OUR journey toward a Greener, stronger community
Since 2017, we have been committed to not only providing exceptional hospitality but also fostering sustainable practices and uplifting Communities in Kapchorwa and Kween District.
THE ROOTS OF OUR VISION
Our vision is rooted in the belief that true sustainability comes from:
taking small steps in the right direction, at least one every day;
learning from the indigenous lifestyle and healthy practices of the local people;
empowering our neighbors economically and in terms of well-being;
collaborating with native guides, tour operators and other Community stakeholders;
creating opportunities for exposure and learn from partners in sustainable travel.
At Home of Friends, we live by our slogan ‘Explore a green and healthy life’, which guides our daily operations and long-term goals.
Learning and growing together
Our guided tours and activities are designed to immerse visitors in the sustainable aspects of the lifestyle of Elgon’s native people. Learning about organic farming, bamboo weaving and healthy cooking, all in a fun, hands-on way.
Our Community support programs are focused on empowerment of local youth and women:
training youth in guiding, hospitality and entrepreneurship;
developing and promoting sustainable Community tours together with our local network of motivated and eco-conscious guides & tour operators;
reinvesting revenue from our Kween hiking tours into a bamboo growing and crafts making initiative of women along the trails. Visitors love hearing the women’s stories and seeing firsthand how traditional skills are helping to create new opportunities.
Check out our Impact Library for an impression of our Community empowerment activities so far.
Sustainable efforts in action
At Home of Friends, our sustainability efforts are woven into all aspects of our operations, from the energy we use to the food we serve:
Solar energy: Our guest rooms are powered by solar, giving you hot showers and backup lighting, a small but important step toward greener living. In a region where electricity can be unreliable, we dream of one day running fully on solar power, if resources and technology allow.
Water harvesting: We are using a rainwater harvesting and pump system to ensure we make the most of the abundant rainfall in the Elgon region. Roughly 95% of the water for our daily operations is collected rain water.
Elimination of plastics: We have banned plastic bottles and are replacing other single-use plastics with durable, eco-friendly alternatives. Our restaurant offers free water refills to reduce plastic waste, and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Reusing bottles: We recycle all consumed wine and liquor bottles into reusable glasses for our restaurant.
FRESH MEALS and our kitchen garden
Our kitchen celebrates the flavors of Mount Elgon by offering vegetarian and vegan meals made with fresh ingredients sourced from our kitchen garden and local farmers. By supporting local agriculture, we promote sustainable food systems and ensure that our guests enjoy the freshest, healthiest meals possible.
Note: We are not yet sourcing all vegetables and fruits from Kapchorwa. Due to a rearrangement of our compound our kitchen is currently relatively small. You can hold us accountable in 2025 to bring back a larger kitchen garden with more variety (and inspiration).
A homely ambiance for sustainable living
Home of Friends is more than a Guesthouse. It’s a space for connection and collaboration. We’ve created an environment where guests can come together, share ideas and explore new ways of living healthy and sustainably, all while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Mount Elgon.
Ready for a green and healthier life? Let’s explore this together!💚