The Batwa are indigenous Tribe in Uganda that lived in the forest for centuries with Wildlife, among them being Mountain Gorillas. They were evicted by the Government of Uganda from the forests in the early 1990’s to join the surrounding communities.
When visited for the cultural experience, tourists are guided by the local Batwa guides in designated areas they used to occupy and share their lifestyle.
Batwa Trail Cultural experience. The experience resumes from the foothills of mount Gahinga and Muhavura. Through the forest, a loop trail takes you to the Garama cave where the Batwa people used to live before their evacuation from the forest. The cave is 342 meters long and 14 meters deep. Decades ago, apart from being Batwa’s home, the cave was as well a hiding place during their conflicts with the Bantu people that live in the valleys of the Virunga volcanoes.
Medicinal plants. During the activity, various medicinal plants are unveiled and diseases they cure. Part of these include Herbs that stopped women from bleeding after delivery, healing of malaria, Cough, various infections and local Viagra plants for man-power in men that are sexually weak. What could be known to you as wild and poisonous plants, are the same that could either be dried first and grinded into powder then given as medicine.
Food. Previously, known as hunter gatherers, different wild plants that were part of their diet like berries among other fruits, roots and leaves for which some were eaten raw while others cooked are shared. Practical hunting skills are showcased and tourists have an opportunity to participate and learn the ancient ways of their survival. Hunting was conducted by use of spears and arrows. Other skills to look out for is fire making through local methods of friction, cutting of bamboo stems to make cups and housing technics by use of plants, mud and grass for roofing.
Traditional dance. As part of their culture, telling stories of the ancient has always been a way of passing literature from one generation to the other. Tourists have an opportunity of listening to first-hand information of the Batwa’s grandparents before being entertained with their traditional dance. Females and Children usually participate in the dance and always happy to invite tourists to join.
Other fascinating attractions likely to encounter during the activity are Golden Monkeys, scenic landscapes, birds and farmlands among others.
The cost of Batwa trail experience is 80 United States Dollars and the activity takes 2-3 hours. It is highly recommended that it is done the day after tracking Gorillas.
Our Tour Packages
10 Days of Gorillas and the Big 5 Safari in Uganda
23 Days of Classic Safari in Uganda
Ultimate 17 Days of Primates and Big 5 Safari in Uganda and Kenya
16 Days of Gorillas and Wildlife Safari in Uganda and Rwanda
