Batwa Community Walk In Uganda’s, Bwindi Impenetrable National park.
In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the South West, visitors can engage in traditional activities with the Batwa people in addition to gorilla trekking. The explorers are able to see the archaic Batwas civilizations and manner of life up close through these interactions. The initial residents of the park when it opened in 1993 were the Batwa. It is believed that they originated in the Ituri forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Batwa pygmies survived by foraging for food such fruits, honey, and leaves as well as by hunting and killing animals for their meat. They coexisted peacefully with the creatures in the forest. Prior to heading into the forest, the program starts with a nature trek.
The Batwa community route begins at the Batwa artisan store in the Buhoma trading area, which is only a short distance from the park’s entrance. The Batwa will perform dances and local music as part of this program to provide entertainment.
Batwa Community Walk
Costs of the Batwa Community trail.
The Batwa Community Trail costs USD 80 per person per day, USD 70 for parties of 2-3 people, and USD 60 for groups of four people or more. A quick community walk in the Batwa language takes two hours to organize, whereas longer walks take four. The $400 USD filming ticket is for a group.
To recreate the Batwa’s pre-eviction methods of living in the forest, embark on a community journey to the Batwa. You will team up with the young Batwa to show your support for the forest under the guidance of an experienced leader. While being entertained by traditional dances and songs, you will also tour their grass-thatched homes and take part in their activities.
Expectations during the Batwa trail.
- Traditional hunting using bows and arrows.
- Weaving of items like mats, baskets.
- Harvesting of honey from the beehives.
- Gathering medicinal herbs from the forest and knowing their uses.
- Preparation and serving of food by women like peeling with high chances of testing it.
- Making bush fire.
Batwa Community Walk
What to wear for the Batwa community trail.
The Batwa cultural experience does not require much luggage, unlike other activities like going gorilla trekking. The minimal basics include a raincoat, long sleeve shirts, gardening gloves, a camera, and a warm jumper in case of allergies. The Batwa cultural experience is comparable to the Ibywachu cultural village in Rwanda, where tourists can learn about the historical life of the indigenous locals. By doing so, tourists can provide financial support for these indigenous people.
In a nutshell, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book with the one and only Gorilla Expeditions, participate in the Batwa community walk in Bwindi, and meet the diminutive indigenous people in the forest.