The Batwa Trail

The Unforgettable Cultural Encounter in Mgahinga National Park – Uganda

The dense forests at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes was home to the Batwa people: hunter-gatherers and fierce warriors who depended on the forest for shelter, food and medicine thanks to ancient knowledge passed down for generations.

The Batwa Trail is located in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (also famous for gorilla trekking), Uganda where the Batwa people, a group of indigenous people, used to reside. This nature walk tour introduces visitors to these African tribes life. Visitors will learn about the Batwa’s cultural heritage during this cultural encounter experience. The funds from this tour are part of a give-back program that supports the indigenous people’s cultural heritage by helping them purchase new land, provide education and books.

During this moving tour, the Batwa demonstrate their unique cultural heritage through various activities and discussions, such as hunting and bamboo cup demonstrations. Medicinal plants and their usage are pointed out as well. Guests are finally invited to the sacred Ngarama Cave, once home to the Batwa King, where the women of the community perform a sorrowful song which echoes eerily around the depths of the dark cave and leaves guests with a moving sense of the richness of this fading culture.

About The Batwa Trail Experience

The Batwa Trail was created by the displaced Batwa pygmies to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. Since 1992, the Batwa have been unable to live in the Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, their ancestors’ home. Yet they have not forgotten the old ways.

Step back in time to see how the Batwa (Pygmies) lived for millenia in the Bwindi and Mgahinga, one of the most beautiful jungles in the world and home of the famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy an incredible day hike in the rain forest with Batwa guides, see how the Batwa lived and hunted, learn about medicinal plants, and watch for animals and birds in the Jungle.

You will share a traditional meal with the Batwa, hear ancient legends and traditional songs, and join in on a mock hunting party. You can even test your skill with a Batwa bow and arrow.

The Batwa Trail Experience is eco-tourism at its best, a hands-on, mind-opening adventure you will never forget!

All income generated at the site returns to the Batwa to strengthen their entire community through the Batwa Development Program (BDP), a community collaboration to help the Batwa help themselves.

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