Batwa Cultural Trail Experience : Did you know that Uganda has more than fifty different unique cultures and the Twa people are among them? These are pygmies referred to by many as ‘forest people’ whose history can be traced in south-western Uganda, especially in Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks, as well as in Semuliki national park on foothills of Rwenzori ranges and Ituri forest in Western Uganda. These people are friendly and hospitable like any other group of people in Uganda. In 2011, the trail to experience the Batwa people was launched outside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to preserve their culture that was being forgotten.
It is thought that the Batwa people used to stay in the forested slopes of Virunga Mountains before it was gazetted to become a conservation area. The Batwa women gathered fruit and the men hunted for the most of their lives. Today, they live in the neighbourhoods surrounding these national parks, outside of the forest. Their culture is interesting in part because women are responsible for building houses.
Batwa eviction.
Because of the need to conserve mountain gorillas, the Batwa pygmies were driven out from the forested areas of Bwindi and Mgahinga and now they can re-access the forest as tourist guides and porters.
Consequently, adding Batwa cultural trail experience to your itinerary is one of the most effective suggestions as the Batwa guides explain local herbs in the forest that are used to heal different diseases like skin rashes, fever, diarrhea and others, while showing their former hunting techniques and tools, displaying how to use different plants to make handmade crafts, for instance, bamboo trees to make local cups and baskets.
Tourists can also visit the caves like historic Garama cave, which is believed to have been the former Batwa King’s palace and while here, be entertained by local traditional music and dances, not forgetting the story tales by elders. Also, you will discover a great deal about their customs and culture.
The Batwa Trail experience takes about five hours and is best done in the afternoon after either golden monkey or gorilla trekking. It starts with a Batwa guide, dressed traditionally, praying to the god Biheeko for protection.
The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga National Park and the Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi National Park were both created to support the Batwa people’s economic well-being while also giving visitors an opportunity to learn about their culture and way of life as they once lived in these forests.
The Batwa believe more at ease and maintain the belief that the forest is still theirs because they are permitted to guide in it, and the money received from tourists has significantly improved their social and economic standing.
What to bring for Batwa cultural trail experience?
Are organizing to take this experience? You need to have a rain jacket because it can rain any time in southern Uganda, a long-sleeved shirt and trouser since you pass through the thick jungles and it will protect you from bush scratches, carry some snacks and a bottle of water to quench your thirst, insect repellents to protect you from biting insects and of course a camera for photos.
It is also highly encouraged to bring in material donations, such as clothing, cutlery, school supplies, and other necessities, rather than monetary contributions.
On your safari in Uganda, you can combine the Batwa cultural trail experience with boat safaris and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Mburo National Park.
This courageous activity can also be compared to the Isunga Cultural Community visit in Kibale national park or Ibywachu cultural village in Rwanda. All these enable visitors to take a bite in understanding the local peoples’ culture as visitors help to support the locals economically and socially.
Booking the Batwa cultural trail experience is the best way to enjoy the southern region and the vibrant cultures, on your next safari to Uganda.
