Coffee experience on the slopes of Mount Elgon

Tours conducted in the Mount Elgon areas present first hand experiences of the 10 stages of coffee preparation in the African traditional setting.  On these tours, visitors get insights into how coffee is grown, from the time of planting up to the time of harvest as explained by the experienced farmers in the region. 

There are various favorable conditions supporting coffee growing in the Mount Elgon areas ranging from the temperature, favorable rainfall and highly fertile volcanic soils which support year in year out growth of coffee.

Travelers get to have plantation experience with the best farmers in the region, delicious coffee preparation with experienced baristas and other interesting activities. Visitors to this place get first hand information from the tales of the tourist guides and the locals about the seedlings and the berry which is a famous tale with emotional attachment to the local tribes that live within the region, especially the Kalenjin. 

Visitors are further taught about the process of making coffee which starts off with the pounding of the dried coffee berries to remove the husks, winnowing later follows with the sole aim of separating the husks from the coffee beans,  roasting the coffee beans goes next in the saucepans on the traditional fireplace. After roasting the coffee beans,  grind them until they form a smooth powder.  It is therefore this powder that is poured into the cups and later served with hot water that gives a delicious taste.

What to see while in Kapchorwa Sipi area.

There are plenty of things that can be seen in this picturesque area and they incorporate;

Beautiful coffee plantations.  These provide beautiful scenery on the slopes of the mountain that are good for photography and videography.  Plantation tours are conducted in these gardens which are favorable environments due to the shades which make them better places to listen to the experts about the activity.

Run Kapchorwa. These are renowned training grounds for the famous athlete Cheptegei who has won various international trophies. Many visitors find it a privilege to get to train and run on the grounds where the athlete trains. Visitors in Kapchorwa get a chance to experience the trails and participate in athletics.

The stunning views of Mount Elgon. While embarking on the coffee tours,  visitors in this beautiful region get opportunities to stare at the magnificent Mount Elgon which is a renowned place for being home to the world’s largest caldera. The lush vegetation on the slopes of the mountain further makes it stunning and visitors enjoy marveling at it.

Sebei cultural center.  Travelers in this region also get an opportunity to view the Sebei Cultural Center which is a concentration for all preservation activities for the Sebei culture and traditions.  Visitors get insights into the local culture at this center.

Sipi falls. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the African continent and is located just next to the coffee plantations where the coffee experiences are provided.  Visitors get to experience the enjoyable moments of the coffee plantations as they stare at the powerful and captivating Sipi falls.

What to do in the Kapchorwa Sipi areas.

Various activities can be done in this region and they encompass;

Cultural encounters.  Travelers have the opportunity to interact with the indigenous local tribes that inhabit the slopes of Mount Elgon.  These entertain the visitors and provide insights into their commercial activity which is coffee growing.  The local tribes include the Kalenjin, Sabiny, Pokot and Nandi.

Coffee tasting. This is usually done at the plantations just after the guides at the place take you through the process of making coffee. Visitors get to test the Arabica coffee that is grown in the region and also have the opportunity to purchase it at cheaper prices.

Nature walks are also conducted in the region and they take the visitors through the slopes of Mount Elgon, and run Kapchorwa trails among other beautiful natural areas.