Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Birding in Kibale Forest National Park
Bigodi is 6 kilometers from the Kanyanchu information center and is mostly renowned for being near Kibale Forest National Park. Despite being more of a swamp, Bigodi is a community-based effort that has improved the quality of life for everyone who lives nearby.
Bigodi, a wetland refuge in Magombe Swamp, lies close to Kibale National Park. The Rutooro term for “Bigodi,” which comes from the word “Kugodya,” means “to walk wearily.” According to some residents who discuss the area’s history, the name was given because various walkers would arrive in the marsh when they were quite exhausted and needed to rest. As a result, the marsh was given the name Bigodi.
The main draw for most visitors to Bigodi Island is its biodiversity, as well as the natural resources and plants that can be found there. Bigodi is home to a variety of wildlife, some of which may be seen from nearby Kibale National Park. These include chimpanzees, sitatungas, bush pigs, blue monkeys, baboons, red Colobus monkeys, bush bucks, black and white Colobus, and many more.
Both the government and the local population have benefited from Bigodi’s contributions to environmental preservation and the development of the local economy.
Things that are done in Bigodi
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a variety of activities, and the following is a summary of things to anticipate when you visit this amazing location.
Identifying butterflies and primates
There are many butterflies in Bigodi, so if you’re a butterfly lover, here is your opportunity to learn about the many kinds that can be found there. This is the ideal location to take in the stunning landscape that the colorful butterflies have created.
In Bigodi, you may also undertake chimpanzee trekking, which is conducted with the help of tour guides. Eight distinct kinds of monkeys may be found in Bigodi, and hiking with them is available for 40,000 shillings, which includes binoculars and gumboots.
Seeing wild creatures in Bigodi
With the help of a tour guide who shows them the well indicated paths to follow throughout the swamp, tourists may see the diverse array of creatures that inhabit Bigodi Wetland. Visitors are encouraged to use quality hiking shoes and tuck their stockings inside their pants to prevent bug bites from termites and red ants.
Numerous aquatic species and some animals, including as otters, situngas, monkeys, bush bucks, and other species that were previously discussed at the beginning of this article, call the swamp their home.
Bigodi birdwatching
Seeing a range of species in their natural settings makes Bigodi a haven for bird enthusiasts. You just need tour guides and birding gear to make the process of bird watching easier when you travel to Bigodi. No other necessities are necessary.
One of Uganda’s greenest locations is Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is managed by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED). The primates in the region are quite cost-effective, and if you would like to schedule a guided tour in Bigodi, they operate in two stages: at 7:30 am and 3:00 pm.
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is home to more than 138 different kinds of birds that may be viewed in its many areas. With the help of a guide who can identify the many bird species and describe their distinctive characteristics, you may see birds in clearly defined locations such as the board walk route and the observation platforms located around the region.
In the Bigodi wetland refuge, the magnificent blue turaco is a common bird species. The many tour guides and residents share the fascinating history of the huge blue Turaco bird. This bird is referred to as a faithful bird since it is supposed to have stayed unmarried after the death of a loved one.
Other bird species that inhabit the wetland include the crowned eagle, the African Pitta, the white-spotted fluff tail, the western nictor, the blue-breasted kingfisher, the Collared Apalis, the Abyssinian ground thrush, the green-breasted Pitta, the brown-chested Alethe, the black bee-eater, the black-capped Apalis, the purple-breasted sunbird, the black gonolek, the hornbills, the little greenbul, the brown-throated wattle eye, weaver birds, cuckoos, the white-breasted Negrofinch, the black and white flycatcher, Brown-crowned Tchagra, grey-winged robin chat, hairy-breasted flycatcher, yellow-billed barbet, Bocage’s Bush shrike, white-tailed ant thrush, western Nicator, and purple-breasted sunbird.
The Village Walks and Culture
Although they may be taken at any time of day, the evening is the ideal time to go on the village walks in the vicinity of the wetland, which typically cost 30,000 shillings per person with a local tour guide. It should take you around three hours to complete the guided walk through the marsh, and you should enjoy the experience as the instructors continue to explain almost everything you come across.
You may see many basket weaving demonstrations during these tours, as well as traditional dances and performances performed by various individuals who sing and dance to greet and show hospitality to guests. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to see and sample the many regional cuisines produced by the people. The cost of each dinner is 15,000 Ugandan shillings, although reservations are required in order to fully enjoy the meal.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a variety of enjoyable activities, including river rafting, gorilla trekking (although at a slower speed), and more.
Advantages of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Conservation
The preservation of the Bigodi wetland sanctuary has yielded a number of advantages, some of which are listed below, in contrast to other wetlands in Uganda that have been destroyed to make room for construction:
The neighborhood’s educational standards have improved as a result of the community’s ability to build schools ranging from elementary to secondary.
Bridges over the swamp have been built, which has made it easier to travel between the communities and the forest.
The opportunity to sell their goods to visitors allows the farmers to make a livelihood and maintain their level of life.
The women were able to form a women’s organization called the Bigodi Women Group, where they use recycled paper to make lovely necklaces, handbags, arm bands, and earrings. They also use phoenix palm leaves to make baskets, which they sell to the various tourists who visit Bigodi, and some of them are exported, particularly to Europe.
Some visitors are supporting kids throughout their schooling and providing them with an opportunity to enhance their prospects for the future.
Hospitals and other medical facilities have also been built to enhance the health of both locals and visitors, who can now readily get medicine.
Their level of life has increased as a result of the job opportunities provided, particularly by the water project.
When visiting Kibale Forest National Park, you must take a journey or safari to Bigodi since it is a unique experience that can only be had when you visit the wetland. Because of the dense foliage and the favorable weather, the Bigodi wetland has the appearance of a jungle, allowing you to experience something unusual as you go into the world of monkeys, birds, and butterflies. The greatest time to see primates and other creatures strolling through the marsh is in the afternoon, although those who like birdwatching should go it in the morning.
You are welcome to visit Bigodi Wetland and ask any questions you may have. The tour guides’ offices are available from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm for those who need them. You should also keep in mind that, with the money raised from visitors, a trip to Bigodi is a step toward supporting the protection of the local fauna and wetlands.