What is the Batwa Population in Mgahinga? Mgahinga National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda, covering an area of about 33.7 square kilometers, located in southwestern Uganda.
The name Mgahinga stems from a local word “Gahinga,” meaning piles of stones hit from farmland at the foot of volcanoes. Mgahinga was declared a national park in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas, and the park has only one gorilla family.
Mgahinga comprises about 76 mammal species and holds significant cultural importance for the Batwa people.
The Batwa Population in Mgahinga
The Batwa are the oldest tribe to survive in the Central African region. They are highly known for their forest-based culture, characterized by hunting and fruit gathering.
The Batwa lived in caves and constructed huts using leaves and branches while in the forest. The Batwa are pygmies, meaning they are very short, with men averaging 60 inches and women 57 inches.
When Mgahinga was declared a national park, the Batwa people were displaced and remained homeless. This displacement marked the beginning of their suffering as they were not accustomed to the modern world.
However, permanent residences have been built for the Batwa to accommodate the 18 Batwa families that were displaced, comprising about 100 adults and children in the Mgahinga Batwa community.
The Batwa are welcoming to visitors, performing traditional dances and singing their folk songs. Currently, the Batwa have been given jobs in the national park as tour guides due to their expert knowledge about the forest, which has improved their standards of living.
Batwa Language
The Batwa speak Rutwa but can speak other languages depending on where they live. For example, those living among the Bakiga can speak both Rutwa and Rukiga.
Amazing Facts About the Batwa
- The Batwa living in the Mgahinga community are about 100 adults and children.
- The Batwa are very short people, with men averaging 60.1 inches and women 57 inches.
- The Batwa are very happy people, highly welcoming to their visitors, performing dances and folk songs.
- The Batwa were hunters and fruit gatherers who generally depended on the forests for their food.
Cost of Batwa Trail Experience
The Batwa trail in Mgahinga National Park costs about 80 USD per person.
How to Access Mgahinga
By Air: Tourists can access the park by booking a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip. They then take a drive to the Mgahinga park headquarters.
By Road: Tourists can travel by car from Entebbe or Kampala, which is an 8 to 9-hour drive to the park, and then start their tourist activities. The park is 510 km from Kampala.
Other Activities at Mgahinga
- Golden monkey trekking
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
- Volcano climbing
- Community walks
In essence, the Batwa in Mgahinga are generally amazing people who are welcoming, and visiting them is a great experience.
Visitors can explore the culture and natural beauty of Mgahinga National Park with its diverse wildlife species.
