Wetland Sanctuary at Bigodi
The largest concentration of chimpanzees in Uganda can be found at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a forest swamp in Kibale National Park. This marsh was recognized as the best community-based sustainable tourism initiative by the UNESCO Wetlands Sustainable Tourism Projects. It is highly recommended that everyone visiting Kibale National Park make time to visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, one of the most visited travel locations in Uganda.
The Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED) is behind the Bigodi Wetland initiative, which aims to preserve the swamp region so that nearby people can profit from tourism. The Rutoro term “Kugodya,” which literally translates to “walking sluggishly and tiredly,” is where the name Bigodi originated. This occurred when the majority of those who traveled through this wooded area arrived at the swamp and were observed to be quite exhausted from the lengthy drive.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is situated 6 km south of Kibale National Park’s major hub, Kanyanchu. It was created to safeguard the Magombe marsh, which is 4 square kilometers in size.
Travelers interested in bird watching will love Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is home to 200 different species of birds. It is primarily recognized for being home to the great blue turaco bird species. The Papyrus Gonolek, Kingfishers, Waxbills, Cuckoos, Weavers, Hornbills, and numerous other bird species can be found in Bigodi. A guide with extensive knowledge of the bird species and their traits leads the bird viewing tours in this region.
Numerous animal and primate species can also be found in this wetland refuge. The semi-aquatic Sitatunga Antelopes, Bush Bucks, Otters, Bush Pigs, and Mongooses are among the mammal species found in Bigodi. Travelers passing through the wetlands area are excited by these creatures, among others. Although there are more primates at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, most visitors go on safari to Kibale National Park to follow chimpanzees. Red Colobus, Blue Monkeys, Gray Cheeked Mangabey, L’Hoest Monkeys, Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Baboons, and occasionally, for the fortunate, the opportunity to see chimpanzees are among these primates.
Another major draw for plant enthusiasts is the Bigodi Sanctuary Swamp’s greenery. Some tourists also visit this tropical swamp in order to learn about the various kinds of plants that grow there. The common papyrus, polita fig trees, and wild palms are a few of the predominant plant species found in Bigodi Wetland.
One of the two shifts of tours to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary begins at 7:30 p.m. for the morning nature walk to the swamp. At three o’clock in the afternoon, the other tour is conducted.
Following the swamp trip, visitors are taken to nearby towns where they can purchase handcrafted trinkets from the locals. Materials from the protected marsh, including as bags, mats, baskets, beads, and many more, are used to create these artworks. The majority of these are exported to other nations and are also produced in large quantities. Additionally, they visit the Bigodi Secondary School, a Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary project. By charging visitors to the rainforest swamp, the Wetlands Project raises money for community development, including school construction, water projects, health care, and welfare initiatives.
