The Batwa People of Uganda: Forest Keepers of Bwindi and Mgahinga
One of the oldest communities in the region, whose forest home became national parks.
The Batwa were hunter-gatherers of the forests of south-western Uganda. When Bwindi and Mgahinga were gazetted as protected areas in the early 1990s, they lost access to their ancestral forest. Today many live in nearby communities, and some run cultural experiences that share forest songs, medicine and hunting skills.
Visits help fund community projects when done through the right arrangements. See the Batwa cultural experience and the Semuliki Batwa experience.
This guide is part of our Uganda people, culture and history guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Region: Bwindi, Mgahinga, Semuliki
- Traditional life: Forest hunter-gatherers
- Today: Community-based
- Experience: Cultural visits
History
The creation of the parks ended the Batwa's forest livelihood. Later projects have given training, schooling and tourism income to Batwa communities.
Visit Respectfully
Arrange the visit through an operator or community group so that income reaches the community. See also Uganda's tribes.
Want culture built into your safari? Tell us your interests and we will add it to your itinerary.
Forest Keepers
The Batwa are the original forest people of south-west Uganda. They lived by hunting and gathering in Bwindi and Mgahinga until the forests became protected areas in the early 1990s. Today many live in settlements nearby.
The Batwa Experience
Guided walks and cultural performances share their songs, plants and hunting skills. Fees support the community. See Buhoma village walk and community outreach.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Batwa Cultural Experience in Uganda: Bwindi and Mgahinga
- Uganda People, Culture and History: Kingdoms, Tribes, Dances, Crafts and Landmarks
- Kingdoms of Uganda: Buganda, Bunyoro, Toro, Busoga, Ankole and Rwenzururu
- Kingdom of Toro: History, the Omukama and Fort Portal Palace
- The Bachwezi Empire: Legend and Ancient Earthworks of Western Uganda
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