Batwa trail to boost Uganda’s trourism

Thursday July 21, 2011

The Batwa Trail is a new form of tourism product expected to boost the volume of tourists destined to Uganda.

For $80 one is treated to oral literature, dance, ancient architecture, herbs, aphrodisiacs, survival tips in the wild and a tour of biggest cave in the world.

“Since its inception, $6,000 has been raised from 70 tourists,” said the acting Uganda Wildlife Association executive director Andrew Seguya. “The money is shared 50-50 with the Batwa community. This is one way of empowering the community.”

Walking the dense forest on the foot of Virunga Volcanoes, at an altitude between 2500-2600, takes a whole day. After it (Mgahinga) was declared forest reserve, the Batwa, were forced to abandon their bush/nomadic lifestyle.

Unveiling the Batwa Trail package, comes at a time when there is a change in the desires of most tourists. The latest type of tourist shoots with cameras prefers having memorable and interactive experiences. The Batwa Trail, in pace with these global trends, is sustainable tourism. Tourists want to have a light footprint on the environment, by helping preserve culture.

By Titus Kakembo: The New Vision Newspaper