Visiting the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda

Visiting the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda, The Abayudaya is a Luganda word meaning the “People of Judah”, these are a community in eastern Uganda, near the town of Mbale, who practice Judaism. They are devout in their practice, keeping kashrut and observing Shabbat. There are several different villages where the Abayudaya live. Most of these are recognized by the Reform and Conservative movements of Judaism. In June 2016, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin led a Beit Din that performed an Orthodox conversion for the Putti community of Abayudaya.

The Abayudaya’s population is estimated to number between 2,000 and 3,000 like their neighbors, they are subsistence farmers. Most Abayudaya are of Bagwere origin. Some, from Namutumba, are Basoga. They speak Luganda, Lusoga, or Lugwere, and some have learned Hebrew as well

Other things to do after Visiting the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda

Mountain Climbing

Hiking Mount Elgon provides an exciting alternative for strenuous climbs on East Africa’s mountains. Sasa Trail is the most used route to hike up to the summit of Mount Elgon, this will take you up to 4321m to Wagagai Peak from a small town of Budadiri in the Sironko Valley. The Sipi Trail follows a longer but gentler route starting 800m higher than Budadiri at Uganda Wildlife Authority Forest Exploration Centre at Kapkwai.

Forest Walks.

Forest walks is another great activity to do at Mountain Elgon National Park, trails through the forest take you through caves, waterfalls and various bird areas giving you an opportunity to observe various bird species and wildlife.

Sipi Falls Adventure

Sipi falls hike is another great activity to do on your visit to Murchison Falls National Park, at Sipi falls you will have an opportunity to see the river as it plunges over three sets of basalt cliffs during its decent to the plains beneath. 

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking excursions range from casual exploration of many lovely trails in the vicinity to the challenging Elgon Enduro which is hosted by Sipi River lodge.

Rock Climbing

This is as well done at Sipi Falls. Many basalt cliffs around Sipi falls have been bolted and can safely be climbed

Coffee Tour

Mountain Elgon is one of the areas in Uganda where finest coffee is grown and produced the major type of coffee grown here is Arabica coffee. On this coffee tour you will take a guided tour of a coffee garden to see how coffee is grown up to when it is harvest at the end of the tour you will also taste the locally grown coffee with a cup of coffee and have options to buy as well.

Cultural Encounters

Mountain Elgon has various cultures for cultural encounters including the local Bagisu, Masaba among others. The great event here is the Embalu which includes circumcising men using local means this attracts any tourists to see this historical cultural event every year.

Birding

Mountain Elgon National Park has over 300 recorded bird species making it one of a great bird destination in Uganda, bird species include Black-collared apalis, Green tinkerbird, Jackson’s fracolin, Verreaux’s Eagle, Black collared apalis and Endangered Lammergeier.

Best route to use when Visiting the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda?

Visiting the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda, these are found near Mbale town, 235km East of Kampala. You will drive through Jinja and proceed along Jinja-Mbale high way the drive time is approximately 3-4 hours. Mountain Elgon can also be accessed from Kidepo National Park in the north Eastern Uganda, having stops via Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is also recommended for those driving from Kidepo National Park to Mountain Elgon National Park.

Where to stay during Visiting the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda

Lodge options can stay in range from budget, mid-range to luxury. Budget options include Sipi River Lodge Camp Site among others fares range from 90-100 dollars a night per person, mid-range options include Sipi River Lodge among others fares range from 100-200 dollars a night per person and then Luxury options Mbale Resort Hotel among others fares range from 200-400 dollars a night per person.

Why book with Eco Adventure Safaris Visiting the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing primate and safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda but have now expended to offer safaris to Tanzania, Kenya and D R Congo. For the last ten years, we have overtime assembled a team mixed with young and energetic staff guided by well experienced mature managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they do. If contacted, one of our staff will assist in providing accurate and timely information that you can rely on within the Five Minutes. Eco Adventure Safaris is highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor.