Cultural and community encounter with the Batwa people of western Uganda. – Cultural tourism – Gorilla trekking – Community tourism
Batwa Cultural encounters. The Batwa are an indigenous group of people that initially inhabited the tropical rain forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga National parks in southwestern Uganda. They are believed to be hunters and gatherers as their culture since they are people of the forest.
The two national parks inhabit that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park were gazetted in 1991 as National parks to protect and conserve the endangered mountain gorillas. After gazetting the two as national parks, the Batwa people were evicted from the premises of the parks without being compensated and were left landless which led to their death hence reducing their numbers. Later they were allocated land and with the help of various organizations, they were settled in with the construction of hospitals and schools that in the end improved their standards of living.
Since hunting is no longer the major source of income, The Batwa now work on farms and gardens to get foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, and fruits among others. They also act as local tour guides and potters for the tourists who come for the cultural experiences of the Batwa in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Batwa trail in Mgahinga National Park.
The Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga National Park.
Batwa Cultural encounters trail was established in 2001 as a way of remembering and promoting the ancient Batwa culture which is considered to be a tourist activity today. Batwa trail is a walk through the thick forests of Mgahinga National Park guided by the Batwa people and sharing about their previous lifestyle while in the forests. Batwa trail is only found in Mgahinga National Park done alongside gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking.
The cultural trail starts with a prayer normally led by the Batwa elders to the ancestors of the forest for guidance and protection as they pass through the forest. The trail goes up to the bottom of mount Gahinga, mount Muhavura and mount Sabinyo of the Virunga ranges where their ancestral cave known as Ngarama cave is found, the offices where the Batwa elders would plan for their people. The Batwa women during the trial sing some sorrowful songs about their ancient culture which would live all people in miserable states. During the times of the trail, the visitors or tourists participate in different activities like hunting, gathering, harvesting honey, handicraft making, making fire, and making medicine from herbs among others.
If you are a cultural enthusiast and you are interested in the most thrilling African cultural experiences then Uganda’s Batwa cultural trail is worth exploring while you are on safari in Uganda. A Batwa cultural walk means a great opportunity for you to discover the rich history and culture of the Batwa pygmies who lived in the forest for the past years as hunters and fruit gatherers. Ideally, the forest was undoubtedly their treasure but due to the need to conserve the area, they were displaced and today they are the marginalized group around Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Why a Batwa cultural Trail?
Batwa Cultural encounters walk to the Batwa community while on an Uganda cultural safari means an incredible chance for you to indulge yourself in thrilling cultural dances, and music performances and also learn more about their lifestyles, and traditions, and most importantly, have an amazing time as they demonstrate their hunting and gathering techniques. They depended on the forest for many things including food, medicine, and shelter. While here, you will also be led through the sacred Ngarama cave which previously served as refuge to their king and it is here that you will find women singing sorrowfully but at end of it all, get you the best of thrilling experience. Most importantly, there are guides to take you through both long and short trails to experience more about the life of this incredible group of people. They will interpret for you different herbs that are of medicinal importance and several things that won’t leave you bored.
The Batwa cultural trail was established mainly to help educate their children and also as one way to share their heritage and traditions with world travelers. They have lived out of their original home the ‘forest’ from 1992 up to date. Despite this, they have never forgotten their ancient ways of doing things. Today, the United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda (UOBDU) has come up to promote the Batwa rights and also help provide them with land, education, and health care. Batwa Cultural encounters
In conclusion, a Batwa cultural trail is a must for any traveler while on a mountain gorilla trekking safari through Uganda’s Bwindi national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
For any inquiries about cultural trails in Uganda, feel free to contact us at info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com