Batwa Cultural Experience
Batwa cultural experience is one of the most done activities unlike Gorilla trekking safaris. This cultural experience was put in place by the Batwa pygmies in support of educating their children and to share their unique heritage and traditions with the world. The Batwa cultural experience takes place outside of the park in an old growth forest on land that lies next to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park. In fact, the Batwa experience starts with a nature walk, hike through the forest where you can be able to observe the forest in a new way through the eyes of the original people of the forest. Visiting them, you will be able to learn how Batwa used to hunt the small animals for food, how to trap and nets were used.
The Batwa experience also proves you on how they lived in huts built with grass, trees, the use of tree – houses and caves. The experience brings out what life of villager people live, the sharing, learning the things that they revered and cared for and almost lost.
Hiking experience with the people of the forest under guidance of local Batwa and he will provide you with the opportunity to see the forest and its habitats through their eyes.
Through visiting the Batwa people, you will learn how they lived and hunted in the traditional manner. You can try to enjoy out your hunting techniques as the Batwa teach you how to shoot with a bow and arrow. Visit a traditional Batwa homestead and learn how to prepare cook and serve a meal from the local women. You can as well have opportunity to sample their prepared dishes.
Visiting them and learn about the medicinal properties of the forest flora.
You will listen about ancient legends and traditional songs
Where they live? The Batwa people live in the districts of Kabale ,Kanungu ,Bundibigyo ,Mbarara ,Ntungamo and others .
In general ,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda seated on the edge of the Rift Valley .Estimating about 8 to 9 hours drive from Kampala or Entebbe or use a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip lands within 1:30 hours. More so ,the park is renown as a home to the world’s half population of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild ,over 400 species of plants and 350 species of birds among others. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and under the management of ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Apart from doing Batwa cultural encounter, there are many other activities to do which includes ; gorilla trekking ,gorilla habituation ,bird watching ,nature walk among others.
Where to stay while on visit;
Bwindi National Park has got a lot of perfect accommodation to stay ranging from luxury ,Mid-range and Budget accommodation including ;Broadbill Forest Camp ,Buhoma Community Haven Lodge ,Bakiga Lodge ,Agandi Lodge ,Bwindi Jungle Lodge ,Bwindi Lodge , Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages ,Four Gorilla Lodge ,Bwindi Eco Tourist Resort ,Rushaga Haven , Bwindi View Bandas ,Bwindi View lodges ,Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge , Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge ,Cresred Crane Bwindi Hotel Chameleon Hill Lodge among others .