The Experiential Batwa Trail Experience in Uganda
The Batwa people were the first people to inhabit the rain Forests in Uganda. Some of these include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. They lived as hunters in the forest. The forests then became a home to the Batwa pygmies as their keepers since 1993 when Bwindi was established as a forest. The pygmies relocated from the forests near the towns and villages. Batwa pygmies depended on forest resources for survival.
During their life in the forest, they hunt forest animals using spears and gather meat, plants and fruits for food. They use honey for medicine and constructed huts using leaves, trees and climbing plants from the forest. The Batwa people live in harmony with forests, chimpanzees, forest elephants, Mountain Gorillas, birds and many more.
You can visit them whilst on your gorilla trekking tours. Whether you opt for a luxury gorilla trekking or budget gorilla trekking encounter, this experience is a must-do.
Facts about the Batwa
When the Batwa people relocated from the forests, their life changed and started living an endangered life since then. Batwa people had no land outside the forest, which made their lives difficult. The Batwa people can be trailed in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park.
In Bwindi, the Batwa trail is carried out from the Buhoma and Rushaga sectors of the park. Bwindi apparently has four sectors: Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo. However, the Batwa are located in only two areas. If one needs to trail the Batwa, you will need to inform your Uganda tour operator early so that your Gorilla permit corresponds with where the activity is. A tourist doesn’t need to pay park entrance fees to participate in the Batwa Trail or Experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, near Kampala. This is approximately an 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe International Airport and a one-hour flight to Buhoma. This experience starts from the Batwa crafts shop and office located in the Buhoma trading center, a few meters away from the park headquarters. From here your guide will give you full information about the Batwa and also demonstrate their way of life.
This will give you an opportunity to experience and learn more about their culture. The Batwa experience costs 80 – 100 USD per person and 70 USD per person in a group of two to three people, then 60 USD in a group of four or more people. Tourists interested in filming are charged a cost of 400 USD per day per group.
The Batwa trail takes 5 hours to and from for a great experience. This activity has no set time. It’s very flexible to join them as they prepare their cultural food, visit their community or learn from their traditional herbalist.
The hike is moderate and part of its trail is manageable irrespective of your age group. The trails are well-maintained but not recommended for people with major health issues.
Endeavor to pack cameras in order to capture the great moments with the Batwa people. Other must-packs include a bottle of water, a lunchbox with energy-giving snacks/food, hiking boots, long-sleeved clothes, garden gloves, a rain jacket and many more. The minimum number of people for the Batwa experience is one and the maximum is 12 people. The group of people to participate in the trial consists of 24 people. Discover the great life of the Batwa people in the area with Focus East Africa Safaris.
Want to know more information about cultural tours in Uganda? reach out to our travel experts for tailor-made tours to Uganda with more safari activities to explore in Ugandan destinations, that is, gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, birding, and many more.
