Bigodi Swamp and Bird Watching

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a vast countryside swamp on the fringes of Kibale forest. It is situated in the Magombe Swamp and has a wide network of boardwalks where you can have a bountiful nature walk.

Whether you are looking for an active Uganda Safari involving primates tracking, birding or nature walks, the Bigodi swamp is one of the places that you should not miss.

The name Bigodi originates from a local Rutooro word, “kugodya,” which means “to walk tiredly / wearily.” It is said that when visitors arrived at the Bigodi swamp on foot, they were always too tired to continue and visit the jungle, so they decided to rest there.

A visit to this community-tourism initiative is highly recommended to feel more connected with nature and wildlife. Income generated from the sanctuary goes back to the community. It supports the construction of schools and women’s groups and improves water and waste management access.

Here, you will be treated to the sights and sounds of several reptiles and mammals–as they take a break from the forest life of Kibale National Park. These include chimps, elephants, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys. 

Bird Watching

For almost every turn, you will see or hear the exquisite calls of 370 recorded bird species, including the popular African pitta, a forest special.

Other unique species native to this part of the country include;

1.Masked Apalis

2.Cassin’s spine tail

3.Nahan’s francolin

4.Blue-headed bee-eater

Usuals include Abyssinian ground thrush, Scaly-breasted illadopsis, Red-chested owlet, Grey parrot, Black-capped Apalis, Blue-breasted kingfisher, Purple-breasted sunbird, White-naped pigeon, and Dusky crimson wing among others.

Take breathtaking pictures courtesy of the all-year-round warm weather that creates a perfect backdrop.

Bird watching tours within the park begin at 7 a.m. local time at Kanyanchu, and visitors are advised to book these tours ahead of time. The Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Gonolek, White-collared Olive back, and White-winged Warbler are uncommon species to look for in this park.

Other Activities

As you make your way to Bigodi, you will see the local community working on the nearby subsistence farms from which the region’s food is sourced.

On your way back, you will likely find some small children returning from collecting firewood and potatoes, carrying them balanced on their heads.

Later, you can head out for a village walk with a stopover at the home of a local family that makes fresh banana beer using traditional methods. They will intrigue you with illustrations of what happens behind the scenes of beer brewing. In the end, they will serve some for your drinking pleasure.

Best Time To Visit

The fruiting seasons of March to May and September to November are a better bet. This is because they are synonymous with lots of foods that attract wildlife. Migratory birds can best be seen here from November to April.

A visit to the Bigodi swamp is usually a three-hour activity and pairs well with Chimp Trekking as they can be done as half-day activities.

A trip or safari to Bigodi as you visit Kibale Forest National park is a must as this is a onetime experience that you will only get when you visit the wetland. ContactGazelle Safari Company for your next Birding Adventure In Uganda the Pearl of Africa.