The #Babishai2018 Poetry Festival is for the adventurous, those unsure of their artistry and for poets who dare to dream. We’re taking you to Kapchorwa and Mbale in Eastern Uganda for a poetry excursion like never before, right at Sipi Falls!
Friday 3 August 2018
Day One, Departure from Kampala to Kapchorwa.
We will depart from Kampala to Kapchorwa with a stop-over in Mbale to pick a few participants. There will be snacks on the bus. On arrival in Kapchorwa, the well-established and reputable Rhythm City Mbale, will be ready to welcome the team with a large sumptuous meal, cool drinks and ready tents. There are 2-sleeper, 4-sleeper, 6-sleeper and 8-sleeper.
Requirements
Torch
Warm clothes and shoes
Beddings i.e. sleeping bags, blankets, duvet
Toiletries i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, sponge, soap, lotion
Light clothes for the afternoon heat
Day Two Saturday 4 August 2018
Poetry at Sipi Trek
We will wake up and have a large sumptuous breakfast by 9:00am. We will then leave at 10:00am for the Poetry at Sipi trek. This trek, Poetry at Sipi, is a nature walk across Mt. Elgon, viewing two waterfalls and stopping for spontaneous poetry with the backdrop of the magnificent Sipi Falls. There will also be photo shoots at prime spots and videography. The efficient and experienced guide will explain the history and herstory of the falls, of Mt. Elgon and of Arabica coffee, which grows on the mountain.
Rhythm City Mbale will provide water and light snacks. A lavish meal awaits all of us at a large ground after the second waterfall. Here, there will be more performance poetry and storytelling in Lumasaaba, by the Bamasaaba of the area. On this day, there will be an option of abseiling, at 60 USD per person, for those interested.
In the evening, on return to the camping ground, will be a large bonfire and barbeque with more poetry, storytelling and kadodi celebrations.
Day Three: Sunday 5 August 2018
Kapchorwa to Mbale: Babishai Poetry Festival Award Giving
We will depart from Kapchorwa to Mbale and stay at Starlight Hotel, where an advance team will have prepared our accommodation. After a hearty lunch, we will rest until the Babishai poetry festival award-giving ceremony in the evening.
There will be poetry performances from the Kampala team, speeches from shortlisted poets of the #Babishai2018 poetry award and the eventual award-giving dinner and ceremony in the conference hall of Starlight Hotel.
Day Four: Monday 6 August 2018
School Visits and Return to Kampala
After an extravagant breakfast, courtesy of Starlight Hotel, We will visit a major secondary school and university in Mbale. This visit will involve poetry workshops, readings, discussions, media interviews and photo shoots.
From the Mbale school visit, we will then return to Kampala, satiated and glowing.
The Fee and Payment Schedules:
Early registration per individual by June 30 2018 250 USD
A non-refundable commitment fee by April 30 2018 100 USD
Late registration fee 350 USD
Deadline for all payments is July 20 2018
Fees include return transport from Kampala, accommodation of 4 nights, all meals, tour fees, a T-shirt and hat, poetry experience and entertainment from Bamasaaba performers.
All payment MUST be made to the official account of the Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation, whose details will be provided.
Contact information:
Nambozo +256 751 703226
Nagudi +256 784 272149