Bigodi Wetland is a jungle swamp situated in the western region of Uganda within Kibale Forest National Park. This wetland was generally known as the “Magombe swamp” meaning graveyard in the local language due to the number of people that died there while constructing a bridge. Its name was later changed in the 1990s to Bigodi Wetland a name that was derived from a Rutooro dialect “Kugodya” meaning to walk tiredly. This phrase was coined since whenever people were going to Kibale forest, they had to pass through Bigodi wetland. Walking past this swamp was so tiresome that they often sat down to rest before proceeding to the forest. This wetland sanctuary protects an area of 4 square kilometers of the formally known Magombe swamp with the Egyptian papyrus as its dominant plant.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a project under the administration of the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED). It was established in 1992 to enhance the local capacities of the local communities for self-reliance by reducing poverty while protecting the environment and its wildlife. The project has always aimed at organizing the poor local communities around the wetland to benefit from tourism.
KAFRED has used money generated from eco-tourism projects to improve the quality and access to education in local communities. This is done by constructing schools and paying students’ school fees which contributes to teachers’ salaries and their welfare. This is arguably the best example of how a community can manage natural resources for the benefit of all. Bigodi wetland is known for its biodiversity including over 138 bird species, up to 8 primate species, unique vegetation, and other mammals.
Attractions within Bigodi Wetland
Visiting the Bigodi wetland, one should expect to spot a variety of amazing attractions some of which include the following.
Numerous bird species
Bigodi wetland is a birder’s paradise for bird enthusiasts also known as a home to the great blue turaco. The wetland protects over 138 bird species including the papyrus Gonolek and the elusive blue turaco. Other bird species to look for on a birding safari in this wetland include the African grey parrots, western nicator, bronze sunbird, grey crowned cranes, black and white casqued hornbills, black bishop, black-crowned waxbill, white-spotted flufftail, blue-throated roller, yellow-throated tinker bird, double- toothed barbet, blue-breasted kingfisher, African pitta, collared Apalis, black-eared ground thrush, crowned eagles, black-bee eater, dusky crimson wing, Abyssinian ground thrush to mention but a few.
Primates
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is home to 8 primate species that often roam the wetland adjacent to the nearby rainforest. These include the Uganda red colobus, black and white colobus, red-tailed monkey, grey checked mangabey, olive baboons, L’hoest’s monkey, blue monkey, and vervet monkey. These primates are easily seen doing their routine activities during a guided nature walk.
Other mammals
This wetland sanctuary is a haven for several other mammals for example the semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelopes, bush pigs, otters, mongoose, bushbucks, and many more. These are easily spotted during activities such as nature walks, bird watching, etc.
Activities done in the sanctuary
Nature walks
This activity is led by experienced ranger guides following established terrains as they help you identify different animal species, bird types, plant species, and many more. They can explain in detail the different habits of animals and bird species such as their mating habits, and feeding behaviors to mention but a few. Expect to encounter several vegetation types, various primates, butterflies, birds, and many more that are surely eye-catching. There is a well-established network of suspended board walkways through the vast wetland to enable visitors to reach the best viewing spots. There is also an opportunity for one to view the rainforest and the vast wetland from a tall tree house. Nature walks are best done either in the morning or afternoon hours. These last for about 3 hours with the morning session starting with a briefing as early as 7-10 am while the afternoon session starts at 3 pm to 6 pm.
Birdwatching
Bigodi Wetland is a birder’s paradise that will leave even the most seasoned birder impressed due to the variety of birds that call this vast swamp home. This swamp is a perfect breeding ground and a sanctuary for several bird species that are also attracted to this swamp by insects and frogs for them to feed on. This activity can be done both in the morning and afternoon starting with a briefing about the dos and don’ts of birding, what to expect, and many more.
Experienced and professional birder guides lead birders through the swamp along established birding trails to spot several bird species. For example, the great blue turaco, African pitta, blue-breasted kingfisher, black-eared ground thrush, crowned eagle, collared Apalis, brown-chested Alethe, little greenbul, and dusky crimson wing to mention but a few.
Cultural and village visits
Bigodi wetland is encompassed by a rural setting where visitors go to have an experience of a true African cultural setting. A local guide leads you to the homesteads of locals where one can learn how a true African leads one’s life throughout the entire day such as gardening, looking after domestic animals, and many more.
Visitors also have the opportunity to experience the local food, learn how coffee is processed locally, and make visits to local schools that have been established by the Bigodi Wetlands project. There is also a women’s group that is comprised of over 40 individuals who make beautiful art crafts such as beads, baskets, and many more readily available for visitors to buy and take with them back home.
The best time to visit
Visitors can visit Bigodi wetland to undertake a Bigodi wetland walk all year round. However, the best time is during the dry season in June to August and December to February because walking along the trails is easier during this time of the year and the overall experience tends to be more enjoyable. March to May and September to November are wet months implying that rainfall is expected most hours of the day and trails get slippery which makes hiking difficult and strenuous.
