An extension of the world primate capital, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in Kibale National Park. The 8-kilometer-long wetland that acts as a primate and other wildlife corridor for the park. The wetland is located outside the park. And has become famous for accommodating the highest number of primate species alongside a largely rich biodiversity. About nine primates find their home here. Abirders haven with over 200 bird species recorded.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, situated in the shadows of the Rwenzori ranges in western Uganda. About 40km beyond the famous Fort Portal city, the tourism capital of Pearl Africa. The wetland an important conservation area and is closely managed by KAFRAD (Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development). The association is a significant stakeholder in eco-tourism in Uganda. Through the association, the revenue generated from tourists flows back to the community through various projects.
The rich biodiversity of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is composed of nine primate species, including baboons, varvet monkeys, white and black-tailed monkeys, red-tailed colobus monkeys, grey-checked mangebay, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and red colubus monkeys. In times of food scarcity in Kibale Forest. Some of the chimpanzees tend to migrate and are sighted in the wetland feeding. Other wild species are forest elephants and bugalos, duikers, wild pigs, bushbucks, and a variety of bird species. Including the shining blue kingfisher, speckled-breasted woodpecker, joyful green bull, white-spotted flufftail, white-winged warbler, and papyrus gonolek, among other bird species.
Accessing Bigodi Wetland
Perfectly located along the Kamwenge Fort Portal road. It’s 6km south of Kibale National Park, and it’s about an hour’s drive from Fort Port city. Considerably, when driving from Kampala capital to Bigodi wetland, it’s about a 6-hour drive.
Establishment and Management of Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
The swamp was first called Magombe Swamp, in the local language meaning graveyard. Because of the many people who died here by the 1990s during the bridge construction. Bigodi eco-tourism and conservation efforts were established by locals under their development organization. The KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development). The wetland is under the full management of KAFRED. The association was formed in 1992 to enhance local communities. For self-reliance and protect the environment.
The success of KAFRED sets a perfect example for all communities around parks in Uganda. The KAFRED was started by three members who aimed at initiating eco-tourism and sustainable use of natural resources from the wetland. The locals get resources from the wetlands and make their own handmade crafts, which they sell to tourists as souvenirs to earn a living. The KAFRED has emerged in nature conservation with sustainable tourism and a source of jobs to uplift the lives of locals. Some of the members of the association have renovated their traditional houses as a demonstration for tourists who would like to experience the real local life in Uganda.
Activities at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Nature Walks
There are various walking trails that reward various experiences. Nature walks at Bigodi are led by experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary. With a local guide, you can spot, detect, and track whatever you come across through the networks of different tracks. Expect to encounter a number of primate species, as mentioned, and there’s a chance of watching the chimpanzees on your walks. Several mammals, birds, and insects viewed. Nature walks cost US$30 for foreign tourists and can last for 3 hours. Nature walks have two-day sessions, of which the morning session starts early at 7:30 a.m. and the afternoon session starts at 3 p.m.
Birding
If you’re interested in bird watching, the sanctuary accommodates over 200 different bird species. For birder enthusiasts, there are just a lot of birds to impress, making it hard to number. The wetlands accommodate seasonal and endemic bird species. Being a wetland with a variety of aquatic species has attracted several water bird species that feed on it, and the swamp is also a special breeding corner for birds, enhancing the number of species, and birder guides always notice you in case of any whistle of birds. Furthermore, among the many birds to encounter are the blue-breasted kingfisher, the little greenbul, the African pitta, the black bee-eater, the black-capped apalis, and the yellow-spotted nicator, among others.
Cultural Village walks
Throughout the small center of Bigodi, tourists can make a visit to the local people through the well-established houses and muddy streets. This is the time to experience real local life in Uganda, which involves also tasting local dishes and visiting the Bigodi women groups who weave different crafts available for buying as souvenirs. The tour can lead you into various projects that have come about as a result of KAFRED, including medical centers, domestic water sources, and helping in education, among others.
Visiting the snake park
Bigod wetland is also rich with various snake species; some of the species can be seen along your nature walks. However, sometimes snakes are hard to spot unless one decides to spend much time in the swamp. The wetland management has started a small snake park to give tourists a chance to watch various snakes.
What to carry when visiting Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
The forest is unpredictable, and it’s better for one to prepare enough before embarking into the wetland. So, your backpack should be well packed for the hours you will spend in the forest. Among the things to go with when visiting Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary should be a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, hiking boots, a pair of binoculars for spectacular sightings, enough drinking water, a camera for memories, a rain jacket, insect repellant, and sunglasses, among many others.