Bwindi Community Tourism
Besides Mountain gorilla trekking that this National Park is known for, it is also a cultural boiling pot worth trying when for a safari in Uganda. This magnificent National Park is situated in South-western Uganda, covers an area of 331 square kilometers and was gazetted into a National park in 1991 (the same year as Mgahinga National Park, also another place for gorilla tracking). Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a place full of wonders such as several mammals, bird species, butterflies and variety of captivating tree species. After exploring the nature and beauty of the Park, it is also interesting to experience the cultural beauty around this Park that will exceed your gorilla trekking expectation and satisfaction. It has the richest cultural encounter than any park in Uganda, and the following are the fascinating cultural encounters to expect while in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
There are lots of community tourism initiatives from which local people continue to benefit through gorilla tourism. For example, craft making business, village tours, traditional dances, cultural walks, farm tours, birding in the communities, community based lodges provide accommodation. Bwindi receives many tourists for gorilla trekking hence; the community tourism allows visitors to become part of the community by taking part in activities such as tasting the food, feeling the traditional dance performances and staying in the lodges run and operated by locals.
Community tourism is very valuable because it gives the local communities alternative ways to earn income that benefits them directly. When you travel to Bwindi, we encourage you to visit communities after your gorilla trek. Here is a list of what to do to support local communities. Community activities may not require advance booking. You can arrange them with a tour operator or directly with locals during your stay in Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija or Rushaga.
Batwa homestead in Buhoma
BaTwa pygmies are considered to be the oldest culture in the world and are traditionally and forest warriors. In Buhoma, the headquarters of Bwindi, there’s Batwa homestead where you can stay with the Batwa, learn about their culture. The BaTwa will prepare their traditional food and dine together and thereafter dance for you. Batwa tour in Buhoma can be done in the afternoon or evening after a gorilla trek. The tour can range from 2 hours to full day but it is worth to learn the lifestyles of BaTwa including bow and arrow shooting, dances, music, and pottery making.
Village walks
Village walks are a great way of visiting community projects like handicrafts, weaving and tailoring centers. They are found in all sectors of Bwindi which are Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga. A village walk takes 2-4 hours but shorter and longer walks can be arranged depending on the wish of the visitors. The visits include touring farms, women handicraft centers, wood carving and pottery making. You get to interact with locals, they show you how they grow crops; prepare food and drinks such as the banana beer. Learn about community tours conducted by the local communities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Buniga Forest Walk
- Buhoma Community Tour
- Nkuringo Community Tour
- Nkuringo Cultural Center
- The Rubuguri Village Walk
Buhoma community volunteering
Buhoma community hospital in located in Buhoma but it provides health care to all the people in south western region. The hospital presents opportunities to volunteer and support is mission of preventing diseases and supporting a healthy and productive community. Volunteers can find a range of preferred volunteer areas such as maternity, surgery, diagnostics, counseling, caring for HIV/AIDS and TB patients among others. Find out how you can assist, workers, physicians, to enhance quality of health care Bwindi community hospital.