Cultural Tours in Ruhija Sector Uganda: Bwindi Batwa Trail
The Bakiga and Batwa are the two main tribes living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and during cultural tours in Ruhija sector, visitors get the chance to explore their interesting culture through guided forest walks, visits to traditional healers, blacksmith visits and vibrant cultural dance performances.
Cultural tours in Ruhija sector involve guided community walks in Ruhija village, nestled high up within the misty foothills of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These tours are mainly based on the life of Batwa people that traditionally occupied Bwindi Forest before being gazetted for tourism in 1991. During these walks, Batwa guides lead visitors through their community where they show how they lived in the forest before eviction through their small huts, fire-making technique by rubbing sticks, ancient hunting skills by learning how to shoot with a bow and arrow, traditional honey harvesting techniques and vibrant traditional dance performances.
The Community walks also lead to the local schools for disadvantaged children and orphans who without the technologies in modern education still dream big and hope to become responsible citizens. Interact with the learners as well as their teachers who will perform a special welcome or gorilla song/dance. Visits are also done to the traditional herbalist who gathers leaves, roots and stems/tree barks for treating common ailments. Don’t miss out on the local banana brew as well as trying out the delicious local cuisine.
The Climax of cultural tours through Batwa Communities is their vibrant traditional dance performances, which you can join in to celebrate and dance with locals. The entire community walk through Ruhija Village lasts between two and four hours depending on your pace of movement as well as amount of time spent at each stop. Also, be prepared to hike through slopes and hills during these cultural tours. Combined with guided community walks, Ruhija Village also features a number of nature trails that introduce visitors to breathtaking attractions such as spectacular waterfalls, Caves and wide range of bird species.
Besides cultural tours in Ruhija sector, other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also offer amazing cultural experiences through Buniga Forest Nature Walks, Rubuguri Village walks, Nkuringo Community Conservation and Development Foundation (NCCDF), Nyundo Community Eco-Trails, Nkuringo Cultural Center tour, Buhoma Community Tour, to mention but a few.
Best time for Cultural tours in Ruhija sector
Ruhija’s best kept secrets can be uncovered all year round. The Village where most cultural tours are conducted is dry between June and September as well as December and February. This favors hiking since trails are drier while the wet months make hiking more challenging.
Where to stay during cultural tours in Ruhija sector
There are a number of budget and midrange places to stay while exploring the cultures around Ruhija Uganda sector and these are Gorilla Mist Camp, Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Eco-marvels Gorilla Resort, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Safari Lodge, to mention but a few. Additionally, early risers can stay in Buhoma sector (northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kabale Town and the serene shores of Lake Bunyonyi where unsurpassed views are provided.
How to get to Ruhija sector
Scheduled flights taking one and a half hours are usually organized from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip in Kampala to Kihihi Airstrip, then road trip to Ruhija sector taking 1-2 hours. Road trips characterized by breathtaking en-route views last 8-9 hours from Kampala City to the incredible Ruhija sector.