Village walks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offer a perfect addition to the thrilling gorilla trekking adventures. Embarking on guided village walks allows visitors to have a close interaction with local communities and nature. On a guided village walk, visitors navigate via the rural/village setting and expect to have a close observation on how locals carry on with their daily activities.
Bwindi village walks involve active participation as you conquer the steep hillside and also navigate through the swampy areas and homesteads. The beauty about the guided walks in Bwindi National Park is that you have a great opportunity to connect/interact with the local community residents and explore their way of life.
Beyond walking, visitors even have a chance to participate in some of the hands-on experiences like craft making as demonstrated by locals. Visitors can also pay a visit to the nearby schools like St. Peters Primary School where they get a chance to interact with the pupils and teachers as well as enjoy some of the performances displayed in form of Kikiga dances.
Where Do Village Walks in Bwindi take place?
Village walks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are conducted in the Ruhija region, Buhoma area, Rubuguri village, Nyundo Community Eco-trails, and Conservation through Public Health (CTPH).
Buhoma Village walk in Bwindi
The Buhoma village walk is done in the Northern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A guided walk in Buhoma provides visitors a great opportunity to connect with nature and local residents as they carry out their daily activities.
On the Buhoma village walk in Bwindi, expect to explore the unique traditional practices of the local residents around Buhoma area. Embarking on the Buhoma village walk is best done after the thrilling gorilla trekking experience.
An experienced local tour guide is assigned to lead visitors on the Buhoma village/community walk. As you walk, your guide will be sharing with you inspirational stories on the different traditions and cultures of their area. A warm welcome is given to visitors which is accompanied by the great traditional dances and songs.
Additionally, expect to engage in craft making as guided by the craft makers. The guided village walks in Buhoma community also allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the sceneries and explore other attractions like scenic waterfalls.
Visitors can also pay a visit to the nearby local farmlands and projects like the Mukono Primary School. The Batwa cultural site/community is among the key highlights that await you on the village walk tour in the Buhoma region. The Batwa community visit lets you have a deep understanding on how the Batwa lived in the forest for many years as hunters and gatherers.
Ruhija Village Walk
Ruhija is one of the best areas to start guided village walks in Bwindi National Park. Ruhija is found in the Eastern part of Bwindi and visitors can spend at least 2-3 hours on a guided walk. During the Ruhija village walk tour, visitors get to visit the nearby schools, and the traditional local healers, and learn more about the banana brewery. Ruhija village walks can be incorporated with nature/forest walks in the Ruhija region, birding, and mountain gorilla trekking.
Rubuguri Village Walk
Rubuguri Village Walk is conducted along the borders of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The walk involves navigating around the steep hillside and later, get a warm welcome from the residents in their community. The guided walk through the Rubuguri village allows you to enjoy a close interaction with the residents, and also engage in the different local activities.
The special experiences to enhance your Rubuguri village walk include paying a visit to the St. Peters Primary School, and enjoying the cultural dances as showcased by the Bakiga. The beauty of the Rubuguri village walk is that all the profits obtained from the guided walk will be shared between the site owners, community guides, and Nkuringo Cultural Center. Visitors also have a chance to learn more about craft making or purchase already-made handcraft items at the craft shop around Wagtail Eco-Safari Camp.
Batwa Cultural Experience
The Batwa cultural/community visit offers a unique and sensational African village experience. This is especially for the guests interested in authentic African cultural experiences. During the Batwa community visit, tourists get to explore in depth the distinct cultures, traditions, and practices of the Batwa pygmies.
The Batwa pygmies spent many years in Bwindi National Park as hunters/gatherers till the 1990s when they were evicted to allow the creation of the present Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. They are the marginalized group that resides around Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Visiting the Batwa Community during the village walks in Bwindi is a great chance to interact closely with them and enjoy their unique entertainment, especially their amazing dances and music performances.
Conclusively, village walks are undoubtedly a remarkable addition to thrilling mountain gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experiences in Bwindi National Park. Plan and book a safari to Bwindi and beyond with us to enjoy unique African experiences that leave you with many lasting memories.