Kapchorwa,
found in Eastern Uganda at the base of Mt. Elgon, is not endowed with that many
nationally recognized natural or historical attractions. But the whole place
called Kapchorwa district is a natural attraction in itself. It has splendour
of steep slopes and natural escarpments, from forested mountains, which are
tempting for a mountain climb, to numerous falls from rivers flowing out of
mountains, to the sites that make you feel like you have the whole world under
your feet, Kapchorwa has it all.
A journey to Kapchorwa is as
tantalizing as it is worrying. Especially on your maiden visit to the hilly
district, it is bound to keep you on tension as the vehicles swerves through
either huge rocks or valleys on both sides of the road. Sometimes you feel like
you are about to enter into a rock or you will easily fall off into the valley
as the vehicle negotiates its way up the steep slopes. At View Point from where you
can see tens of miles ahead on the left hand side, you are able to see the
savannah grassland stretching across Karamoja region with dots for people’s
houses and gardens. It is a sight you need to experience at least twice in your
lifetime as you enjoy a cool breeze from the environs and a unique serenity
that only God could have engineered.
Much of the hillsides are
decorated with a splash of vibrant colours as flowers in soft pinks, whites and
a blaze of reds, oranges can be made out from the largely green foliage
covering the slopes.
As you move along the road,
families are engaged in different activities, farming in their garden, guarding
their cereals which they have brought to the roadside to dry, or guiding their
animal work machines that will certainly make you look harder.
Donkeys, oxen and camels, are
used as a means of transport because they can manage the sloppy terrain of
Kapchorwa. Almost every family in Kapchorwa owns a donkey, ox or a camel, which
they use for transport or plowing. This alone is a tourist attraction, as
camels, donkeys and oxen are a rare sight in most parts of Uganda.
Expansive crop gardens rolling
in the contours on the slopes of either side of wherever you will be, add to
the beauty and green glamour that many people have come to permanently
associate with Kapchorwa.
However these people have one
the most demeaning cultural practices of female circumcision (female genital
mutilation), for which the district is mostly known in Uganda and elsewhere.
The mention of Kapchorwa sends many Ugandans thinking of the Sabiny and their culture
of circumcising girls, a practice that has drawn many human rights NGOs to the
area in order to fight it.
What
to do in Kapchorwa
Mount
Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is
found in both Uganda and Kenya. In Uganda, it is found in the districts of
Kapchorwa and Mbale. The National Park is a gazetted international ecological
conservation area, as a habitat to unique vegetation species. The Park is also
home to a number of endangered animal species, including buffalos and cheaters
which traverse the Mount Elgon ranges on both Uganda and Kenya sides. In
addition, the Park is also habitat to bird species not found in other parts of
Uganda. Thus the Park offers opportunity for mountain climbing, bird watching,
game and flora viewing.
Better accessibility is offered
via Kapkwata and the ‘forest exploration centre’ at Bumasola in Kapchorwa
District, where mountain climbing expedition trails are well developed. Besides
the wildlife, the Caldera found at the most top of the Elgon ranges is a key
attraction of the Park. The Caldera remained as a depression on top of Mount
Elgon after the volcanic activity. The depression is 8 kilometers in diameter
and has a circumference of 40 Kilometers. Other attractions within the Caldera
include Hot Springs, Crater lakes, the Swam Gorge with heavy population of wild
game and scenic peaks rising up to 4321 Kilometers above sea level.
Sippi
Falls
The falls are found at Sippi,
about 15 kilometers from Kapchorwa town, along the Mbale-Kapchorwa road. The
falls are a key attraction for visitors to the district and of national
significance. The site comprises four falls and the walk to the bottom of the
falls is the main attraction. Cave exploration and community/nature walk are
part of the product offered at Sippi.
Exploration
Centre
The Exploration centre is
another important attraction for visitors to Kapchorwa. The centre is a
facility designed for training local communities and visitors on ecological aspects
and sustainable use of the Park’s resources. Some trails have been developed
from the centre to important ecological and tourism points along the mountain
ranges. The Centre also offers ample
accommodation for visitors to the Park.
Pian
Upe Game Reserve
The Reserve is found in
Nakapipirit district at the northern boundary of Kapchorwa district. The
Reserve is habitat to significant numbers of game species due to the various
rivers and green river valleys. The animals include buffalos, hyenas, Dik-Dik,
the Greater and Lesser Kudus. Others are: Topis, Zebras, Orex, Jackson Herte
Beasts, Oribi and Ostriches. Occasionally, Kenyan Zebras also wander from Kenya
through the Pian-Upe Reserve.
When
to Visit
Any time of the year
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