What is the Batwa Population in Bwindi – The Batwa are originally the first inhabitants of the tropical rainforest of Bwindi. They are known to be hunters and gatherers who lived in peace with the mountain gorillas in the forest. They loved the forest so much that they referred to it as their own body, according to the saying “Amutwa”. The Batwa used to feed on the same food as the mountain gorillas, who they considered family.
During the Batwa’s stay in the forest for the past 500,000 years, there was no destruction of wildlife because these amazing people lived in harmony with their beloved forests. In 1992, the Batwa began living a pathetic life after the tropical rainforest of Bwindi was turned into a national park to conserve the endangered mountain gorillas. Currently, the Batwa are not allowed to live in the forest but are dependent on it.
In 2011, the Uganda Wildlife Authority solicited funds from the US Agency for International Development and the Netherlands Embassy in Kampala to support these amazing people. What has enabled the Batwa tribe to survive for many years now is the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, which has agreed to work with them.
Population of Batwa
Currently, the total population of the Batwa is about 3,400 as of 2022, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. This makes up 0.2% of the country’s population.
Physical Appearance
The Batwa are generally very short people, which means pygmies. On average, Batwa men have a height of 60.1 inches (152.9 cm), and Batwa women are 57.4 inches (145.7 cm). The Batwa height makes them easily differentiated from the neighboring tribes such as the Bakiga, as the tallest man among the Batwa can be the shortest among the Bakiga.
Batwa Language
The Batwa speak a language called Rutwa. However, they can speak many other languages depending on where they live. It is evident that the Batwa among the Bakiga speak Rukiga.
Batwa Cultural Experience
The Batwa cultural experience is a momentous encounter as tourists get to understand the way of living and history of the Batwa tribe. The Batwa cultural experience starts with a nature walk or hike through the forest before coming into close contact with these amazing people. Tourists learn how the Batwa hunted small animals and gathered fruits for food. The Batwa cultural experience will also show you how they lived in huts made of grass, how they were able to live in peace with gorillas, and how Batwa women prepare local dishes, allowing tourists to explore. The Batwa also tell stories about their culture and cultural practices through songs and dances. This cultural experience also enables tourists to learn how the Batwa made sacrifices to their gods after a successful hunt, how they named and kept their children, and how they made medicine from herbs. A visit to the Batwa village is indeed amazing after interacting with these amazing people.
Some Amazing Facts About the Batwa
- The Batwa are generally happy people who are welcoming to visitors with smiles and perform cultural dances and sing folk songs.
- The Batwa are the smallest tribe in Uganda, with about 3,400 individuals, accounting for about 0.2 percent of the country’s population in Bwindi.
- The Batwa people are very short, making it easy to differentiate them from neighboring tribes. Men are about 60.1 inches and women 57.6 inches.
- The Batwa are referred to as Africa’s oldest tribe and shelter in mountainous areas.
Cost of Batwa Trail Experience
The Batwa trail experience is charged depending on where it is done. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is done in the Rushaga sector for about USD 40.
Accommodation
- Broadbill Forest Camp
- Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
- Bakiga Lodge
- Agandi Lodge
- Bwindi Jungle Lodge
- Bwindi Lodge
- Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages
In conclusion, the Batwa people are phenomenal individuals, and visitors can have an unforgettable experience interacting with them.
