Batwa cultural experience
Batwa cultural experience sounds like one of the great activities to do on Uganda Safari which was started displayed by the Batwa Pygmies to educate their children and to share their unique heritage and traditions with the world. More so, this cultural experience takes place outside of the park. Batwa cultural experience can be done in two of Uganda’s national parks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which starts with a nature walk-hike through the forest seeing the forest in a new way and meeting up with the original people of the forest who used to stay with mountain gorillas in the forest. Visiting the Batwa people, you will be able to learn how they hunted the small animals they used to feed on food, learn how traps and nets were used.
The Batwa experience will also show you how they lived in huts built of grass, trees, the use of tree houses, and caves. You will also enjoy the Batwa village life of old, the sharing of living as a community, and learn the things that they revered and cared for. A visit to Batwa experience exposes you to;
Hike in the forest with the people of the forest with the help of a Batwa guide who will provide you with all the information and chances to see the forest and its habitats through their eyes.
While on a visit, you will be able to see how the Batwa lived and hunted traditionally. Enjoy being trained in their hunting techniques as the Batwa teaches you how to shoot with a bow and arrow. Visit their homestead and learn from the woman how to prepare traditional food, and cook and serve meals and you will also have chances to taste the prepared dishes. You will also have marveled at their dressing up of wearing backcloths.
Among the Batwa people, there are medicine men who learn about the medicinal properties of the forest flora.
Today, the Batwa people are not only found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but also can be found in the district of Kisoro, Kanungu, Kabale, Bundibigyo, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Mubende, Lwengo among other places.
In general, both Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable are located in southwestern Uganda, estimating about 8 to 9 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to travel a short journey by a domestic charter flight to Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip which lands at 1:30 hours. However, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famously known to host the half remaining mountain gorillas in the wild. The park has over 22 habituated gorilla families which are divided into four gorillas trekking sectors that is Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija sector where gorilla trekking is done on a visit to Bwindi. Other activities to do include; Bird watching, Batwa cultural experience, gorilla habituation, gorilla trekking, nature walk tours, wildlife viewing as well as visiting Lake Bunyonyi
How to book a gorilla permit in Uganda;
The only way you can book a gorilla permit by yourself is by calling directly to Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices a government body in charge of tourism in Uganda or with help of a trustworthy tour operator with a fully registered tour company.
What to pack for gorilla trekking safaris;
We advise tourists planning to take part in gorilla safari Uganda, never to forget to pack useful essentials including;
Insect repellents
A pair of hiking gloves
A pair of long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Light waterproof jackets
Energy giving snacks
Hiking shoes
Poncho
Sweater and waterproof day packer and rain jacket
Pairs of cotton stockings
Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a famously world-renowned safari destination for mountain gorilla trekking that attracts thousands of tourists whole over the world to come to meet up with our closest related cousins the endangered mountain gorillas.
Bwindi boosts with excellent accommodations ranging from luxury, mid-range, and budget with spacious amenities; Buhoma lodge, Buhoma haven lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Spring Safari Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge among others.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lodges include; Travelers Rest Camp, Lake Mulehe safari lodge, and Lake Mutanda Resort.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Bwindi can be accessed by both scheduled or chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip ‘’1:30 hours to land at Kihihi airstrip.
By road; You can travel from Kampala /Entebbe to the main destination passing via Kayabwe to visit the equators, and drive through Mbarara which is about an 8 to 9 hours drive same to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
