P. O. Box 02 Kapchorwa Uganda | Tel: +256 454451271 | Email: cao@kapchorwa.go.ug
Tourism
LOCATION
Kapchorwa District in Eastern Uganda is a scenic gem, boasting breath-taking landscapes like Sipi Falls, rocks, caves, and nature reserves. The region is also renowned for producing world class long distance runners, including Stephen Kiprotich, Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Peruth Chemutai among others who train amidst the majestic slopes of Mount Elgon. The mountain's vast caldera, spanning 8km in diameter and the largest in the world, adds to the area's natural allure.
The district is bordered by Kween District to the Northeast and East, Sironko District to the South, and Bulambuli District to the West and Northeast. The name ‘KAPCHORWA’, means "Home of Friends". Kapchorwa District is located approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi), by road, Northeast of Mbale, the nearest large City. The District is approximately 295 kilometres (183 mi) Northeast of Kampala, the Capital and largest city of Uganda. The coordinates of the district are 01 24N, 34 27E.
HISTORY OF TOURISM IN KAPCHORWA
The Governors Suit / Colonial Rest Camp
Sipi Rest Camp-The Governor’s Suite has a rich history dating back to the 1950’s. It was built by Sir Andrew Cohen, the second last Governor to Uganda, as a retreat for administrative purposes in Eastern Uganda. The suite's stunning view of the 100m Sipi 3rd waterfall makes it a perfect spot for relaxation. Its construction marked the beginning of tourism in Kapchorwa and the Sebei sub-region. Today, the camp offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty that inspired its creation.
THE TOURISM SECTOR IN KAPCHORWA DISTRICT IS BEING DEVELOPED THROUGH VARIOUS INITIATIVES, INCLUDING:
- Identifying and promoting local attractions.
- Training tourism stakeholders (site owners, tour guides and hospitality staff etc).
- Encouraging local investments (hotels, lodges).
- Community sensitization on the importance of tourism.
- Ensuring tourism sites are accessible to the clientele.
- Tourism Promotion e.g through media.
- Supporting Tourism stakeholder groups/associations formation.
- Regular stakeholder engagement meetings.
- Inspecting tourism facilities.
- Diversifying tourism products.
- Participating in Tourism expos, trade shows, and cultural events.
- Sports tourism promotion (partnering with athletes, events).
- Some notable initiatives include the Miss Tourism competition and sports events like the Discovery Uganda Run, Mountain races, Joshua Cheptegei Kids Xmass Run.
These efforts aim to boost tourism, create economic opportunities, and showcase Kapchorwa's natural beauty and athletic heritage.
2.
KAPCHORWA OFFERS DIVERSE TOURISM PRODUCTS AND ACTIVITIES
a)
Nature walks
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Birding (296 species in Mt. Elgon National Park)
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Hiking (Sipi Falls, Mt. Elgon)
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Excursions (Wagagai peak, Crater Lake)
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Sunrise/sunset viewing
b)
Cultural Tours/Walks
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Historical site visits (Governor's suite)
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Cultural dances
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Storytelling
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Cave adventures
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Culinary experiences
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Events like circumcision
c)
Adventure/Sports
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Runners experiences/Photo moments
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Mountain biking
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Abseiling
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Rock climbing
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High-altitude training center tours
d)
Agro-tourism
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Honey tours
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Coffee experiences
To enhance Kapchorwa's competitiveness, these products require development and effective marketing. This would showcase the destination's unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure opportunities.
TOURISM ATTRACTIONS IN KAPCHORWA
a)
SIPI FALLS
Sipi Falls is a breath taking tourist destination in Uganda, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The series of three waterfalls, cascading 65m, 85m, and 100m, creates a picturesque scene. Visitors, both local and foreign, often describe it as a romantic getaway. Sipi Falls' unique charm and allure make it a must visit destination in Uganda.
The name Sipi
The name "Sipi" originates from the local Kupsapiiny dialect, derived from "Sep," a wild banana-like plant growing along the riverbanks. The plant has medicinal uses, treating ailments like fever and measles. The name evolved from "Sep" to "Sipi" during colonial times, adapting to the colonizers' pronunciation. This etymology adds cultural significance to the Sipi Falls and River, highlighting the area's rich heritage and connection to nature.
