Birding trips in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – Community Visits in Bigodi
Birding trips in Bigodi wetland sanctuary – Bigodi village is situated in the highlands of western Uganda, in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains, the famous “Mountains of the Moon”. The community is located about 40 kilometers outside of the town of Fort Portal, and borders Kibale National Park, which has the highest density of primate life the world. With nice wooden trails inside the small wetland forest this gives birders perfect opportunity to walk quietly through the wetland giving them high chances of spotting birds and taking good photographs. Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary situated near kibale forest national which is famous for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.The wetland is a home to over 215 bird species some of which are unique bird species Some of the birds in Bigodi include: Papyrus Gonolek, white winged warbler, Shining blue kingfisher, white spotted flufftail, Great blue Turaco, White tailed ant-thrush, Yellow billed barbet, Uganda spotted wood-pecker (speckled breasted wood pecker), Joyful green bull
Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a home to about 9 monkey species, While birding watching in the swamp you can have the opportunity to see and photograph several species of monkeys such as Red colobus monkey, Grey checked Mangabeys, L’Hoest monkey, Vervet monkey, black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey, Olive baboon, blue monkey
What to pack for the birding tour.
A pair of binoculars.
One is required to take a pair of binoculars since the forest has tall trees hence making observation of some birds hard without binoculars.
Rain jacket.
Being near kibale forest and the Rwenzori sometimes it rains anytime so it’s worth taking a rain gear while heading for the walk.
Camera.
With a lot of activities in the walk it might be worth taking a camera to take pictures of birds and monkeys.
Drinking water.
The walks in the forest usually take 3-4 hours and sometimes it’s humid in the forest so it’s advisable to take drinking water with you.
Hiking boots
For comfort it’s advisable to wear hiking boots as there are also snakes in the wetland and some muddy spots on the walk way.
Long pants.
Long pants are advisable in birding tours as you may move off the walking trail to clearly observe birds.
Any shirt is ok.
Since there is a very low chance of biting insects and stinging nettles in the swamp long or short sleeved shirts will be perfect.
How to get to Bigodi wetland sanctuary
Bigodi wetland swamp is about 40 kms from fort portal town, and the road is perfect so any vehicle can manage and its 45-1 hour drive through kibale forest national park.
Best time for birding trips in Bigodi wetland sanctuary
Bigodi wetland sanctuary is visited throughout the year. December to February and the months of June and July are the driest months and are therefore the best times for this activity. Walking the trails is easier at this time and the overall experience tends to be more enjoyable.
Where to stay in Bigodi wetland sanctuary
There are many options around Bigodi to stay those include kibale forest camp, kibale home stay, primate lodge, Turaco tree tops, chimpanzee forest guest house, isunga lodge are all accommodation facilities in the area.