Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Pros & Cons

• Some of the best forest birding in Uganda
• Exceptional standard of guiding
• Several localized swamp birds might be seen from a wooden boardwalk
• Great add-on to chimpanzee trekking at bordering Kibale National Park
• Up to six primate species might be seen on one walk
• The wetland trail can be extended to include a community visit
• Affordably priced
• Profits support local community development projects
• The trail can be muddy and may require gumboots (provided for free at reception)
• There is some encroachment and deforestation on the swamp fringes
• Big Five are absent, though elephant might pass through occasionally

Wildlife

Many of the 13 primate species listed for Kibale are regular visitors to Bigodi. Most common is the Ugandan red colobus, but you might also see black-and-white colobus, Uganda mangabey, red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey and blue monkey. Chimpanzees pass through occasionally, while resident antelope include bushbuck and the secretive sitatunga. Among the more visible and spectacular of 200-plus recorded bird species are great blue turaco, Ross’s turaco, yellow-billed barbet, blue-throated roller and papyrus gonolek.

Scenery

Although Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary isn’t scenic in a conventional sense, it does boast a compelling and memorable tropical jungle atmosphere. The lush swamp at the sanctuary’s heart is dense with papyrus and reed beds, and it is fringed by a combination of palm trees and tropical rainforest.

Activities

The main activity at Bigodi is guided walks along a 4.5km/2.8mi foot trail. The bird guides here are very keen and knowledgeable. Over the course of an outing, you can expect to see around 30 colorful forest-edge species along with several types of monkey. The trail incorporates a wooden boardwalk that runs through the heart of a papyrus swamp inhabited by papyrus gonolek and white-spotted flufftail. The trail can be extended to include a visit to a traditional healer and community elders.

Weather & Climate

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary has a warm equatorial climate with little seasonal variation and a typical daily maximum of around 26°C/79°F. Rainfall is possible throughout the year but lowest in January, February, June and July. The climate is broadly similar to neighboring Kibale National Park. More info:

• Weather & Climate – Kibale NP

Best Time To Visit

The key bird species at Bigodi are resident and the sanctuary is rewarding at all times of year. If you plan to track chimps at Kibale, that is also a year-round activity. However, the drier months of January, February, June and July offer the best conditions underfoot.

Getting There

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary borders Kibale National Park about 37km/23mi southeast of the town of Fort Portal. This is a 45- to 50-minute drive* on a good surfaced road. You pass the Kanyanchu chimp trekking trailhead to the left about 4km/2.5mi (5 minutes) before you arrive at the sanctuary. Several other prominently signposted places in Bigodi offer cheaper and less worthwhile swamp walks, so make sure you stop at the correct office (signposted for KAFRED).

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Health & Safety

Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Uganda, and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below for more info:

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Uganda
• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Want To Visit Bigodi Wetland?

19 Bigodi Wetland Safaris

• Bigodi Wetland Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Bigodi Wetland