Culture Trip

Local culture experiences.

We are proud of our local Sebei culture. Sebei comprises the districts of Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo, on the Ugandan side of Mount Elgon. The people living on Mount Elgon are called the Sabiny and their language is called ‘Kupsapiiny’.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)

Sebei is known for a cultural practice with a negative connotation: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). the number of girls that undergo FGM is rapidly declining. Circumcision of boys is still taking place, in the December months of even years: 2020, 2022, 2024 et cetera.

POSITIVE SEBEI CULTURAL PRACTICES

We like to engage our visitors in positive Sebei cultural practices such as elder storytelling, name giving ceremonies and traditional cooking. A lot can be learned from these ancient practices. That’s why we engage our guests in various cultural activities such as the Cave Experience and Cooking with the Mama’s.

CONNECT WITH THE SABINY PEOPLE

We organize a variety of activities that make you experience authentic Uganda and connect to the warm people that inhabit Mount Elgon: the Sabiny people. Join us and learn about the Sebei culture, lifestyle and customs.

Most of our guided hiking tours also offer some cultural aspect and connection to the local communities. So if you like to combine nature, culture and being active, don’t forget these experiences:

CAVE EXPERIENCE (17KM / 6-7 HOURS)

Experience the traditional culture of the Sebei people in a cave in the slope of hilly kapchorwa villages. Through storytelling and dance acts, you will learn about ancient food, marriage and circumcision practices for women. Feel free to watch or full engage yourself in the dances & songs of the Sebei.

Also this Experience gives insights into the traditional songs of the Sebei people. Songs about marriage, circumcision and initiation rites are being performed.

 

PRACTICALITIES & EXPECTATIONS

Experience the traditional culture of the Sebei people in a cave in the slope of hilly kapchorwa villages. Through storytelling and dance acts, you will learn about ancient food, marriage and circumcision practices for women. Feel free to watch or full engage yourself in the dances & songs of the Sebei.

Also this Experience gives insights into the traditional songs of the Sebei people. Songs about marriage, circumcision and initiation rites are being performed.

 

  • Book at least five days in advance
  • Duration activity: 1,5 hours
  • Takes place at a 30 minutes walk from a vehicle drop off point
  • Minimum of 5 sign-ups for activity to be on

COOKING WITH THE MAMA’S

Do you like to spend time in the kitchen? And are you curious about traditional African food?

Because of cattle raids and hunting practices, Elgon ancestors had to cover long distances. To regain energy, women would cook nutritious foods such as karo, various local greens and sour milk (‘kweryonik’).

Cook with the Kapchorwa mama’s and learn how to prepare a nutritious survival meal!

 

EXPECTATIONS & PRACTICALITIES

Experience the traditional culture of the Sebei people in a cave in the slope of hilly kapchorwa villages. Through storytelling and dance acts, you will learn about ancient food, marriage and circumcision practices for women. Feel free to watch or full engage yourself in the dances & songs of the Sebei.

Also this Experience gives insights into the traditional songs of the Sebei people. Songs about marriage, circumcision and initiation rites are being performed.

 

  • Book at least three days in advance
  • This activity takes place between 4pm and 6pm, in a cave on the hills of mount elgon.
  • A minimum of three people need to sign up, in order for the activity to be on
  • Your local meal is included in the price