The Batwa trail experience Vs the Batwa cultural experience : In order to help the Batwa gain from tourism and attract more funding, the Batwa Cultural Experience was introduced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda (UOBDU) with support from USAID. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is the governmental Agency responsible for managing all of Uganda’s national parks. The Batwa trail experience is done in Mgahinga national park while the Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park and these 2 experiences have gradually became a major tourism product, which is included on gorilla trekking packages.
The Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi forest involves visiting communities of Batwa living on the edges of Bwindi Impenetrable forest. This activity is undertaken after gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. During Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi, the pygmies display all-important aspects of their culture to tourists through dance, drama and storytelling , The Batwa trail experience Vs the Batwa cultural experience.
A longer and more exciting experience is the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla national park. Unlike, the Batwa cultural experience, here things are done differently. The purpose is to ensure that tourists get a more practical understanding of the history and kind of life lived by the Batwa pygmies. The activity is led by the Batwa themselves and right in the forest. A group of Batwa Guides go with tourists deep into the forest to unlock their ancient hideouts, caves and hunting grounds. Tourists are more involved during the Batwa trail and will be involved in hunting, gathering fruits, making fire and identifying herbs to treat common ailments. The activity ends at the Garamba caves. This mystical cave was very important in the history of the Batwa people. It was being their king lived and presided over major meetings. The Garamba caves was also were food was stored and a hiding place in case they were attacked by enemies. After visiting the forest with the Batwa, tourists are led back to Batwa homesteads for cultural entertainment (Dance, drama and storytelling). The Batwa Trail takes about 5 hours. All proceeds and funds collected from tourists are invested in Batwa community development projects.
Information about the Batwa trail in Mgahinga National Park
Cost of the Batwa trail
The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga national park costs $80 per person but a discount of 10% is offered when traveling in a group. A fee of $400 is charged for tourists interested in making a film or documentary about the Batwa. All proceeds go towards enhancing the capacity of the Batwa to rely on themselves, The Batwa trail experience Vs the Batwa cultural experience
The Batwa trail experience in Mgahinga national park is not difficult to complete and any reasonably fit person can register for it. Although the trails are well designed and easy to complete, a tourist must be mentally ready to complete hiking through dense jungle. Mgahinga is a mountainous area (high altitude) and the weather is unpredictable. If you are planning to do the activity, we highly recommend that you do some long distance walking before showing up. It is also important to hire a porter in case you have a heavy backpack or cameras. Porters go for between $10 to $15. This is another opportunity to give back and employ the Batwa pygmies.
What do you need to carry for the Batwa Trail?
The Batwa trail experience is more or less like a long nature walk in a forest. All the standard tools for a nature walk are required. By that we mean a binocular, camera, cap/hut, an insect repellent, a walking stick, snacks, energy drinks, drinking water and sun glasses. One must wear good hiking boots, a long sleeved top and a trouser.
Note: The Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi and Mgahinga may be different in the way they are organized but one thing remains clear. They were started to promote Eco-tourism and to enable the marginalized Batwa pygmies benefit from tourism after being expelled from the two forests. Almost all tour operators include the Batwa cultural experience in their tour packages. Check-out of 3 Days Gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi forest combined with the Batwa cultural experience. For a Batwa Trail, the 3 Days gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga national park can be tailored to include time with the Batwa trail.
