Go Beyond the Trek. Meet the Heart of the Forest.
Gorilla trekking is only part of the journey. The deeper experience lies in connecting with the people who have lived beside these forests for generations. Around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park, local communities welcome travelers into their villages, homes, and daily lives. These encounters reveal the human side of conservation—how people and wildlife coexist, and how tourism can become a force for good.
For many visitors, this is where the most lasting memories are made.
Why Choose a Community Experience?
Spending time with local guides offers an understanding of the cultural, ecological, and historical roots of the region. Many of these guides are former hunters who have become stewards of conservation, using their deep knowledge of the forest to educate and protect. Others are farmers, artisans, dancers, and healers—each with a unique story and a role in the survival of both gorillas and their habitat.
Every visit supports sustainable tourism. The income earned goes directly to community members, women’s groups, youth cooperatives, and families who once relied on forest resources to survive. Now, through cultural tourism, they have a new way forward.
What You Can Do
Batwa Cultural Experiences (Bwindi and Mgahinga)
The Batwa were once forest dwellers, living as hunters and gatherers in the very areas now protected for gorillas. Displaced from the forest decades ago, the Batwa now share their history through interpretive walks and storytelling. Walk with Batwa guides who demonstrate traditional hunting techniques, herbal medicine use, fire-making, and spiritual songs passed down through generations.
Village Walks and Homestays
Visit hillside villages and spend time with the Bakiga and Batwa communities who farm the slopes around the parks. Join them in their gardens, learn about subsistence farming, or cook traditional meals like matoke with ghee. For travelers seeking deeper interaction, a homestay allows you to share a roof, a fire, and a story with your hosts.
Coffee and Tea Tours (Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park)
The volcanic soils around Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park produce rich Arabica coffee and delicate teas. Local cooperatives invite visitors to walk the farms, pick ripe berries or leaves, and witness every step from harvest to cup. These experiences often end with a tasting and the chance to buy fresh, locally produced beans directly from the growers.
Craft and Weaving Workshops
Artisans across the region keep traditional skills alive through basket weaving, beading, and carving. In small women-led workshops, guests can sit beside the makers, learn a craft by hand, and create a keepsake. Purchasing handmade crafts here directly supports education, health care, and household income.
Conservation Walks and Tree Planting
Explore the forest margins with a local guide who shares insight into reforestation projects, erosion control, and indigenous plant uses. Guests are invited to plant a native tree as a symbol of their visit and contribution to habitat restoration efforts.
How to Join
Tour Uganda Gorillas offers the opportunity to include these experiences in your itinerary—before or after your gorilla trek. Whether you’re interested in a short cultural visit or a full-day community tour, we work with trusted local partners to ensure that your time directly benefits the people who host you.
These experiences are respectful, meaningful, and always locally led.
To include a community experience in your gorilla trekking journey, fill in the form at the bottom of this page and let us know what you’re most interested in. We’ll take care of the rest.