The 3rd (third) waterfall
The third waterfall is the main attraction, dropping 100m and offering breath-taking views. It's a popular starting point for hikes and home to many accommodations. This waterfall's beauty draws large crowds, and many visitors either start or conclude their hikes here. The site also offers abseiling, an exhilarating adventure activity. The combination of natural beauty and adventure makes the third waterfall a highlight of the Sipi Falls experience.
The second (2nd) or middle waterfalls
The second waterfall, standing 65m high, offers a unique experience with its manmade cave. The cave, home to bats, is believed to have sheltered humans for centuries. Visitors can safely observe the waterfall from behind the cave entrance, enjoying the soothing breeze and calming atmosphere. This combination of natural beauty and historical significance adds to the allure of the Sipi Falls trail.
The 1st waterfall
The first waterfall, also known as Ngasire Falls, stands at 85m. Its unique feature is the interplay of sunlight and fog, creating slight rainbows that add to its beauty. The waterfall's stature and surrounding atmosphere make it a pleasing sight. While the hike between the second and third falls is notable, the first waterfall's charm lies in its scenic beauty and natural spectacle.
Chebonet Waterfalls
Apart from Sipi Falls, visitors can explore nearby attractions like Chebonet Falls, a twin waterfall about 3km away. Chebonet Falls stands over 85m high and offers stunning sunset views, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for hiking and abseiling.
Kapchorwa District is also home to other beautiful waterfalls, including: Cheptoi ,Kaptokwoi ,Atar, Kamorok etc
These natural wonders, including those within Mt. Elgon National Park, showcase the region's diverse beauty and adventure opportunities.
Sipi Falls Hike
Gallantly one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Uganda and consisting of three adventurous cascading waterfalls of 85, 65 & 100, meters. Visiting Sipi Falls is one of the great things to do while on a trip to Uganda (the Pearl of Africa). Sipi Falls is great for couples, family, groups of people (students/researchers), or those seeking to have an adventurous and good time away from their usual environment or even urbiculture. Once in the lodges around Sipi, some of the falls can be seen from afar. However, a hike to the actual falls is different from viewing or taking photos from afar.
The district works with a team of guides who will be of help to you while navigating through this Dazzling environment at the same time explaining the history of the waterfalls and facts about the different kinds of plants along the way. The hikes normally take 2-4 hours depending on ones fitness and weather
a)
CAVES
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Mise Ancestral Home (Mise Cave)
Mise Cave is the largest and the longest Cave believed to have an exit in Kenya. It is located in Sipi Town Council in Kapchorwa District on the slopes of Mt Elgon and regarded as Sebei Historical site or Sebei Ancestral home. The rock is evidently coated with zoot/ smoke that clearly shows that Sebei natives had once lived in this cave.
However, the cave served different purposes during the century times, and distinguishable activities were conducted which were based on Sebei traditional beliefs to date and still treated as special place accorded with respect in line with appeasing the gods or Spirits. And the noted events were: Spiritual Consultations, Child naming ceremonies, Story Telling, Marriage blessing ceremonies, conducting circumcision ceremonies, venue for solving social conflicts, moral teaching, ushering twins (first born ‘Chekwech’ and then ‘Chesuro’) and other ceremonies were conducted. Practicing hunting skills, hiding places during attacks by the Karamojong Cattle Rustlers among others making it one of the historical sites in the district. Thus the name of the Cave ‘MISE’ meaning Ceasing the Social Conflicts
NB. Mise Cave is nationally recognised as a Heritage Site
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Chepkui Cave
This man-made cave is found at the 2nd Waterfall of River Sipi which is the 3rd highest waterfall with 65M (213.3FT) along River Sipi and it is found at an altitude of approximately 1,795M ASL. This particular cave material composition contains the ingredient of sodium and this salty element is always provided to cattle as medicine and further boosts appetite for the animals. As such, man continued excavating this rock and the end result was the creation of the only man-made cave in this area.
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Kaptum Caves
This cave is gifted by precious stones that are so attractive. Kaptum in the local dialect means ‘Home of Songs’. The natives would gather here to sing local songs, share stories, do rituals and a special hide out during war times.
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The Titim Cave / Tunnel
The Titim Cave/Tunnel is located in Titim Village, near the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Teryet Parish, Kwoti Sub-County Kapchorwa District. Situated at an altitude of 2,580m above sea level, it offers a unique experience. The cave's location and surroundings likely provide breathtaking views and potentially interesting geological features.
