Bigodi wetland sanctuary
Bigodi Wetland - A model of successful community-based ecotourism
Founded in 1992, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a shining example of community-based ecotourism. A guided walking trail winds through the wetlands. Here, you can spot a wealth of forest-edge birds. Playful monkeys from the bordering Kibale Forest National Park also appear along the trail.
The sanctuary is run by an NGO called the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED). This NGO is dedicated to protecting the area and its wildlife. Bigodi also serves as a training ground for bird guides who work all over Uganda. Visiting here means you explore unique habitats, learn about local wildlife, and support conservation.
5 Things You should know about Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Before we delve into the details and tell you all about Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, here are five facts for you:
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers some of the best forest birding in Uganda with exceptional standard of guiding
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a great add-on to chimpanzee trekking at bordering Kibale National Park
- You can spot up to six primate species on one walk in Bigodi
- Bigodi Wetland trail can be extended to include a community visit to the Bigodi Village
- The activity is affordably priced and profits support local community development projects
Bigodi Wetland is Full of Wildlife
Bigodi is a hotspot for primates. Of the 13 species found in nearby Kibale National Park, many visit here regularly. The Ugandan red colobus is the most common. You might also spot black-and-white colobus, Uganda mangabey, red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, and blue monkey. Chimpanzees pass through occasionally. Resident antelope include bushbuck and the secretive sitatunga. Birdlife is spectacular. Over 200 species have been recorded. Look out for the great blue turaco, Ross’s turaco, yellow-billed barbet, blue-throated roller, and papyrus gonolek.
Nature Walks and Cultural Experiences
The main activity at Bigodi is a guided walk along a 4.5km (2.8mi) trail. The bird guides are passionate and full of knowledge. On a walk, you can spot around 30 colorful forest-edge bird species. You will also see several types of monkeys.
The trail winds along a wooden boardwalk through the heart of a papyrus swamp. Here, you might spot papyrus gonolek or the shy white-spotted flufftail. The walk can be extended to visit a traditional healer. You can also meet community elders and local farmers.
Best Time To Visit Bigodi Wetland
The key bird species at Bigodi Wetland are resident and the sanctuary is rewarding at all times of year. If you plan to track chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park, that is also a year-round activity. However, the drier months of January, February, June, July and August offer the best conditions underfoot.
How To Get to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Bigodi Wetland borders Kibale Forest National Park, about 37 kilometers (23 miles) southeast of the town of Fort Portal. This is a 45- to 50-minute drive on a good surfaced road.
You pass the Kanyanchu chimpanzee trekking trailhead to the left, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) (5 minutes) before you arrive at the sanctuary.
Several other prominently signposted places in Bigodi offer cheaper and less worthwhile swamp walks, so make sure you stop at the correct office (signposted for KAFRED).
Other Uganda safari highlights
Uganda is one of the most diverse countries in the world. From gorillas and chimpanzees to unique bird species, from dense rainforest to flat savanna plains, from the wild Nile to magnificent crater lakes. Below you will find Uganda’s most visited highlights.