Bigodi wetland sanctuary is located 6 km south of Kanyanchu information center in Kibale Forest National Park, it is a great protection of Magombe swamp. The name Bigodi was derived from the Rutoro word “Kugodya” which literary means walking in a sluggish tiredly way/weraily, this was due to the fact that people that crossed this forested area reached the swamp and were seen to be so tired from the long journey. The Swamp is managed bu Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (Kafred), and it benefits greatly from the Kibale Forest national Park.

The bigodi swamp is known for its extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates species like the Baboons, black and white colobus monkey, vervet monkey, red tailed monkey, red colobus monkey, mangabey and L’Hoest monkey. The wetland is also a home of mammals such as Chimpanzees, bush pigs, semi-aquatic sitatunga antelopes, mongooses, otters plus bush bucks to mention but a few.

Birds species Found In Bigodi wetland sanctuary

Bigodi is well known for bird watching sheltering over 200 bird species. Birds can be spotted in all corners of the wetland and birders can walk through the board walk trail, and the viewing platforms which are found in the wetland. This can be done with the help of the guide showing you different bird species and teaching you their unique character.

When To Go For Birding In Bigodi wetland sanctuary

Bigodi wetland can be visited throughout the year but mostly enjoyable in the dry seasons of June, July then December to February since the walking trails are not slippery.

Accommodation During Birding In Bigodi wetland sanctuary

The wetland is surrounded with a lot of accommodation and this includes; Isunga safari lodge, Kibale forest camp, Rwetera safari camp, Ndali lodge, Chimpanzee forest guest house, papaya lake lodge, Kyaninga lodge, green home cottages and campsite, primate lodge and many others.

Other Activities To Do In Bigodi wetland sanctuary

Nature walk

This is the best activity done in Bigodi wetland since someone comes closer to mammals, birds, vegetations. You move around with the help of a guide who gives you more details about all the features you come across. You can view everything in the forest by walking along the trails or standing on a tall tree house found in the forest. Nature walks normally take 3 hours and are suitable in the morning or afternoon.

Spotting Primates and butterflies

There are many chances of spotting primates like the chimpanzees in Bigodi since the wetland is in Kibale forest National Park a home of chimpanzees. Bigodi wetland is also a home of various butterfly species

Community visits

In this case you get to interact with the local people (Bakiga and Batooro), visit churches, healthy centers, Bigodi secondary school which is fully sponsored by KAFRED, Bigodi women group which comprises of 40 members who make art and craft like beads, bags, mats, baskets with the materials got from the wetland. In this process visitors get a chance of knowing how to make these products and also purchase some and take home. Some products are also exported outside the country. During community visits, there is also and opportunity of visiting the coffee plantations, get to know how to grow and process coffee, visit community homestays made out of grass and mad, see local herbs and what they treat to mention but a few.