Primate walks in Bigodi wetland actuary – Bigodi Swamp walks
Primate walks in Bigodi wetland sanctuary – Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a home to about 9 primate’s species, it’s second to kibale forest national park which has a total of 13 primate species. However due the dense forest cover inside kibale forest national park Bigodi swamp has become a top destination for seeing and photographing primates.These primates include gray cheeked Mangabeys, red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, Red tailed monkey and baboons and during scarce food seasons in kibale forest chimpanzees have been seen feeding in the swamp on season fruits and other vegetation in the swamp.
Bigodi wetland sanctuary is also rich in birdlife 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.
All you need to know before booking the primate walks in Bigodi wetland sanctuary.
1.this walk can be done anytime of the day, however the best times to this walks are in the morning and evening hours as monkeys tent to relax in the middle of the day and less active.
- it’s very advisable to take both short and long lenses for serious photographers as some times monkeys and birds can be at distance.
- Take rain jackets with you to avoid getting wet just in case it starts raining while you’re in the walk.
There are site guides available however if you need a specialist guide like a bird guide please make sure you contact great adventure safaris for arrangements.
- Bigodi wetland sanctuary is owned by the local community under KAFRED so when you participate in this activity you’re directly supporting the communities bordering kibale forest national park.
- The terrain is relatively flat so any one can do this walk, no physical presence is required.
- This activity can be done anytime of the year.
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.