3-Day Immersive Batwa & Boat Ride Cultural Safari with Local Guide Hillary
Discover a Deeper Side of Uganda – Beyond the Gorillas
Most travelers visit Uganda for gorilla trekking, but few explore the rich cultural and scenic experiences beyond the forest. On this 3-day Batwa and Lake Bunyonyi safari, you’ll journey with Hillary – a local guide, community ambassador, and professional wildlife photographer – to connect with the ancient Batwa people and unwind on one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes.
Starting your adventure from Kigali, Rwanda, this short yet immersive trip blends cultural authenticity, local storytelling, and stunning nature all guided by someone who calls this region home.
Day 1: From Kigali to the Highlands of Uganda
Your adventure begins early as Hillary meets you in Kigali and guides you across the scenic border into southwestern Uganda. Rolling hills, banana plantations, and welcoming local faces make for perfect photo stops, something Hillary, as a local photographer, never misses.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll reach Kisoro or Kabale, nestled among misty hills. After lunch, you’ll drive toward the Batwa region near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where Hillary introduces you to the Batwa community, one of Africa’s oldest forest tribes.
Spend the evening sharing stories, traditional dances, and songs around the campfire. Hillary translates their ancient legends and explains how they once thrived in the dense rainforests, a rare chance to witness living history firsthand.
Day 2: Batwa Forest Trail – A Journey into the Past
The second day immerses you deeper into Batwa cultural life with a guided walk through their ancestral forest. Local Batwa trackers, alongside Hillary, lead you along centuries-old trails.
You’ll learn traditional hunting methods, how they made fire without matches, and how they used herbal plants for medicine. Hillary captures these moments with his camera and even shares photography tips. The forest is alive with bird calls, chattering monkeys, and the hum of nature, creating a deep connection between people and place.
After lunch, you’ll drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a spectacular crater lake surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands. The evening is free for relaxation, storytelling, or sunset photography along the lakeshore.
Day 3: Tranquility and Boat Ride on Lake Bunyonyi
Your final day offers serenity. After breakfast, join Hillary for a boat ride across Lake Bunyonyi, whose name means “place of many little birds.” As the canoe glides between islands, visit local communities, fishermen, and schools.
Hillary explains the legends of Punishment Island, revealing the rich traditions of this region. Capture panoramic views from Arcadia Lodge Hill, where you’ll see the lake’s islands stretch across the horizon.
This trip not only offers unforgettable experiences but also gives back. Every trip you book with Hillary Uganda Trips helps provide essential supplies, such as food and clean water, to families in remote communities near Lake Bunyonyi.
👉 Read more about Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
👉 Learn about Travel With Impact in Uganda
Why Travel with Hillary Uganda Trips
Every journey with Hillary Uganda Trips is personal. Hillary isn’t just your guide, he’s your storyteller, photographer, and connection to the heart of Uganda. Traveling responsibly, you stay in locally owned lodges and engage meaningfully with people and nature, making each safari unforgettable.
Trip Overview
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Starting Point: Kigali, Rwanda
- Destinations: Batwa Community, Mgahinga Forest, Lake Bunyonyi
- Activities: Cultural Walks, Batwa Trail, Boat Ride, Photography
- Accommodation: Mid-range lodges near Lake Bunyonyi
- Transport: 4×4 Safari Vehicle with Hillary as your local driver-guide
Book This Authentic Experience
Embark on this unforgettable 3-day Batwa and Lake Bunyonyi safari with Hillary, your local guide and photographer.
📩 Email:hillary@hillaryugandatrips.com
💬 WhatsApp: Chat with Hillary on +256726436969
