing:
A lightweight rain jacket
Warm layers for early mornings and evenings
A sun hat and sunscreen
A reusable water bottle
Snacks for longer hikes
A small daypack
Even during the dry season, a short afternoon shower is always possible.
Take your time at altitude 💪
Most hiking routes begin between 1,900 and 2,200 meters above sea level, while Wagagai Peak reaches 4,321 meters.
Many visitors notice the altitude more than they expect, especially during the first day.
Start at a comfortable pace, drink plenty of water and allow yourself time to enjoy the scenery rather than rushing to your destination.
Mosopisiek Trail guide David
Hike with a native guide 🤗
Although some shorter walks can be explored independently, hiking with a local guide adds far more than navigation.
Our guides help you discover hidden viewpoints, explain local history and culture, introduce you to community initiatives and adapt the route to your interests and fitness level.
For multi-day treks inside Mount Elgon National Park, an accredited guide is required.
Respect local communities 🤝
Many of Mount Elgon's most beautiful hiking routes pass through villages and farmland.
A few simple gestures help create positive experiences for everyone:
Ask before photographing people.
Stay on established trails.
Leave no litter behind.
Support local guides and community businesses.
Respect crops, livestock and private property.
Responsible hiking helps ensure tourism continues to benefit the communities who call these landscapes home.
Local insight 💡
One of the greatest strengths of hiking on Mount Elgon is its flexibility.
Don't feel you need to tackle the longest or most demanding route to have a memorable experience. Some travellers leave talking most about a quiet coffee farm, an unexpected conversation with a local family or a hidden waterfall they discovered along the way.
Often, it's these moments that become the highlights of the journey.
Start Planning Your Mount Elgon Hiking Adventure
You don't need to plan every day before you arrive.
Use Kapchorwa as your base, choose one or two adventures you don't want to miss, and leave some space for the weather, recommendations from our guides and the places you discover along the way.
No matter the exact time you have, we're happy to help you find a rhythm that combines hiking with the other sides of Kapchorwa: running, coffee, Community experiences and time to simply unwind.
This guide is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur and travel writer based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Together with his wife Eliza, he co-manages Home of Friends Guesthouse and develops Community-rooted travel experiences around Mount Elgon. Through Run Kapchorwa, he also helps create skilling and employment opportunities for local youth through tourism and running.