The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Experience
Bigodi Wetland is a small sanctuary near Kibale Forest National Park in Kabarole District. It is home to over 138 bird species and some primates. Since the sanctuary is a perfect location to visit, visitors can enjoy the wetland to complete their safari after chimpanzee trekking in the park. The name Bigodi comes from the Rutoro word “Kugodya,” meaning “to walk tiredly,” as visitors often rested there before heading to the national park.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is 6 kilometers from the Kanyanchu information center. It covers 4 square kilometers and is home to various mammals, bird species, and primates. The local community organization, Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED), has managed it since 1992 to support ecotourism.
KAFRED has benefited from conserving the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The project raised funds to build educational institutions such as nursery, primary, and secondary schools, aiming at improving education levels within the area. Additionally, women formed a group to create handmade crafts, which they can sell to visitors to earn a living.
A bridge in Bigodi helps travel between the forest and villages. Tourists sponsor students’ education, while hospitals and health facilities have been established to enhance local health. Employment for locals has increased, allowing them to improve their lives with their salaries.
Activities to do in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Tourists at Kibale Forest National Park can engage in several adventurous and interesting activities at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. These activities include bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature walks, and community walks, among others. These include:
Birdwatching
Bird watching is the main activity in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which has over 138 bird species. The sanctuary is ideal for bird watching after chimpanzee trekking or habituation in Kibale Forest National Park. Bird watching is normally carried out during morning hours when birds are more active and in the evening after chimpanzee trekking.
Bird species to see in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary include the Yellow-spotted Nicator, Little Greenbul, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, African Pitta, Crowned Eagle, Brown-chested Alethe, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Black Bishop, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Brown-collared Greenbul, Papyrus Gonolek, Black and White Shrike Flycatcher, Western Nicator, Superb Sunbird, Bocage’s Bush Shrike, White-breasted Negrofinch, Grey Crowned Crane, and many others.
Wildlife viewing
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary hosts many bird species, primates, and mammals. Wildlife viewing occurs on various trails, accompanied by armed ranger guides during morning or evening hours. Tourists receive briefings on rules and regulations regarding the activity before starting. Besides birds, tourists also have a chance to see several animal species, such as chimps, bushbucks, bush pigs, sitatungas, olive baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys, among others.
Nature walk experience
This activity is for tourists who want to explore Bigodi Wetland, especially on foot. Guided by trained ranger guides, they follow different nature trails where they can interact with some local people and also see different wildlife species, including animals, plants, trees, birds, and insects.
Nature walks in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary help tourists learn about the swamp and its many species. These walks occur in the morning and evening after activities like chimpanzee trekking or habituation, allowing visitors to see these species up close.
Community Visits
Tourists in Kibale Forest National Park can enjoy community walks in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and the surrounding areas. These visits allow interaction with the local Batooro and Bakiga communities in their homes.
A visit to the local communities involves guided tours where you meet residents and interact with them. You can see the Bigodi Women’s Group creating arts and crafts such as bags, caps, mats, shawls, and baskets. Tourists can also visit community projects like schools and hospitals, where they can donate items.
Accommodation in Kibale National Park
During your visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, visitors should expect a number of accommodation facilities where tourists can rest and refresh after the thrilling activities. These accommodation establishments range from budget to mid-range and then luxury options depending on the visitor’s budget.
These lodges include Turaco Treetops, Crater Safari Lodge, Primate Lodge, Kibale Forest Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Papaya Lake Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Bahundu Safari Lodge, Green Home Cottages, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Kibale Safari Lodge, and Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge, among others.
