A secret birders’ hub at the border with Kibale forest national park; a true primate capital of the world, with over 13 unique primate species – chimps dominant in the western part of Uganda. Bigodi wetland, located in Bigodi village is one of the rich ecosystems in Uganda, with a wide range of biodiversity, primates and bird species alike. It is 40kms from Fort portal city – Uganda’s tourism city and also at the backdrop of the Giant snowcapped Mountain Rwenzori “mountains of the moon” (the second-highest mountain range in the continent of Africa. This wetland is under the management of KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Environment Development).
The name Bigodi is picked from local Rutooro dialect, “Kugodya” meaning “to walk tiredly”. The assumption was that by the time visitors arrived at Bigodi swamp on foot, they could be so exhausted to proceed to the jungle, thus preferring to have a rest there.
Bigodi wetland makes up the list of over 30 Ramsar sites with international importance and is one of the finest bird-watching destinations in the country. It was developed as a community-based initiative to protect the ecosystem, and improve one life of the residents. It is one destination bird lovers are sure of mingling with a variety of birds, including the great Blue Turaco. Think of interacting with wildlife through the forest trails, enjoying a boardwalk and a canopy sort of experience.
The custodians of this sanctuary reveal that there are over 200 bird species, notably cranes, Hornbills, kingfisher, Turacos, Parrots and many more swamp residents – about 8 Primate species such as the Olive baboons, Black and White Colobus, vervet monkey, Red Colobus, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Red-Tailed Monkey, blue monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys and Mammals such as Mongoose, bushbucks and swamp Sitatunga, etc.
Cost of a nature walk in Bigodi wetland.
Though subject to changes, a nature walk in Bigodi swamp is at a cost and must be done with a qualified sanctuary guide. These charges are; 23usd (50,000) for foreign Non-residents of Uganda, Ugx 10,000 (5usd) for Ugandans and 20usd (40,000ugx) for foreign residents. Part of this money is dedicated to conservation efforts, payments of local guides and supporting different community projects. We also encourage tipping your guide for the knowledge shared and relentless service. The fee can be paid either before the visit or during.
Best time to visit Bigodi wetland.
Bigodi wetland is open for tourism all year round, Monday to Sunday. March and September are the most ideal months for encountering the birds, whereas May to October and November to December are great months for nature walk and photography. Activities start at 7:30 am and end at 5 pm. 7:30 am and 3 pm are the best times for starting your tour which lasts for about 3 hours, with great photographic sceneries and cool ambiance.
The wetland is open to children, elderly, researchers, honeymooners and everyone globally. Activities start with a briefing and are done on foot, thus visitors are required to have good tracking shoes. Other essential items to carry include a camera, binoculars, a walking stick, birding guide book and so much more. It is a 4-5km guided walk, but exposing visitors to magnificent birds, primates, and the captivating sceneries.
Accessibility.
From Kampala, it is roughly 6-7 hours’ drive to Fort portal city and there you will head to the edge of Kibale forest National Park, which is home to the lush Bigodi swamp. The other way is getting a flight from Entebbe international airport on a 45-minutes duration.
Those from Rwanda can use about 5-6 hours to the wetland sanctuary. The trip can be done in only 2-days, whether independent or combined with chimpanzee trekking, Fort portal crater tours or top of the world hike off Isunga community.
The Bigodi swamp should be one of those destinations to include on your Uganda safari itinerary. Activities are interesting and very affordable. Visitors can add it to their Kibale forest primate tour, or Mountain Rwenzori adventure.
