Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers

Discover Uganda’s Hidden Gem for Nature & Bird Lovers at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Nestled in the lush forests outside Kibale National Park in western Uganda, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a lesser-known gem of the country’s natural wonders. This Ramsar-protected site covers an area of approximately 4.5 square kilometers. It boasts a rich biodiversity of over 200 bird species, several primate species, and various plant and animal life. It’s a must-visit destination for any nature lover looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Calling all bird enthusiasts! You won’t want to miss out on the incredible bird-watching experience at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Prepare to be amazed by the rare and endemic bird species that call this sanctuary home, including the majestic Great Blue Turaco, the striking Papyrus Gonolek, and the adorable White-spotted Flufftail. Take advantage of the guided birding walks to learn more about these fascinating creatures and their unique habitats. Get ready to be swept away by the beauty and diversity of the birdlife at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary!

Here is a list of birds you can spot during a nature walk at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary:

• Abyssinian ground thrush
• African pitta
• Afep pigeon
• Black bee-eater
• Black-capped apalis
• Black-eared ground thrush
• Blue-breasted kingfisher
• Blue-headed bee-eater
• Blue-headed sunbird
• Brown-chested alethe
• Brown illadopsis
• Cassin’s spinetail
• Crowned eagle
• Dusky crimsonwing
• Green-breasted pitta
• Grey parrot
• Little greenbul
• Masked apalis
• Nahan’s francolin
• Purple-breasted sunbird
• Red-chested owlet
• Red-faced woodland warbler
• Ruwenzori apalis
• Scaly-breasted illadopsis
• Western nicator
• White-naped pigeon
• Yellow-rumped tinkerbird

Primates in Bigodi Bigodi Wetland

But it’s not just birds that attract visitors to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The sanctuary is also home to several primate species, including the Red Colobus Monkey, the Black and White Colobus Monkey, the Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and the Grey Cheeked Mangabeys.

A group of knowledgeable local guides take visitors on guided nature walks to spot these primates and learn about their behavior and ecology. You can find them at the sanctuary’s visitor center southwest of Kibale Forest National Park’s entrance gate at Kanyanchu. Nature walks in Bigodi go out any time of the day.

Cultural Village Walk: Discover the local way of life

Local guides offer visitors more than guided nature walks in the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. You can also enjoy a cultural experience by exploring the charming villages around Bigodi with one of the community’s knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking field guides.

The walk typically lasts 3 to 4 hours, depending on the group’s pace. Depending on your interests, you will first visit a traditional healer who will be happy to share their knowledge about native religions, herbs, plants, and local medicines.

Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the homes of village elders and women who share fascinating stories about their traditional life, including birth, marriage, ceremonies, clans, and more. You’ll also learn about the history and challenges this poor community faces in rural Uganda.

Along the way, you’ll visit a local school and church and explore Bigodi’s trading center, a bustling hub of rural life and activity. The sanctuary’s field guides are always available to answer any questions during the walk.

A village walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary costs USD 20 per person, including guide fees and an entrance ticket.

A Visit to Tinka’s Homestead

Meet the people and experience rural Uganda, living like the native Batooro Tribe when you visit Tinka’s Homestead for a night. The home is run by a community member who provides sleeping chambers, cultural education, entertainment, and traditional organic meals.

Taste the Local Ugandan food cooked the traditional Kitooro way at Tinka’s homestay. You will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the rural family and experience how they live throughout their day. The vibrant Tinka family will also let you share stories and local dances. Tinka’s homestead is a perfect balance between comfort and traditional life.

If you want to stay a night, Tinka’s homestay offers a thatched roof banda for 3-4 guests with a living space, single bed, double bed, and balcony with a stunning view. Two rooms are also available, each with a private bathroom. Enjoy the view from the balcony while sipping on African tea.

Community & Sustainable Tourism in Bigodi

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a unique experience through the Bigodi Women’s Group. This community tourism project supports local women in education, healthcare, and employment. Visitors can engage in cultural activities like cooking classes, traditional dance performances, and visits to local schools and healthcare centers, which provide an immersive experience of the local culture while contributing to the local economy.

One of the most popular sustainable activities is learning to make handicrafts with the Women’s Group. The group has been working together for over 15 years to perfect their crafts and sell their products to markets worldwide. They create baskets, mats, bags, jewelry, and other crafts using local materials such as millet straw, banana fibers, raffia, Phoenix palm leaves, and natural dyes grown at their homes. Visitors can purchase handicrafts on-site at varying prices based on size, materials, shape, and dyes. This is a great way to support the women’s group and the communities that run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a great example of community-based conservation for sustainable tourism practices. The local community manages the sanctuary to preserve the natural environment and promote sustainable development.

Accommodation

If you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary as part of a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale National Park, your tour operator will arrange accommodation. Otherwise, the sanctuary offers various accommodation options, including budget-friendly homestays and campsites, luxurious lodges, and guesthouses with excellent views of the scenic wetlands for a peaceful and relaxing stay.

Conclusion

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is truly a hidden gem of Uganda’s natural wonders, offering an unparalleled experience of the country’s diverse flora, fauna, and culture. Its community-based conservation and sustainable tourism practices not only make it an incredible destination but also contribute to the local economy, providing opportunities for the local community. You won’t want to miss this unique and off-the-beaten-path experience on your next visit to Uganda.