Immerse yourself into the Sebei culture
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL ExPERIENCES IN THE HEART OF UGANDA
At Home of Friends Guesthouse, we offer a variety of immersive cultural tours that give you the chance to connect with two of the most authentic and preserved cultures in Uganda—the Sebei and the interrelated Mosopisiek people. Located in the beautiful Mount Elgon region, our experiences are interactive, fun, and educational, giving you deep insights into the traditions, history, and daily life of the Sebei and Mosopisiek Community.
Explore their ancient traditions, participate in cooking and coffee-making, and engage with local storytellers and musicians for an unforgettable cultural adventure.
Our signature cultural experiences
Cave Experience
‘‘Discover Ancient Sebei Traditions’’
Step back in time and experience the rich history of the Sebei people inside a natural cave near our Guesthouse. During this unique tour, you’ll learn about traditional Sebei rituals, listen to stories passed down through generations, and even join in on authentic Sebei songs and dances. You’ll also get to taste local Sebei dishes prepared by the community.
$39 maximum per person / 2 hours
(minimum of five people)
Cooking with the Mamas
‘‘Learn Traditional Ugandan Cooking’’
Join our beloved Kapchorwa Mamas for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn how to prepare traditional African meals using fresh, local ingredients. After cooking, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal that you’ve prepared yourself! This interactive class is a fantastic way to explore the healthy lifestyle and daily lives of the Sebei people.
$35 maximum per person / 2 hours
(minimum of 2 participants)
Coffee tour
‘‘From Seed To Cup’’
Discover the journey of Elgon Arabica coffee, from its cultivation on local farms to your cup. This practical and fun tour will show you how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed by Sebei farmers. You'll even get a chance to roast and brew your own coffee, making it an immersive way to learn about Uganda’s thriving coffee culture.
$15 per person / 3-4 hours
(excluding transport to and from)
Campfire storytelling
‘‘Legends of the Sebei people’’
Gather around the campfire at Home of Friends and listen to the rich history and legends of the Sebei people. Learn about their unique marriage traditions, the battles fought by Sebei warriors, and the mystical powers of their prophets. This storytelling session is perfect for those who want to dive into the Sebei culture in a memorable way.
$25 maximum per person / 1,5 hours
(minimum of 3 participants)
Many of our guided hiking tours include cultural components, offering you the chance to combine nature, culture, and adventure.
Celebrate the Sebei culture at Home of Friends
The Sebei people reside in the districts of Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo, nestled on the Ugandan side of Mount Elgon. Their language, Kupsapiiny, is spoken widely in the region, and their cultural practices are some of the most preserved in Uganda.
At Home of Friends, we are proud to celebrate and share the unique Sebei culture with visitors from around the world. From interactive experiences like the Cooking with the Mamas to our collaboration with the Sebei Cultural Storytellers, we aim to keep these traditions alive for future generations.
our cultural tours in Details
The Sebei Cultural Storytellers
Since 2018, we have collaborated with the Sebei Cultural Storytellers, a group of Kapchorwa youth dedicated to reviving the ancient traditions of their ancestors. From performances at local weddings to immersive cultural experiences for tourists, the group is committed to sharing the beauty of Sebei heritage.
Their Cave Experience is a highlight, showcasing themes like marriage, war, and male circumcision in a fun, engaging way.
Name giving ceremony: discover your sebei name!
Participate in an ancient Sebei name-giving ceremony, a fun and interactive experience where you’ll discover your own Sebei name. Traditionally, the Sebei used a fruit on a stick to determine the rightful name for a newborn. If the fruit falls, the name isn’t correct, but if it stays on the stick, the name is a match! This is an especially enjoyable experience for children.
games of War: ancient sebei warrior training
In times of war, the Sebei people prepared through games like wrestling, bow and arrow, and stick fighting. These ancient games were designed to sharpen fighting skills and were often played during times of peace to stay prepared for conflict. Learn about these traditions and the prophecies of the Sebei prophets during one of our cultural experiences.
TRADITIONAL dance AND Music
No cultural experience is complete without traditional music and dance! As part of the Mosopisiek Trail, you can opt for a traditional dance session with local cultural instruments on display. Join the locals as they sing and dance to songs of victory, agony, and celebration.
Cave Museum Visit - a J0urney through sebei history
Our newest addition, the Cave Museum visit, offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Sebei people. Guided by owner and storyteller Semu you’ll explore the cultural cave, just a 20-minute walk from our Guesthouse. Discover the unique traditions that have shaped the Sebei people for centuries.