Top-10 things to do in Kween District
Until only a few years back, Kween District was a pretty isolated and unknown place. But thanks to the new Kapchorwa - Suam highway, the running success of its natives and newly discovered gems, we can now say: Kween deserves a more-than-one-day visit! Are you ready to discover all of Kween’s natural and cultural treasures?
1. Visit the village of a champion
The Mosopisiek, host Community of champions, is a very welcoming and friendly Community. High chance the family of a World and Olympic champion will receive you with open arms. And if you’re lucky, the power food from the forest will be served as a sign of hospitality. Read more about the roots of the Mosopisiek running champions in our article (page 14) of Adventure Tourism magazine.
Likil village, home to world half-marathon champion Jacob Kiplimo (June 2018)
2. Make traditional bamboo baskets
Aldoneria Alpina (forest bamboo) is the type of bamboo that grows in the forest of Mount Elgon. For Mosopisiek women, crafting bamboo baskets is closely intertwined with their daily lives. The baskets traditionally function as a medium of exchange, for example for grains and fruits on the plains. During the Mosopisiek Trail you can experience this craft first-hand: Our passionate women group is more than ready to teach you this skill.
Mosopisiek basket weaving group together with a visitor from Canada (September 2023)
3. Ride down to prayer mountain
It’s a famous place among locals. With Easter and Christmas, hundreds of people go here for a mass prayer. But also, throughout the rest of the year, you can go here for some good moments of contemplation, amidst the gorgeous views of the Karamoja plains. The prayer mountain is located along the bumpy but spectacular Atar-Ngenge road, a shortcut from Kapchorwa to Pian Upe Game Reserve.
4. Take the Piswa trail to the peaks
It is the most gentle climb to the peaks of Mount Elgon: Piswa. Its starting point is only two kilometers from David’s homestay, the place where our visitors stay during the Mosopisiek Trail. Read the story of our 2020 climb to learn more about this spectacular and rewarding adventure.
5. Go for a mountain bike challenge
It has some of the steepest hills in Uganda. And with some little rain, the marram roads can become slippery. But the natural beauty surrounding you on your ride through the Benet highlands, is more than rewarding:) At Home of Friends we have two Giant bikes that are ready to be taken for a ride on Elgon’s stunning red dirt trails.
Typical Kween landscape, favorite photo made during a mountain bike exploration (August 2021)
6. Listen to the stories of Mosopisiek elders
How was life in the forest back in the days? What cultural cave events would take place? What can the youth of today learn from the Mosopisiek lifestyle? Due to the abundance of knowledge, storytelling with Mosopisiek elders is an enriching experience. Doing this activity around the campfire, under a sky full of stars, makes it even more unique.
Mengia waterfall (September 2023). Photo credit: Explore Travel Oasis (Dotti & Zandy)
7. Do the Mengia village tour
Its waterfall is almost as stunning and tall as the largest Sipi treasure. A bigger difference is that the villages surrounding Mengia are more unspoiled and pure than the Sipi villages. Also, the people are more friendly and relaxed. On your Mengia tour you can learn how to play an indigenous game, listen to the stories of elders, enjoy the magnificent views on a lush hilltop or climb a little higher to the largest cave of Mount Elgon: Mukuuso.
The surrounding of Mengia village during a mapping activity with native guide Cephus (August 2023)
8. Try the secret to a long life
There is a reason why so many elders in this area passed the 100 years barrier. According to the locals it is sseewyondet. This nettle is believed to be the secret to a long life. It is not easy to prepare Sseewyondet. The green is so stingy that you need to use a locally-fabricated crusher with four hooks to mash it into an edible substance. But if you have done that, there is a high chance you will be blown away by the taste, especially when it’s mixed with milk.
The sseewyondet plant
9. Explore hidden waterfalls
Mount Elgon has plenty of rainfall. In the rainier seasons waterfalls tend to pop up on every steepy rock formation. Our local guides know all the remote waterfalls of the region. For a preview of these hidden gems, read our dedicated Elgon waterfalls blog.
10. Look for the sunken village
Let us be honest with you. We have not mapped all areas and (potential) highlights yet. But we have heard it several times in historical testimonies: a village that sank into the earth. Our cultural leader and storyteller Shadrack can take you here. Do you love to explore new places? Join us in this pioneering adventure and leave a comment below on when you are ready to go! High chance you will make more discoveries along the way:)
I hope you picked some interest in visiting Kween District. Let me know what you think of this blog 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.
