Our story
A story of friendship, nature and purpose on Mount Elgon
Home of Friends is a Community-rooted Guesthouse in Uganda’s Mount Elgon highlands — a place where outdoor adventures, running culture and local encounters come together.
A place for travellers who are curious, active and open to real connection.
It started with Daan, a Dutch social entrepreneur, arriving in Kapchorwa for the first time in 2014.
He was welcomed with a cup of African tea, a fresh chapatti and an easy, spontaneous conversation. All while surrounded by green hills and the quiet, outdoor rhythm of daily life.
That simple moment set the tone for what Home of Friends would become.
Today, Home of Friends Guesthouse is a cozy hilltop place near Sipi Falls.
But at its heart, not much has changed: warm hospitality, shared moments and an appreciation for the people and landscape around us.
Roots & vision
Home of Friends was founded in 2017 by Eliza and Daan, together with local owner George.
In the beginning it was a small youth empowerment office that slowly grew into a place where travelers, runners, guides and local families meet.
From the beginning, our idea was simple: create a place where people connect - with nature, with culture and with each other. And with sports as a source of inspiration and connection.
We’ve learned along the way that comfort and purpose don’t have to be opposites. Tourism can be joyful and still respectful of the Community around it. And a Guesthouse can be both a place to rest and a place to learn.
Eliza & Daan during a nature walk in Kapkwai, Mount Elgon
A different rhythm Of life🌿
Life on Mount Elgon moves at its own gentle pace.
Days often start with cool mountain air, birdsong and greetings from friendly neighbors. There’s time for a walk through the village, a shared meal or a long conversation by the fire as evening settles in.
At Home of Friends, we’ve learned that slowing down creates space - for reflection, for connection and for appreciation of the small things. Whether you’re hiking waterfalls, joining a local cooking experience or simply resting in the garden with a strong cup of Arabica coffee, you naturally start moving at the mountain’s pace.
That’s what people often describe as the Home of Friends feeling - real, unhurried and connected💚
Community & purpose
Another part of Home of Friends is that outdoor sports and tourism can bring travelers and Communities together in ways that help both grow.
Over the years, we’ve worked closely with native guides, women entrepreneurs, youth leaders and athletes to create opportunities for learning, income and pride in Kapchorwa’s cultural heritage. Together, we’ve developed hiking trails, cultural experiences and Community tours that are built on what is already strong: the incredible nature, the people and their stories and traditions.
👉 Wondering how we put this into action?
The journey continues🤗
Home of Friends keeps growing with every guest, guide and neighbor who becomes part of it.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come - and figuring out how the next steps will look like: the trails to explore, the friendships to build and the moments of insight to share.
Our story is unfolding slowly, step by step.
If this resonates, you’re very welcome to be part of it.
👉 Curious to experience it for yourself?
Discover how you can stay, eat and explore with us on Mount Elgon.