Gorilla Walking Stick – A Unique Souvenir from Bwindi

The gorilla walking stick is one of the most popular and practical souvenirs you can bring home from a Uganda gorilla trekking safari. Handcarved by skilled local artisans in the villages surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, each stick is a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art.

What Makes It Special

Crafted from native hardwoods including mvule and ebony, gorilla walking sticks are carved by hand using traditional tools passed down through generations. The gorilla figure — often depicted in a natural pose — sits atop the handle, making it both a walking aid on the trail and a striking decorative piece at home.

Many trekkers use their walking stick during the actual gorilla trek in Bwindi, then take it home as a treasured reminder of the experience. The sticks are lightweight yet sturdy, typically ranging from 90 to 130 cm in length.

Supporting Local Communities

When you purchase a gorilla walking stick, your money goes directly to local wood-carving cooperatives in communities like Buhoma and Nkuringo. These cooperatives employ hundreds of men and women, providing steady income for families who live on the edges of the national park. Buying local crafts is a direct act of gorilla conservation — it gives communities a sustainable economic reason to protect the forest.

Where to Buy

Gorilla walking sticks are available at craft shops at the Buhoma and Rushaga park entrances, at lodges inside Bwindi, and at the Uganda Arts and Crafts Village in Kampala. Prices typically range from $10 to $35 USD depending on size and carving detail.

Care and Travel Tips

• Most sticks are carry-on friendly when disassembled or checked as luggage.
• Rub with a small amount of linseed or coconut oil to maintain the wood’s finish.
• Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to prevent cracking.

A gorilla walking stick is more than a souvenir — it is a connection to Uganda’s wild heart and its people. Browse all Uganda crafts and souvenirs here.