The Batwa visits offer the best of Batwa cultural experience. During the Batwa visits, you get a lifetime opportunity to meet and interact with the Batwa pygmies in their community.
The Batwa pygmies lived in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as hunters and gatherers and they are also referred to as ‘keepers of the forest.’ They lived peacefully with wildlife for decades of years till in the 1990s when Bwindi and Mgahinga were gazetted as National Parks leading to their eviction.
Today, the Batwa are part of the local communities living adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Echuya Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What to expect on Batwa visits in Uganda
The Batwa visits guarantee you authentic African cultural experience. Visitors get a chance to meet the Batwa pygmies, explore more about their ancient ways of life while in the forest, and also get entertained by their distinct dances/musical performances.
Expect to explore the different medicinal plants used for treatment of various diseases. The overall Batwa community visit is conducted with the lead of an experienced Batwa guide thus exposing you to the actual picture of how the Batwa lived in the jungles. You will be showcased with the different hunting and gathering techniques –this will be demonstrated to you by the local guide.
During your stay with the Batwa pygmies, don’t forget to enjoy the inspirational stories as told by the elders. Beyond the unique Batwa cultural experience, there are other reasons you should consider visiting the Batwa community, especially the fact that the Batwa pygmies were rendered marginalized group.
The Batwa reside adjacent to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks where they have been perceived by public as ‘backward Bushmen.’ It has taken them years to cope with the new life outside their ancient lifestyle. Visiting the Batwa community after or before engaging in the activities in the park like gorilla trekking should be a must-do. It is through the Batwa visits that you take part to supporting the marginalized Batwa community on a Uganda safari holiday.
When planning and booking a safari to Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, ensure that you include the Batwa visits or Batwa cultural tour on your package. A visit to the Batwa pygmies community allows them earn a living to meet the basic needs.
About the Batwa pygmies
The Batwa pygmies are part of the Bantu speaking group and generally, they preferred living in the equatorial forests in the Great Lakes region in Central Africa. The Batwa cultural heritage is distinct and is worth exploring on a safari in Uganda.
Organizations that support the Batwa Community in Uganda
The Batwa have had challenges since their eviction from the forest which they so much treasured as their home. They were rendered marginalized and with several challenges, their population declined to about 3,000. Some projects were initiated by Dr. Scot Kellerman and Carol Kellerman. The two were the first foreign visitors to set projects on water, sanitation and promotion of the rights of the Batwa pygmies.
The family of Kellerman settled in the Batwa community and established the Kellerman foundation. The Kellerman foundation works together with the Batwa and their development program to build clinics, schools, hospitals, and also conduct extra community development initiatives intended to enhance their lives of the Batwa pygmies in their community.
Additional organization was recorded in 2002 called the United Organization for Batwa Development. This organization was formed to help support different initiatives aimed at generating income, housing, land, forest access, education, and adult literacy to the Batwa pygmies’ community.
Initiatives that support the Batwa community
There are different unique initiatives that have been introduced to help support the Batwa pygmies. They include the Batwa trail experience, Batwa forest experience, and Batwa cultural encounter/experience. Embarking on any of these experiences allows you to explore more about the Batwa pygmies. The Batwa trail experience is enjoyed strictly in Mgahinga National Park while the Batwa cultural experience and Batwa forest experience are done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Where are the Batwa visits conducted?
The Batwa visits in Uganda can be done on your Uganda safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can also visit the Batwa community around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Echuya Forest Reserve, and Semuliki National Park.
How much is the Batwa cultural experience
The Batwa cultural experience costs USD 40 per person for foreign nonresidents & foreign residents while East African citizens UGX 40,000. The Batwa cultural experience cost for Bwindi National Park excludes entrance fees. Batwa trail experience in Mgahinga costs USD 80 per visitor under category of foreign nonresidents, foreign residents pay USD 70 and East African citizens pay UGX 50,000. The Batwa trail experience cost for Mgahinga is inclusive of entrance fees.
Batwa visit in the Semuliki costs USD 10 for both the foreign nonresidents and foreign residents while East African citizens pay UGX 10,000 per visitor. The cost excludes entrance fee. Consider booking for your Batwa cultural safari in advance.