While at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, The batwa experience is one of the activities, excursion you should endenvour to participate in. For several years before Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazzatted as a National park, this forest was home to the Batwa Pygmies who were referred as the orginal dwellers and keepers of this tropical rain forest. After Bwindi Forest was gazzatted as a national Park in 1993, the Pygmies were rellocated from the forest to the near by villages and towns.
For a long time, the Batwa pygmies depended on forest resources for survival. They used to hunt forest animals using spears and allows for meat and gathering plants and fruits for food. They could harness honey and depend on shrubs for medicine. They constructed huts using trees, leaves and climbing plants from the forest. In otherward one can conclusively say that the Batwa Pygmies lived in harmony with the forest, and animals like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, birds among others.
When Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazzatted and declared a world heritage, the Batwa were expelled from the forest and their life changed there and then leaving their lives endangered since they had no land outside the forest and were not used the life outside the forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Batwa Experience?
Batwa Pygmies experience as an activity can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Buhoma side located in the Northern Sector of the Park. Kindly note that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in South Western Uganda and has two sectors which are The South and the Northern Sectors. If you are interested in doing it, you need to book permits/Accommodation on the Buhoma Side.
Do I need to pay park entry fees
You don’t need to pay park entrance fees to participate in Batwa Experience. Were the activity takes place is adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but not inside the park and as such, you don’t have to pay park entrance fees.
How do I get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in south western Uganda and is approximately 8-9 hours drive from Entebbe International Airport and one hour flight if you are flying to Buhoma Side of the Park.
Were does the Batwa Experience start from.
The experience starts from Batwa Craft shop and office located in Buhoma trading center few meters from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gate. Its from there that your guide will you to the starting point and then back after the activity.
How much is Batwa Experience?
Batwa experience costs USD80 for one person, USD70 per person in a group of two to three people and USD60 in group of four or more. If you want to film this program, it will cost you only USD400 per day per group.
How Long is the Batwa Experience?
The activity takes up to 5 hours including both the journey to and from plus the real experience. There is no set time for the activity so it can be flexible. Kindly note that the lates time to depart the craft shop is 2pm. You can join a morning or afternoon group.
How difficult is the hike?
The hike is moderately strenuous. Parts of the trail are steep but manageable. The path is well-maintained, and the guide will travel at your desired pace. The hike is not recommended for clients with major mobility issues or severe health problems that could place them at risk in an isolated environment.
What do I need to carry/Dress?
Carry your cameras, packed lunch, water and some energy giving snacks. You will require to have you hiking boots on, garden grooves, long sleeved trousers and shirts are required. Please bring your rain jacket and coats just in case it rains. Insect repellants are also recommended.
Want is the Minimum Number of Visitors
The minimum number of people for the Batwa Experience is one and the maximum is 12 people. Up to 24 people can participate in the Batwa experience per day with 12 moving in the morning and 12 in the afternoon.
