Batwa Trail/Experience – The Batwa were the original inhabitants of Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest. They were first evicted in the 1930s by the British colonial government and later in the 1990s by the Ugandan government to conserve the forest and protect the endangered mountain gorillas from extinction after thousands of years of their stay.
The Batwa, who are pygmies, also lived in Mgahinga, just like in Bwindi. They survived by hunting, gathering fruits for food, and collecting roots.
Today, the Batwa trail is a 5-hour experience led by Batwa guides. The journey starts with the guides kneeling down to pray, seeking protection and guidance from their ancestors.
This tradition comes from the ancient Batwa hunters who prayed before hunting and believed they were rewarded for their efforts.
The trail begins after the prayer and takes tourists through dense forests and mountain slopes such as Gahinga and Muhavura. Along the way, tourists learn about the Batwa’s beliefs, including the significance of plants and weeds in the forest. Some plants have medicinal value, while others are used as food.
Tourists also learn about the Batwa’s way of life, including how they prepare and cook traditional food, build huts, harvest honey, and make bark cloth.
The Batwa also teach visitors their crafts, such as weaving baskets and making cups from bamboo.
The trail includes stories from Batwa guides about their history and life in the forest, which holds deep meaning for them. The experience is further enriched by exploring the Garamba caves.
The Garamba caves are sacred, dark, and quiet ancient caves. They were used as a palace for the Batwa king and as a food store for the community.
During wars with the Bantu, the caves also served as hiding and meeting places.
The Batwa experience concludes with a cultural dance performed by Batwa men and women. The dance showcases their traditions and spirit.
It is important to note that the Batwa living in Mgahinga still believe the forest belongs to them and feel deeply connected to it.
Cost of the Batwa Trail/Experience
The cost of the Batwa trail/experience varies depending on the area as seen below:
- In Mgahinga: $80 for a single tourist. $70 per person for groups of 4 tourists, $60 per person for groups larger than 4 tourists
- In Bwindi: $100, and it takes place in the Buhoma sector
For tourists interested in capturing the entire experience or filming a documentary, there is an additional charge of $400.
The Batwa trail experience is a mind-blowing journey into the life and history of the Batwa, from ancient generations to the present day.
