The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Experience the ways of the ancient Batwa People who once lives in these forests
See the forest through the eyes of the First People of the Forest
Benefit the displaced Batwa Pygmy people of the Forest
In 1991 these ancient forests and
mountains became Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and they, the Batwa Pyg
my
People where without a home in the forest. Since that time they have lived
as marginalized people - Ugandans but distained by other Ugandans as primitive.
They have seen tourists come and spend 500 USD on gorilla permits and visit
their ancient land while they have gone without any compensation, without being
given new land, living in utter poverty.
"The Batwa Forest Trail" is part of a project to restore dignity and hope to the Batwa Pygmy people, give employment to those who are in involved in the day to day project of the "Batwa Trail" from the dancers to the guides, pay for school-fees for the children, books and beyond that buy land for the community.
Your participation in this all day activity will not only be an informing and interesting time for you, but aid the Batwa Pygmy Community. A win - win situation - well worth the fee.
The Batwa Forest Trail- Seeing the Forest through the eyes of the First People:
Every culture has a in the beginning
story and so do the Batwa People. The walk starts out with a Batwa
elder - actually a
middle ages person dressed in skins telling the story of the Batwa creation and
how they became a people of the forest.
Walk along in the shadows of the Muhavura (also called Muhabura) and Gahinga Volcanoes as your guide stops and kneels down. Has he spotted an animals but he asks his God to bless the walk as the hunter of old did as they went to hunt in the forest of old.
Farther down you may stop for a few berries that the hunter used to use for a meal prior to hunting. Learn the value of plants used for medicine - such as blood pressure and other medical needs. The black crust of ants nests used for applying to fungal infections of the skin. You just saw plants - they see a pharmacy.
One thing you will notice as you see them demonstrating hunting and trapping techniques, starting a fire with stick, gathering honey, the huts that they lived in, that they lived a lifestyle with a low impact on their environment and their surroundings. Something they can no longer do. The Batwa Trail allows them to return to beloved forest and show others as to how they lived and potentially keep some of their ways and crafts such as making bamboo cups, clothing beyond this generation of the Batwa people.
Come to Garama Cave - the residence of the King of the Batwa People - no outsider was allowed to enter - but you have special permission. The cave was also used for the Batwa people to hide from their enemies.
Enter the sacred Garama Cave- going down - if you are a bit claustrophobic - relax - it will be fine. You enter down - darkness embraces you and you hear mournful chants of Batwa women - mourning the loss of the beloved forest. A light comes in the cave and you see them dancing with the words like tears pouring forth - a most meaningful time.
Outside there is celebratory dance and music - enjoy your day with people of the Forest - the Batwa people.
Read more about the Batwa People on our Blog:
Activities at Mgahinga Gorilla Park:
-
Birding -115 recorded species.
-
Golden Monkey Tracking
-
Volcano Climbing - 3 Volcanoes to Climb
-
Batwa Trail - a visit and walk in the forest with the tribal elders of the Batwa Pygmy community.
-
Nature Hikes including seeing Forest Buffaloes and Elephants
 Golden
Monkey Tracking: Track the rare Golden Monkeys at Mgahinga
Gorilla Park. A golden opportunity. |
 Mgahinga
Volcano Climbing:
3 Volcanoes await you here with challenging 1 day
climbs. 5 Day Safari |
 Batwa
Trail: Seeing forest
through the eyes and ways of its first people. All day walk in the forest
with the Batwa Pygmy people. |
 Gorilla
Tracking Mgahinga Gorilla Park:
Meet the Nyakagezi group that resides here most
of of the time. |
|
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Lodging: Accommodations and Lodging near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. |
 Gorilla
Tracking Information:
The complete guide to gorilla tracking for Uganda. All you need to know and
more. |
 Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Birding and gorilla tracking:
5 days of gorilla tracking and birding at
Mgahinga Gorilla Park. |
 Mgahinga
Gorilla Park Information:
Something for everyone at Mgahinga Gorilla Park. |
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