Seven benefits of a slow travel adventure on Mount Elgon
We have always loved to explore Mount Elgon’s abundant nature and pristine cultures. This has led to a great deal of experiential hikes and cultural experiences. Enough variety for a fulfilling slow travel adventure of at least one week. Off-the-beaten track. And at your own pace.
Here are seven benefits of a slow travel adventure on Mount Elgon:
1) Move out of your comfort zone
Elgon’s wide and undulating landscape naturally encourages people to move out of their comfort zone. You can do this on a long hike, by running with the locals or by going for a challenging mountain bike ride. Be inspired by the Mosopisiek people, who carry the genes of Kapchorwa’s World and Olympic champions and are used to running long distances in Elgon’s moorlands. The more adventurous souls can go rock climbing or abseiling in the Sipi Falls area.
We are the all-in-one destination for adventurers!
Photo credit: Explore Travel Oasis (Mosopisiek Trail, September 2023)
2) Boost your health
There’s a pleasant freshness to Mount Elgon’s climate. A plethora of organic foods are grown in the region. Our chefs use these in Home of Friends’ healthy local and continental dishes. During our Cooking with the Kapchorwa Mamas experience you learn all about the preparation of the most nutritious traditional foods. With its myriad of red dirt trails, Mount Elgon is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Explore a green and healthy life with us!
One of Home of Friends’ organic mocktails. Made by host Eliza.
3) Make friendships for life
The Sabiny people can be a little reserved. Nevertheless, they are more than hospitable and love to engage you into their daily activities. Our guides are well-versed with the social dynamics in the area. And are always ready to interpret or give practical tips on the customs in the Community. In this warm environment there is a high chance you end up with friendships for life!
Cave Experience: traditional dance & drama close to our Guesthouse
4) Take your time to relax
In our spacious and green garden you will have enough opportunity to relax. Home of Friends’ host Eliza offers the best relaxation massage. But also feel free to move out on a nearby hill for your own yoga or meditation session. We love to join you:) Home of Friends is a place for ultimate relaxation and reflection!
5) LEARN NEW THINGS
Sabiny people are curious people. They love to ask a lot of questions about the place you come from, and don’t mind if you do the same! Interactive experiences are built into our hikes and cultural experiences. Bamboo basket weaving, ox plowing, coffee brewing, millet pounding and dancing & singing. So you have more than enough opportunities to acquire new skills. Live as a local, to the fullest:)
6) SAVE MONEY
Spending one or two weeks on Mount Elgon is an affordable undertaking. Our tours are reasonably priced. The rooms at Home of Friends are value for money. And because of being a rural area, prices at local restaurants and shops are still low. The only thing you need to be prepared for is the journey from Entebbe (Airport) to Kapchorwa. With a distance of 300km to 360km, a private hire is relatively expensive (between 170USD and 220USD depending on the car). Though if you are ready to travel with a local minibus, it is again very affordable (+/ 15USD per person). Be prepared to sit for 7 to 8 hours in a slightly squeezed position. Yes, it takes some effort to reach a hidden gem!
7) IMPACT THE COMMUNITY
By staying longer with us, your slow travel adventure will create a bigger impact on the Community. Community performers and guides are empowered through the tokens received for each activity. The earlier mentioned knowledge sharing and new friendships definitely make a social impact.
20% of the revenue of our Kapchorwa-Benet Trail and Mosopisiek Trail are reserved to empower a group of craftswomen in the Yatui community. Through bamboo growing and creating a market for their bamboo crafts. Learn more about it during our bamboo weaving experience.
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Let me know what you think 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.