The word ‘’Titim’’ in the local dialect means something which is well shaped or designed and the locals here belief that God took his time and made this cave and the entire tunnel look very beautiful hence the name Titim.
The Titim tunnel is a natural underpass wonder for River Atar which starts from Mt Elgon NP at an altitude of 2,550M above sea level, the tunnel has seven corners and it stretches for a distance of 1km before the water again resurfaces on the earth’s surface. Along this tunnel is a serious habitant of many birds. Normal human activities take place at the top of this 1km Tunnel majorly farming and human settlement and this makes it a very unique Tourism attraction in Uganda though untapped.
In summary; the name "Titim" reflects the locals' admiration for the cave's unique design. The Titim tunnel is a natural wonder:
The tunnel's dual use is notable:
1.
Human activities (farming, settlements) above
2.
Natural habitat and historical significance below
The cave's past uses include:
1.
Hideout during cattle raids
2.
Spiritual consultations
3.
Ceremonies (child naming, circumcision)
4.
Storytelling and conflict resolution
Titim Cave offers untapped tourism potential, blending natural beauty, history, and culture.
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Cave Complex
The cave offersexperience of the local and ancient culture of the ‘Sapiiny’ people in a natural cave. Sing authentic songs, dance, listen to the stories of elders and try out their food.
The Late YOVAN .M. Chemonges the KINGOO (King) of Sebei)
The initial district (Kapchorwa District) was a backwater county of Bugisu during the colonial period and shared in policies producing modernization only to a small extent until a road was built across the mountain in the late 1940s.
A branch of UPC was formed in 1956, but the ethnic movement did not take root until 1960, when Yovan Maigut Chemonges (born in 1925) became its leader. Through his flamboyant behavior and his ability to articulate Sebei grievances, Chemonges became a charismatic leader unifying Sebei for the first time.
Towards the end of 1960 Chemonges set up a road block at Sipi and stopped the car of an assistant district commissioner. Standing on top of the car with a spear and shield, he demanded a separate district for his people. His subsequent arrest and fine aroused the Sebei.
The dispute was then transferred to the national arena. Chemonges was elected to the Legislative Council in 1961 as a UPC candidate.
His liberation of Kapchorwa/Sebei from Bugisu and his participation to become the head of state in the1964 elections though unsuccessful, along with Sir Edward Mutesa, the Kabaka of Buganda and the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Nadiope made the Sabiny people confirmed him as the Kingoo of Sebei.
On 27th January 1966, the Hon. Yovan Maigut Chemonges (Kingoo) was finally laid to rest at his official residence in Kapchorwa District after a short illness. His Highness Stephen Chemonges 71 years succumbed to Covid -19 on 19th January 2021 and also laid to rest at the same place
As such, Sabiny people strongly consider that Hon. Yovan Maigut Chemonges (Kingoo) holds a special place in the history of the Sapiiny Community, Kalenjins and Uganda at large. The history of Sebei and Uganda cannot be discussed without mentioning or making reference to the late Hon. Yovan Maigut Chemonges (Kingoo), reflecting his role, contribution, and participation in liberating his people. He is remembered as a Ugandan national freedom fighter and MP who embodied the aspiration and championed for the rights of the sabiny community. Hence his mausoleum becoming a place of historical and cultural significance
Other tourism Attractions and activities one can engage in while in Kapchorwa District.
The area around Sipi Falls is a tranquil place that cannot be enjoyed in one day. Apart from the main activity of hiking to the three Waterfalls, Kapchorwa District Local Government with other Tourism actors have come up with various activities that one can choose to take part while in Kapchorwa.
E. The Coffee Tour Experience:
The slopes of Mount Elgon receive good amounts of rainfall and have fertile volcanic soils in which the Arabica Coffee thrives. Arabica coffee is therefore the major economic activity and income generator for the locals in the area. This type of coffee is grown on an altitude of between 1500-2300. In this coffee tour, arrangements are made to learn from one of the local coffee farmers on how the coffee is grown right from the nursery bed to the field, maintained, harvested and processed. Depending on the season, one can be taken to participate practically and gain the experience in picking the ripe coffee berries , float, pulp, ferment , wash, dry, hull roast, grind into powder ,brew it locally and sip/take a cup of your own made coffee to feel the aroma of our Arabica coffee. By taking part in this activity, one will never forget of such a wonderful experience. While under taking this activity, one will learn the entire value chain process and one may end up taking the product back home.
