THE BATWA CULTURAL ENCOUNTER IN BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Cultural legacies are powerful forces, they have deep roots and long lives, and they persist generations after generations, virtually intact even when the economic and demographic conditions that started them vanish.
It is in Uganda that you find the oldest culture in the world, that has with stood the modern pressure and reserved there in heritage showcasing it to all guests who visit the country and the Park. They are the Batwa pygmies whose history dates back 60000 years ago.
The Batwa pygmies are found in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and in Mgahinga national park. Despite the pressure, discrimination and neglect by the government and the responsible bodies, these unique people have stood by their beliefs and practices that has got the Culture great reputation worldwide.
The pygmies originally occupied the impenetrable forests of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in the Virunga massif. They were semi-nomadic hunters and gatherers who depended on the forests for food .But as time went on, the forest was protected for conservation of the mountain Gorillas. The Batwa were displaced out of the forest, making them homeless something that forced them to the neighboring communities to do farming and seek settlement.
The Batwa trail experience is a very amazing journey, following the steps of the Batwa local guides who explain to the visitors the typical life of the ancient Batwa people. They demonstrate how the honey collection, hunting activities and fruit gathering were done.
Still on this trail, visitors are taken to the community to experience and participate in the traditional performances. Tourists also get to taste the local cuisines except the ones who don’t wish to.
The Batwa trek lasts for about 5hours is led by a Mtwa guide who dresses in a typical traditional wear. Trekkers get awesome views of the park and some of the Virunga chained volcanoes carpeted with the green lush, all forming an amazing scenery.
During this encounter, tourists visit the secret Garama caves, a 200 meter long lava tube beneath Mt. mgahinga that at one point was a home for the Batwa king. At this point, the women of the community perform tradition sorrowful songs which echo heavily around the depths of the dark cave, leaving the guests with smiles and thinking of the richness of the fading culture. It is a real experience that every guest ought not to miss out.
The Batwa who are considered as the oldest cultures in the world and traditional forest warriors have a lot to offer to all their visitors. In Buhoma, every traveler enjoys the stay at the Batwa homestead. While here, the Batwa prepare their traditional food, and dine together with the guests as they share with you the happy moments together. After having the sumptuous meal together, they proceed to entertain their unforgettable dances.
On any Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi impenetrable national park, the batwa cultural encounter is a perfect add on the gorilla trekking experience.
Using road transport, It takes about 9-10 hours to reach Bwindi national park from Kampala, whereas for the sake of those Travelling on air, there are scheduled and chartered flights from Entebbe international to Kahiihi town connecting to Kisoro air strip, which connects to Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.
Take a step to appreciate and learn from other peoples cultures. It is truly helpful, let’s visit the oldest culture in the Batwa pygmies of Bwindi national park and discover a lot of new hunting, local herbs among others.
