Kapchorwa Town is located in Eastern Uganda in the Sebei sub-region, and it’s approximately 65km (40 mi), by road, from Mbale town, the largest city in the eastern Elgon region. Kapchorwa town is the main municipal, commercial, and administrative centre of Kapchorwa district, which is home mostly to Kalenjin people, including their sub-groups; Sabiny, Pokot and Nandi. They were mainly cattle keepers in the late 1960s but a change was seen when their northern neighbors, the Karamojong, raided most of their cattle, and displaced hundreds of people.
The town of Kapchorwa is the ultimate place to relax your body, mind and soul. It is a place that gets most tourists surprised because of the beauty of the green and lush hills surrounding this small town at 2,000m. Because the population density is still low, combined with an abundance of natural caves and water pools, it makes it attractive to go out and explore these unknown sites.
Tourist Attractions Around Kapchorwa Town
The tourist attractions around Kapchorwa town give it the sparkling and breathtaking scenery and a natural charm that attracts tourists. The warm welcome of the Sabiny people will give you contradicts the ever cold environment. Perhaps, this gives a more appealing feeling that the steadily-growing beautiful country has plenty to offer for those who are prepared to see beyond their air-conditioned safari.
The surrounding hills of Kapchorwa offer you plenty of hiking possibilities. Walk through banana plantations, small villages and enjoy the small streams flowing down from Mount Elgon. You can also go for a several-days hiking Mount Elgon experience. With a cooler climate than most of the country Sipi Falls is a nice place to unwind, relax and literally chill out away from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities. Being on the foothills of Mount Elgon, Sipi offers a number of alternative activities to the mainstream activities in and around Kapchorwa town.
Sipi Falls
Visiting Sipi falls is comprised of 3 waterfalls each flowing from a different altitude. The highest fall drops from an altitude of 100m referred to as the main fall since it is the last fall in the series. This fall is a little bigger than the other two falls, but all give Uganda a beautiful scenery. As a result, most people say that Sipi falls are the ‘most romantic falls’ in Uganda, which is evidenced by the wonderful falls. This area is majorly where most hikes to Mount Elgon start from. Hiking up to these falls gives a beautiful scenic view of Lake Kyoga, the Karamoja lowlands, coffee plantations and other surrounding areas.
Visiting Local Communities
Visiting the local people and having a calm and relaxed attitude towards life. It is easy to approach people for an informal chat. The Kapchorwa lands are very fertile. A great variety of vegetables grow here. You will also have access to tasty and natural fruits like passion fruits, oranges and mangoes. You will eat and drink organic during your stay in this area.
Hiking around the hills of Kapchorwa offer you plenty of hiking possibilities. Walk through banana plantations, small villages and enjoy the small streams flowing down from Mount Elgon National Park. You can also go for a several-days hike to Mount Elgon. Kapchorwa offers you gorgeous views due to its location on the flanks of Mount Elgon.
From Kapchorwa town you look down at the lower Karamoja plains. This gives Kapchorwa plenty of gorgeous views to enjoy. Kapchorwa has a natural mountain breeze making the climate very pleasant. During night, the fresh air is blowing through the windows. Runners come here to train because of the favorable high altitude training conditions.
Kapkwai Exploration Centre
There are several trekking trails around Mount Elgon, all open to everybody since this is not a difficult mountain to climb. These include Sasa trail, Sipi trail and Piswa trial. The full trekking circuit to the peak takes between five to six days to complete. The nature walks allow you to see flora and fauna, the enormous caves, gorges and hot springs.
One day hikes are possible from the Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkway, Kapchorwa district. Particularly, fascinating is the hike from Sipi Trading Centre to the Sipi Falls, a series of four pretty waterfalls culminating in a 100m drop along the River Sipi, which originates from Mount Elgon.
Accommodation Around Kapchorwa Town
Around Kapchorwa town there are luxury, mid-range and budget lodges and hotels for your accommodation. This will depend on where you like to stay. Among other available facilities include; Mbale Resort Hotel, Sipi Valley Resort, Sipi River Lodge, Noah’s Ark hotel, Home of Friends’ hotel, Rafiki lodge and Kingo Cottage. While at one of these facilities, you will feel at home when you reach on ‘the land of champions’ and home for golden medalists like Stephen Kiprotich, Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo – Kapchorwa.
Other mountain hiking safaris can be arranged for any visitor who wishes to go for hiking Rwenzori mountains experience, one of the most exciting experiences in Uganda. Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects the highest parts of the 120km-long and 65km-wide Rwenzori mountain ranges. The national park hosts more than 70 mammals and over 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest vegetation.
You can also compliment this adventure with a visit to either Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla national parks, for an amazing gorilla trekking experience.