Uganda is blessed with over 50 different cultures, most of which are very fascinating, hospitable and welcoming. Among these are the interesting Batwa pygmies. The Batwa are one of the tribes with unique culture in Uganda, occupying areas around Mgahinga national park and Bwindi national park in south-western Uganda. Referred to as ‘people of the forest’ since they used to spend their entire life in the forest as they gather fruits and hunting animals as their sole source of food.
The Batwa pygmies can also be found in Semuliki national park and Rwenzori mountain ranges in western Uganda. They offer unique cultural experiences, through their vibrant dances and soul soothing music, making fire using dry sticks, story tales among others. The difference is that the Batwa trail experience takes place within the forest inside the national park while the common Batwa cultural encounters take place outside the park in their local communities.
To preserve the Batwa culture, this trail was established in 2011 by Uganda wildlife authority in Mgahinga National Park. Their culture and traditions were fading away after they were evicted from the forest to conserve resident wildlife, especially the mountain gorillas. Men’s role was mainly hunting while the women could gather fruits and roots that were food for them. They depended on herbal medicines and could worship their gods from the caves. Building houses was another duty for the women.
The Batwa trail experience is done in Mgahinga national park with guidance of the park ranger guide and a local Twa guide who will take you into the forest to find out and discover historical roots of these unique people. The trails are well marked and take visitors to the caves where the Batwa gods were believed to live. Get to experience and see unique sites like the Garama caves which was believed to be the home of their ancient Kings, local medicinal herbs that cure various diseases like stomachache, skin rashes as well as the fruits and roots that the Batwa used to feed on.
Tourists taking part in this experience also learn about various hunting skills using rudimentary skills and trees that are used to make handmade crafts like bamboo trees. Learn the story tales from the elderly and everything concerning the history of Batwa pygmies. This is the only way these people can access their premises once again after being evicted to protect the mountain gorillas and other unique wildlife in the park.
Most travelers heading to Mgahinga national park for gorilla trekking normally have a chance to experience the Batwa trail tour, therefore as you book your gorilla safari in trekking safari in Uganda, ask your tour agent to add this great cultural adventure.
The cost of Batwa trail experience is only 85$ per person and booked through Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator. The experience begins with a briefing by a Twa guide well dressed in cultural attire, followed a prayed to their god – Biheeko who is believed to have power over protection.
Other activities other than Batwa trail experience.
The Batwa trail experience can be combined with other experiences like the golden monkey trekking, gorilla trekking, visiting Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi. The Batwa trail experience usually lasts for less than 3 hours. Visitors are always requested to support the local projects of the Batwa pygmies by purchasing some handmade crafts displayed in their homes and at the park headquarters.
When to take the Batwa trail experience?
The Batwa trail experience can be done any day of the year but it’s mostly hindered by the rains. Rainy season begins in March to May and September to October, so tourists willing to take a safari in Uganda and to Mgahinga in particular are advised to visit during June to August and January to February which is generally a dry season. Contact us today and we will arrange for you a rewarding Batwa trail experience in Uganda.
