Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Primates, Birding, Community, Culture & People

The Bigodi Wetland is not just a swamp but also a home to a variety of wild animals both primates and mammals.

Bigodi wetland Sanctuary is a small sanctuary that protects Magombe swamp closest to Bigodi trading Centre which is located immediately outside Kibale forest national park boundary. Its run by Kibale Association for Rural and environmental Development (KAFRED), therefore all the money raised from the sanctuary is used to fund community projects around Bigodi like construction of class rooms in some secondary and primary schools.

The bigodi wetland sanctuary has circular 4.5km trail which have wooden platforms at some points, to enable the visitors take guided walk around. The swamp inhabits variety of birds and primates as the main attraction and visitors have chances to see like many species which they sometimes miss in the park. Taking a walk, you stand chances to see grey checked mangabey, Red colobus monkey, black and white colobus among others during the walk and ornithologist will spot many bird species which are endemic to swampy areas including Papyrus gonolek, white winged warbler, Great blue turaco black and white casquered hornbill and many more.

Visitors need to identify their interest to be able to get the right guide since not all the guides know birds. Besides these the swamp is rich in butterflies, snacks frogs and safari guides are well trained, rich in knowledge of the area since they are all grown up in Bigodi. There are many guides and this helps some time to even start the walk at any time between 8am and 4pm to avoid delay nature walk takes 2-3 hours and a bit long for those interested to see birds.

Activities in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (near Kibale Forest)

Activities available include Swamp & village walks (USh50,000 per person) Saturday-afternoon basket-weaving demonstrations, dance and drama performances, and fun interpretive meals (USh15,000 per person; book in advance) where your hosts share the stories behind the local food they serve you. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Any shared taxis (USh8000, 45 minutes) between Fort Portal and Kamwenge can drop you there.

Best Time to Visit Bigodi Wetland

Kibale Forest national park is open to visitors and tourists pretty much all year round. The perfect time to visit however is September to March which is the dry season and catching sight of wildlife is much easier.