Bwindi forest is where the Batwa Pygmies lived alongside Mountain Gorillas & other smaller wildlife including wild chimpanzee populations that roam the expanses of this evergreen tropical forest presently called Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park – after it was declared a World Heritage Site and the Batwa were forcefully expelled from it in 1992. Filming the Batwa of Bwindi Forest
Today the Batwa Pygmies remain identified as Africa’s most marginalised tribes – they were originally hunter-gathers that lived in harmony with the Mountain Gorillas & other smaller wildlife. They only hunted smaller wildlife as a source of protein but in 1992, in abide to protect what they actually didn’t hunt – the mountain gorillas, Bwindi forest was gazetted as a National Park. The Batwa were pushed out and they settled in the neighbouring villages where they faced and continue to suffer discrimination mainly associated with their size and way of life. Their hope lies in us creating awareness to the world about their plight. The only way this can reach every corner of the world is through media (video & stills) – its why we are publishing a guide to filming the Batwa of Bwindi forest.
Where to find & film the Batwa of Bwindi Forest
The Bwindi forest has four sectors; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. At all four there are Batwa communities living there. However, guided by your interests and budget, we will guide you on how to decide where is best.
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Buhoma Region:
Buhoma was the place where gorilla tourism all started in 1992. The area is very developed (compared to all three other sectors). Presently there is a project of the Batwa established by the Kellermann Foundation to support and transform the Batwa into people that can be accepted and recognised by the community. At Buhoma is also a community hospital – perhaps the biggest in the area – also established by the Kellermann Foundation. For Film crew looking to film and understand the Batwa and the impact of foreign support has brought to the lives of these previously marginalised minority people, this would be the place to consider visiting.
The buhoma region is very accessible by both road and air transport. Buhoma is well connected to Kampala/ Entebbe and the drive may last ±10 hours. This drive can be broken by adding a day or two in Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are daily flights that depart Entebbe or Kajjansi in the morning and land at Kihihi airstrip which is only 40 km to Buhoma. Buhoma also offers a wide range of Film crew & cast accommodation; Bwindi Lodge, Bwindi Women’s Lodge (ride4awoman), Buhom Rest camp.
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Ruhija Region
Ruhija Region is the least developed of all four Batwa Filming Locations in Bwindi Forest. Accessing Ruhija can be challenging especially during the rainy season months of April, May & November when the roads get muddy and slipperey – a 4×4 is needed but also bring your driving skills along – we recommend using a local Film fixer to find you an experienced driver to get you there safely. The other downside to choosing to film the Batwa in Ruhija Sector is the limited accommodation options. Unlike Buhoma, Ruhija has a very limited option list for where to stay, However, the plus to filming in Ruhija region is the Vista both on the drive to Ruhija and from the comfort of your lodge on both sides of the rigde – might make for that perfect scenic background you are looking to feature in your Batwa Film project.
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Rushaga Region
Located on the southernmost side of Bwindi Forest, Rushaga region does offer a good location for filming the Batwa Pygmies in Uganda. Access to Rushaga is good – its easier to get to Rushaga from Kigali. The drive from Kigali lasts approximately 04 hours including border crossing time. However, film crew intending to take the option of Flying into Kigali and driving 4 hours to get to Rushaga region need to allow extra time for kit clearance between Uganda and Rwanda border authorities – we caution crew against leaving your kit unattended. We also discourage importation of Drones – as border crossing authorities might confiscate (for one or two reasons) your drone. It’s better to consider hiring one locally.
For Film crew that prefer to fly Into Uganda via Entebbe have two options on getting to Rushaga; driving 9-hours or flying for 2-hours. Scheduled and chartered flight departing Entebbe or Kajjansi can be organised by Realm Africa Film Fixers™. The flights will land at Kisoro Airstrip where you will be met by a Realm African Film fixer ™ representative who will transfer you to your preferred film crew accommodation in Rushaga region. Accommodation in Rushaga is varied and ranges from Budget, Midrange to luxury; our favourite choices include; Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Gorilla Safari lodge etc.
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Nkuringo Region
Nkuringo was previously the forgotten tourism corner in Uganda. However 2017 with the increase of Rwanda Gorilla Permit fees from $700 to $1,500. Rwanda Tour operators opted to shift their Gorilla trekking trips from trekking in Volcanoes NP to trekking In Bwindi Forest NP. Nkuringo just like Rushaga is only 4hours from Kigali.
For Film crew that prefer to fly into Uganda via Entebbe have two options on getting to Nkuringo; driving 9-hours or flying for 2-hours. Scheduled and chartered flight departing Entebbe or Kajjansi can be organised by Realm Africa Film Fixers™. The flights will land at Kisoro Airstrip where you will be met by a Realm African Film fixer ™ representative who will transfer you to your preferred film crew accommodation in Rushaga region. Accommodation in Nkuringo is very limited with our favourite being the affordable Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
Related: Where to stay in Nkuringo Region.
