The Buniga forest trail walk is a 3 hours nature walk through Buniga forest, to learn about the ancient lifestyle of the Batwa people. This project is run by USAID and the local Batwa community.
The Batwa tribe had to leave Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in 1991 when it was declared a UNESCO world Heritage site, for the mountain gorillas only.
Since the Batwa had been living in the forest as nomads, surviving on the flora and fauna around them, moving out and suddenly living in communities with a completely different way of life has proven to be a huge challenge. However, some are managing really well and use their rich heritage to promote their previous lifestyle in the forest to earn a living.
The Buniga forest trail walk is truly an experience. It is not challenging at all but rather informative and exciting. It is an eye opener to see how the Batwa managed to survive in the forest.
More About Batwa Cultural Experience and Buniga Forest Trail Walk
The Batwa cultural experience includes a music performance, and a visitation by the goddess. You will also learn about hunting and honey gathering demonstration, as well as an opportunity to see how they used to live. The ‘Twa’ tribe who are also known as the Batwa are the oldest inhabitants of the great lakes region of central Africa.
They speak the same language as the Hutu and Tutsi groups of Rwanda. Like most of the tribes in Africa, they have moved from place to place. As a result, they can be found in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Statistics show that by the year 2000 their numbers were approximately 80,000 people, making them a significant minority group in these countries. The first records of the Batwa were made by the Egyptians over 4,000 years ago. They described them as short-statured people living near the ‘Mountains of the Moon‘, extolling their abilities as dancers and storytellers.
The Batwa cultural experience takes place in the Buhoma area, but if you are in south Bwindi you can visit the Buniga Forest to see the Batwa people there. Besides this experience, there are a number of other attractions in Bwindi impenetrable national park.