The Batwa community is one of the most vulnerable communities in Uganda. They trace their society’s origins to the forests in Bwindi and Mgahinga as far back as 60,000 years, making them one of the oldest groups of people inhabiting the earth.
In 2006 the Uganda Wildlife Authority, with the support of the African Wildlife Foundation/ International Gorilla Conservation Progamme and its partners, initiated an activity to support the Batwa community settled outside Mgahinga National Park.
This experience, now referred to as ‘The Batwa Trail’ uses the knowledge of the Batwa’s forest-based culture to support the community. During this tour, the Batwa demonstrate hunting techniques; gather honey; point out medicinal plants and demonstrate how to make bamboo cups. Guests are finally invited to the sacred Ngarama Cave, once home to the Batwa King, where the women of the community perform a sorrowful song which echoes eerily around the depths of the dark cave, and leaves guests with a striking and moving sense of the richness of this fading culture.
This interesting introduction to one of Africa’s lesser known cultures was officially launched in December and can be booked and experienced by guests staying at the Gahinga Lodge, in Uganda. The Batwa Trail is supported by the United Organisation for Batwa Development in Uganda, UWA, International Gorilla Conservation Program along with USAID/STAR.
For more information on visiting Gahinga Lodge, or planning a holiday to Uganda, please contact our Uganda specialist, Mandy, on 01285 650 011.