F. Abseiling and Rock Climbing
Abseiling refers to the skill of descending down steep rocks or slopes with a firm device fastened to your waist. With a height of 100m, Sipi Falls is perhaps the best place for abseiling while Chebonet Falls (85M) is the perfect area for abseiling and rock climbing. We have professional guides who will help you arrange for this type of exciting and unique activity of abseiling on a definite part of either Sipi or Chebonet Falls using specialised equipment recommended by Uganda Mountain climbers. The guide will first brief you before you take part in this activity.
G. Sunrise and Sunset viewing
The sunset hike is arguably our best tour. You will take a tranquil evening walk along Sipi Street to the Kingoo’s view point at Towei Hill. The view is so stunning that you may not wish to leave anytime soon. We regard it as “a summary of the day tour” with beautiful highlights and a glimpse of twilight on the horizon.
F. Culture
Cultural Experiences
During your visit to Kapchorwa and Mount Elgon, there are many opportunities to learn more about the ancient Sebei culture. From hikes to visit traditional villages to farming, child naming ceremonies (Twins), male circumcision, way of life in different times and events, cooking and dancing. Why not add a cultural experience to your itinerary during your stay
The Sebei Cultural Storytelling
Sebei Cultural Story Tellers is a team of over thirty youths, with nine years’ experience in the act of expressing to others, with love, the beauty, uniqueness and richness our culture has.
The Sapiiny culture has so deeply enriched into our hearts that we can’t exhaust expressing its orature: poems, riddles, legends, myths, songs, dances, games, dress code, foods among others with many great life lessons, that leave people enthralled.
One can listen to their stories and tours to amazing ancestral and historical sites and nature walks.
Art and Craft
It is part of Sapiiny cultures and it is currently taking a center stage in as far a Tourism is concerned but more needs to be done to take this industry to another level.
I. Sports Tourism-Runners experience
A unique adventure tour: in the footsteps of running champions like Cheptegei, Kiplimo, Kiprotich ,Chemutai Peruth,Stella Chesang among others with local Coaches like Njia Benjamin and Chelangat Peter. Experience high altitude running and get useful tips. Are you ready for a challenge?
Learn all about Kapchorwa’s running culture and champions on our guided tours at Kiprotich training ground, Teryet National High-Altitude Training Centre ground and Joshua Cheptegei Training Centre ground while you enjoy incredible views over Mount Elgon.
J. Excursions to Mount Elgon National Park
Sipi Falls is one of the main starting points for those interested in climbing mountain Elgon. Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano with the fourth highest peak (Wagagai) in Africa with 4321 meters ASL. It is the second largest volcanic mountain in the World with the Largest surface area (Caldera) of 5miles (8km) in Diameter. The Mountain is shared by Uganda and Kenya although the largest part is in Uganda. The factors mentioned above make hiking the mountain a great accomplishment for hikers around the world. Climbing Mount Elgon takes between 5 to 6 days and this is organised by the UWA team depending on the overall fitness and experience of a hiker.
K. Bird Watching: Uganda is one of the best birding destinations in the world. The Mount Elgon National Park area has over 296 species which is more than that recorded in 2 of Uganda’s largest National Parks (Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls). Birding tours can be arranged within the Sipi area/ Kapkwai Exploration Centre or as a starting point for a more complete birding experience in the Mount Elgon National Park with.
L. Nature and Village walks: The nature walks can be conducted at Kapkwai Exploration Centre in Mount Elgon National Park and the Village walks can be organised within any village in Kapchorwa District with specific client interests.
Conclusion
"Kapchorwa District offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities, making it an attractive destination for tourists. From the breath taking Sipi Falls and scenic landscapes of Mt. Elgon to the historic caves and traditional Sebei culture, visitors can experience the best of Uganda's eastern region. With its untapped potential, Kapchorwa invites explorers to discover its hidden gems and create unforgettable memories."
Compiled by: Chemonges Isaac Title: Tourism officer
Tel. no. +256776384803 Email: isaacchemonges@gmail.com
Visit Kapchorwa for a better Tourism Experience