Swamp of Bigodi
Bigodi Swamp is more than simply a swamp; it is also a hub for ecotourism, supporting hundreds of local residents’ lives. Bigodi Swamp is a fascinating environment that is about 6km from the Kanyanchu Visitors Center. It is home to more than 200 different types of birds as well as a variety of monkeys, animals, insects, and amphibians.
Primates, birds, and other swamp animals are thought to form part of the diverse order of biodiversity found in Bigodi Swamp. On the outskirts of Kibale National Park, Bigodi Swamp is situated at the border of a dense forest. For many years, visitors to Kibale National Park have found Bigodi Swamp to be a wonderful addition to the chimpanzee safaris. Although this marsh is primarily a wetland with a swamp covering it, there is a border of shrubs on the edges that divide it from the Kibale forest.
A direct descendant of the Rutooro term “Kugodya,” which meaning to stroll slowly, is the word “bigodi.” According to folklore, those who used to go to this location would arrive when they were really exhausted and could only afford to walk slowly, taking a break before continuing on their journey.
Bigodi Wetland is a community-run project managed by KAFRED. In addition to serving as a center for nature conservation, the sanctuary has set a great example for the advancement of community-based natural resource management and is a good source of community benefits for the locals who live close to Kibale National Park. KAFRED organizations support ecotourism businesses and ensure that the local communities around Bigodi Swamp enjoy the advantages of both tourism and natural resources.
Things to Do in Bigodi Swamp
One of the things visitors like to do in Bigodi Swamp is see wildlife. Primates such as the red and black colobus monkeys, blue-tailed monkeys, and other species and reptiles call this wetland home. Although they are not as common, chimpanzees, mangabeys, olive baboons, bush pigs, sitatungas, L’hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, mongooses, and bushbucks may all be found in Bigodi Swamp.
Wood log trails have been used to map this marsh. The locals built these trails themselves. Tourists can stand on the walks or paths to observe various marsh animals and other species. A guide will assist you identify the various wild animals in the bushes during the nature hikes in Bigodi. Because there are many termites in the swamp and you would not want to be their dinner, take careful to tuck your pants under your socks to prevent termite bites.
Bird watching or birding is another fascinating activity that is done in Bigodi Swamp. More than 200 bird species can be seen at Bigodi Swamp, including roughly six endemic species found in Kibale National Park. Many bird lovers consider Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to be a birder’s paradise due to the abundance of bird species there. In the marsh, you can see the magnificent blue turaco, which is referred to as a royal lover bird since it remains single for the remainder of its life after the death of its life lover. Additionally, it is one of the Bigodi Swamp’s rare species. The purple-breasted sunbird, Abyssinia, the African pitta, collared apal, ground thrush, crowned eagle, black-capped apalis, kingfisher, weavers, cuckoos, green-breasted pitta, papyrus gonolek, flycatchers, and hornbills are among the other bird species that can be observed at Cetera. A qualified birder guide leads the group and helps to describe every bird the participants see. He may also point out additional species of birds that live in the marsh.
The Bigodi community stroll in the Bigodi wetland community is a really fulfilling experience. You will get the opportunity to visit the Bigodi women’s group during the community walk; the group has about 40 members who collaborate to ensure that its objectives are met. Members of the Bigodi women’s organization are skilled in weaving baskets, carpets, and a variety of other crafts. As a memento to bring home, you can purchase some of their goods.
You can visit the Bigodi Secondary School, which was built for the locals by KAFRED using monies from Kibale National Park, during the community walk near the Bigodi Swamp. After learning about the advantages of the protected regions and local natural resources, the many Bigodi projects were established to stop poaching.
You shouldn’t miss the rewarding Bigodi Swamp portion of the Kibale National Park safaris. In addition to serving as an ecological center for travel agencies, it is a fantastic place to learn about rural African life by observing how local residents make a living. In case you have never visited Bigodi, remember to remind your tour guide to include it in your schedule for Kibale National Park.
