Travel with Purpose
Explore. Connect. Create impact together.
A stay with Home of Friends is about connection and care — for each other and for the Community around us. Since 2017, we’ve been learning from the people of Mount Elgon, supporting women and youth and taking small steps each day toward a greener, stronger future.
When you hike, eat, or stay with us, you’re not just exploring. You’re joining a local movement that grows opportunities, friendships and more sustainable ways of living in the Land of Champions.💚
Empowering our Community
Our journey toward sustainable tourism is powered by the people of Kapchorwa and Kween. Together, we’re creating opportunities that strengthen local livelihoods and keep Mount Elgon’s traditions alive.
youth training
We believe that young people are the future guides and storytellers of this mountain region. Through mentorship and hands-on learning at Home of Friends, local youth gain skills in guiding, hospitality and entrepreneurship. Several of them now lead hiking and cultural tours, manage guest experiences or coordinate Community projects — proving that meaningful tourism can build real careers close to home.
Women enterprises
Strong women stand at the heart of our Community. We proudly support women-led initiatives such as the bamboo weaving and crafts project along the Mosopisiek Trail, where part of our hiking revenue is reinvested. Community women not only share their skills with visitors but also inspire others through healthy cooking workshops like Cooking with the Kapchorwa Mamas, celebrating culture and creativity.
Local partnerships
None of this would be possible without collaboration. We work closely with native guides, Community farmers and tour operators to design immersive and impactful experiences — from the Cave Dance Experience with the Sebei Cultural Storytellers to our Community-based homestay along the Mosopisiek Trail. Our focus is on shared values of teamwork, authenticity and intercultural learning.
Sustainability in Action
At Home of Friends, sustainability is not a side project — it’s part of how we live and work every day. From energy and water to food and materials, we keep looking for small, practical ways to reduce our footprint and live closer to nature.
☀️ Solar Energy
Our guest rooms and restaurant use solar power for lighting and hot showers — a simple but reliable solution in a region where electricity can be unpredictable. Step by step, we aim to expand our system until we can run fully on solar energy.
💧 Water Harvesting
We collect and reuse the rain that falls so generously on Mount Elgon. Around 95% of the water used in our guesthouse and restaurant comes from our rainwater harvesting and pump system — a tangible step toward a more self-sufficient way of living.
🚫 Plastic-Free Living
We’ve banned plastic bottles and continue replacing single-use items with durable alternatives. Guests are encouraged to refill their bottles (for free!) in our restaurant, whilst we also turn empty wine bottles into handmade drinking glasses.
🌱 Farm-to-Table Food
Our kitchen celebrates the flavors of the mountain. Fresh vegetables and herbs come from our own garden and nearby farmers, ensuring healthy meals while supporting local agriculture. In 2026, we plan to expand our kitchen garden again, creating more variety — and inspiration — for both guests and our team.
Together, Step by Step
Our approach has always been simple: grow slowly, learn from each challenge and celebrate every small step forward. We believe lasting change comes through teamwork — between guests, staff and the wider community around Mount Elgon.