The Bwindi Gold Mining Experience is an incredibly unique view into the way that gold mining is carried out in small villages in southern Uganda. Although Bwindi is not famed for its gold deposits, there is definitely enough of the precious metal in the ground to motivate locals in the community to take to small-scale or “artisanal” gold mining. Even a small amount of gold can mean a life changing amount of money to the individual that finds it.
This tour will show you the ways in which local people are able to mine on a small scale for gold, often in the local streams and rivers. You will be taken to a small mine, whose locations are often kept secret. From here you will be shown the ways in which the stones are dug out and be given the opportunity to try it for yourself. From here the rocks are processed through sieves and the dirt panned through for small nuggets of gold, you will get to try for yourself the thrill of searching for it.
The tour takes approximately 3 hours and costs $30 per person. We recommend that you bring comfortable shoes, sun cream and drinking water.