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 where outdoor adventures, running culture and local encounters come together.

A place for travellers who are curious, active and open to real connection - and for those who want to slow down and spend a little more time getting to know the people and their strengths.

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.

There was no itinerary to follow and nowhere else to rush to. Just time, people and a beautiful place.

That simple moment set the tone for what Home of Friends would become.

Today, Home of Friends Guesthouse is a cozy hilltop retreat near Sipi Falls.

But at its heart, not much has changed: warm hospitality, shared moments and an appreciation for the wonderful people and nature around us.

Roots & vision

Home of Friends was founded in 2017 by Eliza and Daan, together with Kapchorwa native George.

In the beginning it was a small youth empowerment office that slowly grew into a place where travelers, runners, guides, farmers and 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.

Along the way, we've learned that comfort and meaningful immersion can naturally go hand in hand.

Our Guesthouse is both a place to rest and a place to challenge yourself physically. A place to take time and space for reflection, but also to meet new people and create new friendships.

A different rhythm Of life🌿

Life on Mount Elgon moves at its own gentle pace. And the longer you stay, the more you begin to experience it.

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, there is always something to discover, but never a need to rush.

That’s what people often describe as the Home of Friends feeling - real, unhurried and connected to the world around us💚

Community & purpose

Another part of Home of Friends is that spending time in a place - not just passing through it - can create opportunities for travellers and Communities to connect 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 - sometimes for a few days, sometimes for a few weeks, and sometimes for much longer.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come - and curious about what comes next: the trails to explore, the friendships to build and the moments of insight to share.

If this resonates, you’re very welcome to be part of it.

Discover how you can stay, eat and explore with us on Mount Elgon - for a few days, or long enough to really settle in.