The Batwa: Uganda’s Forest People

The Batwa are an indigenous people who lived in the rainforests of south-west Uganda for generations, hunting and gathering. When Bwindi and Mgahinga were gazetted as national parks in the early 1990s, the Batwa lost access to their forest homes. Today many live in nearby communities, and cultural trails led by Batwa guides offer visitors a respectful way to learn.

A people between forest and farm

Before the parks were created, the Batwa lived by gathering honey, fruits and herbs and hunting small game. Losing the forest meant losing their economy and a large part of their culture. Many have since struggled with poverty and landlessness, and several community organisations now support education, health and land access.

What a Batwa cultural trail is like

A Batwa guide leads you into the forest, shows how to make fire, trap small animals and gather medicinal plants, and shares songs and stories. It is typically a half-day activity near the gorilla trekking areas. Keep an open mind and listen; this is a conversation with hosts, not a staged performance. See our Bwindi guide.

Visiting ethically

Choose experiences run by or with the Batwa, where fees go directly to the community. Ask before taking photographs, avoid giving gifts to children and buy crafts directly from makers. See our culture and heritage safaris and sustainability journal.

Combining with a gorilla trek

Most visitors add a Batwa trail the day before or after a gorilla trek. See our 5-day Bwindi escape and Uganda’s languages and tribes.