Batwa cultural experience.

The Batwa cultural experience takes place along the foothills of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Mgahinga National Park, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for the mountain gorilla species, the conservation area is said to have survived over time from the ice age era, it is subdivided into four sectors the Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija, each of these has got habituated gorilla families, while the Mgahinga national park is renowned for golden monkeys and one gorilla group the park extends as part of the great Virunga volcanic mountain region. The Batwa are a special group of people also known as keepers of the forest.

They lived in the forest amicably together with other creatures until they were evicted due to conservation purposes, these have continued living in the surrounding communities, they are the last group of remaining short-structured people in Uganda, they hunted and gathered from the forest however of present they practice a bit of subsistence farming, they engage in community programs and joined the quo of civilization. These have however done a good job of passing their cultures onto the new generations.

Batwa cultural experience will give you a deep understanding of how these locals enjoyed the forest, they will show it to you through their eyes, dance to their traditional music, and make fire without using modern-day matches or lighters, they will also teach you the medicinal purposes of plants and what they treat, guests are allowed to participate too if interested. It is an engaging activity to consider on a visit to Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga National Park, there are chances of walking through the forest as well and meeting a few primate species, for example, the black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and whispers from forest birds. A visit to the Batwa will require you to make payments for support which normally costs about $30 per person, it is done in the afternoon hours from 3:00 pm East African time.

Besides the Batwa cultural community, there are other things to do while in the region for example the gorilla trekking from the park headquarters you will be briefed about how to conduct yourself while with the primate species, and the hike through the forest is a tedious one however so rewarding by the end of the day, tracking gorillas takes 2-8 hours depending on how far the mountain gorillas have moved, it sometimes takes entirely the whole day or even not seeing them, however, in such incidents, guests are given a chance to track the following day. Birding in the Bwindi impenetrable national park, it is a rewarding point for birders into the ecosystem, there are over 300 species of birds that have been recorded here to date, some of these are endemics to the region for example the African green broad bill.

There is available accommodation in and around the conservation areas ranging from the best budget to Luxury Examples of facilities include Buhoma lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, and Ichumbi gorilla lodge, to mention few.

bwindi impenetrable national park

Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Do you think of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park when you think of any Gorilla Safari in Africa? One of the oldest and most famous national parks in the Republic of Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. for several decades now, its name has appeared on top of many bucket lists, safari itineraries and more because of the its lush tropical forest cover and its permanent residents, the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, largest primate species in the world that can only be found on the African Continent.

Bwindi is among the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda. Uganda is a wonderful country! Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo surround this country in East Africa. Despite being a landlocked country, it stands out for its pleasant climate, hospitable residents, unique geography, variety of fauna and spectacular landscapes. Winston Churchill, a well-known wartime prime minister, traveled around Africa; he stopped in Uganda and was amazed by how beautiful it was. He referred to it as “The Pearl of Africa” in his book “My African Journey.”

Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Magical Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mountain Rwenzori National Park, Semiliki National Park, and Kibale National Park are the other nine national parks in Uganda.

Bwindi national park has four regions from which pre-trek briefing is held at day break. It is advised to reserve accommodations in the area where you will go gorilla trekking in order to manage the early morning wake up call. Uganda Wildlife Authority manages Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and other national parks around the country.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in Kanungu, Kisoro and Rubanda districts, at the farthest south-western corner of Uganda on the western border of Albertine Rift. The Virunga chain of mountains, spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo is located about 25 kilometers south of the park. It ascends from a height of 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters. Over 160 different tree species and more than 100 different fern species are typical of it. The Runyakitara word Mubwindi, which means the “location full of darkness,” and this is the source of its name, Bwindi. It is because of the area’s luxuriant tropical forest, fern cover and swamps, to name a few.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established as a national park in 1991, and four years later, in 1994, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its significance to ecology was the reason for this. Because of its distinctive offerings, the critically endangered mountain gorillas, largest primate species in the world, it has developed into one of Uganda’s top safari destinations over time.

The world’s highest population of mountain gorillas reside there in safety. However, the white and black colobus monkey population is equally astounding, along with other primates like baboons, chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, mammals, butterflies and more.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors / Regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi national park is split into four sectors, namely; –

  1. Buhoma Sector

The oldest and busiest region is Buhoma. It is close to the Kihihi airstrip and situated in the park’s northern region. There are five gorilla groups in this area: the Rushegura group, Katwe, Mubare, Muyambi and Habinyanja families. Due to the less steep terrain, gorilla trekking in this area is possible for both young and old.

  1. Rushaga region

The Rushaga sector is situated in Kisoro district at the southern tip of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The biggest concentration of gorilla families is found there, and visitors that choose to stay there frequently savor the gorgeous surroundings and far views of the Virunga Mountains.

Habituated gorilla families in this sector are Mishaya, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Rwigi, Bikingi and Busingye gorilla groups. Hiking in this area necessitates a little greater physical fitness.

  1. Ruhija Sector

Scientific researchers prefer this sector since it is easy to access of all other regions and is to the east of the park. It is simple to travel there from Buhoma or Kabale town. Great views of the forest ridges, distant Virunga mountains, and more may be enjoyed while staying in this region of the park. In Ruhija, there is a chance to see forest elephants, mammals, and numerous monkey species.

  1. Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo sector is located near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo in the park’s southern region. The renowned silverback – Rafiki lived here before dying suddenly in the hands of poachers in June 2020.

Bushaho family, Christmas Gorilla family, Nkuringo Family, and Posho gorilla family are the 4 habituated gorilla families in Nkuringo sector.

Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla trekking.

The primary activity here is going on a gorilla trek. It is conducted in four areas under the guidance of a knowledgeable ranger guide who will walk with you while narrating the history of Bwindi Forest, the homes of critically endangered mountain gorillas.

About 1 to 8 hours are spent trekking, plus an additional hour when you meet them, for photography and information.

Gorilla trekking permit costs 700 USD for non-residents, 250,000 UGX for citizens of east Africa and 600 USD for residents. The fee includes park entrance and the payment to ranger guides only.

Bird viewing, cultural tours, guided nature walks, and more are other activities. The Batwa pygmies, who were once hunters and gatherers and whose ancestors spent most of their lives in this forest, dependent on it for food and shelter, will be introduced to you.

Accommodation in Bwindi National Park.

The range of lodging options in Bwindi National Park includes affordable, midrange, high-end lodges and campsites. Booking the hotels near the respective trekking points is advised, because it saves time and allows one to be more flexible.

When to visit?

The best months to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are June through August and December through to March when rainfall is minimal and hiking is easy. However, the park is always open to visitors regardless of the season.

Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime event, one of its kind on any African safari. The Park is open to everyone and is safe all-year through.