The Buhoma Community Tour is organised by the Mukono Development Association.
Facing the magnificent hills of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with smog whirling over the Peaks. The Buhoma sector of Bwindi National Park is frankly a striking setting for unforgettable cultural tour. This 3-hour Village walk starts with an exciting visit to the Craft shop where handmade items such as beeswax, candles, jewelry, fabrics and wood carvings are sold. When you see these items, you will not believe that they are made by the local craftsmen and woman from the Village.
The adjacent Batwa community performs traditional songs and dances depicting their ancient ways of life when they still lived in the forest, showing you yet another outstanding cultural experience. While still with the Batwa, you will visit the traditional healer who treats common illnesses using locally sourced tree and plants then visit the local primary school where you will be amazed at how the pupils learn in an environment with insufficient seats, no computers, power but still dream to be doctors, engineers, lawyers or teachers. You will get to learn how to make and taste the local banana juice and beer.
The earnings from the project are used to support some of the local community development projects like water and sanitation projects, secondary schools, microfinance SACCOS, and the maize mill, then the Batwa are paid for their invigorating performances.
Get Active at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
From Buhoma, you can take a nature walk around the Buhoma Village. This guided walk gives great insight into the traditional African way of life. Wandering through the village, guests are exposed to inspirational dances and songs, a traditional healer who prescribes cures for anything from the common cold to male impotency, banana wine and gin making, tea and coffee plantations, and much much more. $15 per person. It can be combined with Batwa Tradition ($25 for both).
Learn the Batwa Tradition: The purpose of this walking tour is to present the forest life of the original inhabitants of Bwindi, Batwa “Pygmies”, while providing them with an important source of income. Your Batwa guide will introduce you to different uses of plants and insects, the way Batwa used to burry their deceased members, fire making, hunting and honey collecting. The tour ends with a traditional homestead, dances and music. $20 per person. It can be combined with Buhoma Community Village Walk ($25 for both). See more in the Photo Gallery.
Visit the Bwindi Community Hospital: A guided circuit through the premises of an award-winning private not-for-profit health institution, taking about 40 minutes. Visitors are given the opportunity to interact with local staff and volunteers, take photographs and witness the excellent work of the hospital. They see the children’s ward and the maternity wing, hear about the hospital’s extensive community outreach and learn about its public health programme. Free of charge.
Visit the Gorilla Research Clinic Tour: $15 per person.