In 1991 these ancient forests and mountains became Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Batwa were without a home in the forest. Since that time they have lived as marginalized Ugandans but seen by other Ugandans as primitive.

They see tourists come and spend 800 USD on gorilla permits and visit their ancient land while they have gone without any compensation.

The Batwa Forest Trail is part of a project to reinstate dignity and hope by keeping the Batwa traditions alive to the Batwa 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.

Why you should participate

Tourist participation in this all day activity will not only be an informing and interesting time for them, but aid the Batwa Pygmy Community.

Every culture has a beginning story and so do the Batwa People. The walk starts out with an elder – actually a middle aged person dressed in skins telling the story of the Batwa creation and how they became a people of the forest. The Batwa were the original people in this area of Uganda, long before other people migrated here.

Walk along in the shadows of Mount Muhavura (also called Muhabura – meaning the guide) and Gahinga Volcanoes as your guide stops and kneels down. Has he spotted an animal 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.

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 about 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.

The Garama cave

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 them 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 as 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. Outside there is celebratory dance and music – enjoy your day with people of the Forest.