The Eviction Of Batwa Pygmies
In Bwindi forest, the Batwa were evicted in 1992 when the forest was gazetted as a national park. These were left homeless and helpless which led to the death of many of the Batwa people and almost their extinction. The survivors of this eviction were scattered in areas of Kanungu, Kisoro, Kabale, Kiryadongo and areas of Mubende.
As forest dwellers, the Batwa survived on hunting small game, fruit and vegetable gathering and collecting wild honey within the forest. They lived in caves and grass or leaves thatched huts which were never permanent as they moved constantly in search for fresh food. The Batwa lived in harmony with the forest wildlife like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys and birds without being a threat to their survival. When the Batwa were pushed out of the forest, the Batwa were saved by Dr. Scott and Carol Kellerman who established for them a community by building homes, schools, a hospital and clinics outside the National park.
Batwa Cultural Experience In Uganda
The Batwa cultural experience was started by the displaced Batwa people to teach and pass on their cultures and traditions to their descendants who have done well in preserving some of them to this day. The Batwa cultural experience takes place in an old growth forest just outside Bwindi Impenetrable national park. The Batwa cultural experience starts with a nature walk as you hike into the forest and see it in a totally new way through the lens of the Batwa guide. Get to learn how these ancient people hunted the game, what vegetables and fruits they gathered and how to use traps and nets for hunting. You may get chance to visit some of the caves they used as homes and the history behind them. See how they built the grass and leaves thatched huts, the things they revered and cared for. See how they prepare their traditional meals when you visit the Batwa homesteads and see how they lived communally. When you visit the medicine man, you will learn how they harvested roots and leaves for medicinal use. End the excursion with entertainment from the Batwa pygmies as they sing their traditional folksongs and dance. The Batwa trail and cultural experience is an exciting adventure and can be added to your gorilla trekking trip in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. The batwa cultural trail can be easily accessed from all the sections of Bwindi Impenetrable national park; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Ruhija. You can plan for a full day or half day excursion for the Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
