The Bigodi wetland sanctuary is located outside kibale national park’s boundary in the Magombe swamp. Many tourists frequently visit wetland sanctuary to see the large number and diversity of wildlife residing there including; over 138 bird species, different primates such as chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and black and white colobus monkey in addition to other types of animals including mongoose, bushbucks and sitatunga. To explore Bigodi wetland sanctuary, we recommend you take a nature walk through the beautiful and attractive trails.
While on your chimpanzee tracking and habituation safari, you will add a nature walk which is more of adventurous that is the Bigodi swamp walk. The walk is extremely awesome because of storytelling about the cultural values in the region.
This name “Bigodi” came from a local Rutooro word “kugodya” meaning to walking in slow mission and also looking extremely tired. Guests reach Bigodi swamp on foot, and they are eventually too tired and rest.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is an attractive area located in Magombe swamp. This area is recognized as a sanctuary because of its biodiversity that create comfort environment for primates’ species and large number of birds.
Because of biodiversity and its scenic beauty, the sanctuary is a must visit and the walk takes you to the important wildlife corridor of Kibale Forest like Sebitole forest corridor that stretches up to Queen Elizabeth national park in kasese. Bigodi wetland walk take a duration of 3-4 hours.
The primate species of Kibale national park include; the red colobus monkey, baboon, black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey grey cheeked, mangabey, vervet monkey, red tailed monkey and the L’Hoest monkey. Additional Mammals such as chimpanzees, Sitatunga, mongooses, bush pigs, otters plus bush bucks, also visit this swamp coming from the adjacent Kibale National Park.
The Wetland Sanctuary is a community-based approach to the natural resources management which can be of positive social and economic benefit to the local community within and around the area as well as the destination Uganda.
The Bigodi is a haven for birders. Over 200 species of bird have been recognized within the Wetland Sanctuary. For example Blue Turaco is the common residence of the area.
Local guides are equipped with knowledge making interpretive tour guides as they escort visitors through the lush vegetation. This is the perfect opportunity to view the wildlife from the forest pathways, boardwalks and atop a tree house tucked high in the canopy.
Visitors may tour the wetlands only when accompanied by a trained Sanctuary guide. The office is open every day from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to start the walk, which takes up to 3 hours, are 7:30-9 AM or 3 PM. However, visitors are free to enjoy the walk.
Cultural tour are interesting while at the park, walk through the rain forest and meet local people and gain insights into their cultures. During this walk you will discover some of the important traditions and norms of the Batooro and Bakiga. Visit the community school, church and traditional healer.
Bigodi nature walk 30 US dollars per person per day but the activity last for 2-4 hour. Bigodi wetland sanctuary is among the ramsar site and best birding site with over 312 bird species including water and forest birds.
