Most people who have heard about Kibale forest associate it with only primates and nothing else. Almost everyone who visits Kibale is planning or hoping to go gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking, but there is quite a number of impressive and interesting things you can see in the Kibale forest area. One of those amazing sights is the Bigodi wetlands sanctuary.
What is so special about the Bigodi wetlands sanctuary?
The Bigodi wetlands sanctuary is one of the greenest and most beautiful places you could ever visit. It is rich with vegetation. It has palms, polita figs, and a dominant spread of papyrus and many other plant, flowers and trees.
Bigodi Wetlands is a project of KAFRED – the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (Conservation) and your visit here benefits the local community and the individual guides and their families, especially if you show your appreciation through a tip to your guide.
It is part of the greater Magombe Wetlands which is one of the most important Eco-Systems in Uganda and Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary allows you to experience this unique jungle like eco-system as you venture through it with your guide.
If you do intend to visit the sanctuary, there are two guided tours a day. The first starts at 7:30 am and the second at 3.00pm. The range of biodiversity in this small sanctuary is simply amazing.
Is there any wildlife in Bigodi Wetlands sanctuary?
It is not only full of plants and other forms of greenery. There are primates such as gray cheeked Mangabey’s, red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, and baboons and if you are lucky you might even see a chimpanzee.
There are other animal species in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary besides primates. These include; the rare and elusive semi-aquatic Sitatunga Antelopes which have webbed toes, bush pigs, otters, mongooses.
The place is also a good birding destination. It has a record of over 138 different bird species. This should be enough to excite those interested in bird watching. Some of the birds in Bigodi include: Waxbills, Weavers, Cuckoos, Papyrus Gonoleks, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Flycatchers and so many more.
Bigodi wetlands sanctuary is a beautiful place to visit, a slower pace from gorilla trekking, mountain climbing or white water rafting, but every minute spent there is worth it.
