Visit Batwa Pygmies of Bwindi impenetrable National Park- After Gorilla tracking tours in Bwindi
Visit Batwa Pygmies of Bwindi – While on your visit at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks Batwa Experience/Pygmies walk is one of the activities, excursion you should endeavor to participate in. Many years before Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was gazette as a National Park, this forest was home to the Batwa people (Pygmies) who were referred to as the original dwellers and keepers of this tropical rain forest. Bwindi Forest was gazetted as a National Park in 1993 and after the Pygmies were relocated from the forest to the nearby villages and small towns.
The Batwa People (Pygmies) always depended on the forest resources for survival. They used to hunt forest animals using spears and arrows for meat and gathering plants and fruits for food. They used to construct huts using trees, leaves and climbing plants from the forest. In other words one can conclusively say that the Batwa People (Pygmies) lived in harmony with the forest and animals like forest Elephants, Chimpanzees, and the Mountain Gorillas, many forest bird species among others.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was declared a World Heritage Site, from this time the Pygmies were expelled from the forest and their life changed and this left their lives endangered since they had no land outside the forest and were not used to the life outside the forest.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Batwa Experience?
Batwa Experience/Pygmies walk as an activity is done at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Buhoma sector the Northern part of Bwindi and Nkuringo sector in the South of Bwindi. Kindly note, that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the South Western Uganda and has four Gorilla tracking sectors so if interested in the Batwa Experience you need to book Gorilla permits of either Buhoma or Nkuringo sectors.
Do i need to pay park entry fees?
For you to participate in the Batwa Experience you don’t need to pay park entry fees. This activity takes place in adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park not inside the National Park so no park entry fees required.
Where does the Batwa Experience start from?
The Batwa Experience starts from Batwa Craft shop and office located in Buhoma trading center few meter from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gate and the same to that of Nkuringo sector which is just opposite the National Park gate. It’s from there the guide will pick you to start you Batwa Experience and the 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 per person in a group of four and more people. If you want to film this program, it will cost you USD400 per day per group.
How long is the Batwa Experience?
The activity will take up to 5 hours including both the journey to and from as well as the real experience. There is no set time for the activity so it can be flexible. Kindly note, that the latest time to depart from the Batwa offices is 2:00pm. You can join a morning or afternoon group.
How difficult is the walk?
The walk is moderately strenuous. Parts of the trail are steep but manageable. The path is well maintained and the guide will walk you at a desired pace. The walk 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, drinking water, energy giving snacks and a packed lunch for those who would wish to spend more time on this experience. You will be required to have hiking boots on, garden grooves, long sleeved shirts and long trousers. Please bring your rain jacket and coats just in case it rains. Insect repellents are also recommended.
What is the minimum number of visitors?
The minimum number of people for the Batwa Experience is one person and the maximum is twelve people. Twenty four people can participate in the Batwa Experience per day with twelve in the morning and twelve in the afternoon.
For more information about the Batwa Experience/Pygmies walk contact Great Adventure Safaris with an email, WhatsApp +256704228361 or a phone call and we will be at your service to visit the batwa pygmies of Bwindi impenetrable National Park
