Nature walks in Bigodi wetland Sanctuary – Guided Nature walks in Bigodi – Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Nature walks in Bigodi wetland Sanctuary – The “Home of the Great Blue Turaco” is a real bird watcher’s paradise. This wonderful place shelters over 200 species of birds including Hornbills, Turaco, Parrots, Cranes, Kingfishers and many more swamp endemics. Furthermore, the sanctuary is the home of 8 species of primates, including the Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus, Red Tailed Monkey, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Olive Baboon, L’Hoest Monkey, Vervet Monkey and the Blue Monkey.
Rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty, the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a must visit. A 4,5km long walk will take you through this important wildlife corridor of Kibale Forest and will take up to 3h you might see some incredible birds like 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.
Visitors may tour the wetlands only when accompanied by a trained Sanctuary guide. The office is open every day from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to start the walk, which takes up to 3 hours, are 7:30-9 AM or 3 PM. However, visitors are free to enjoy the walk whenever they like.
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 to visit 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.
