After a morning with the chimpanzees of Kibale, many travellers want something gentler for the afternoon. Just down the road there’s the ideal answer: a guided walk through the papyrus and forest of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, one of Uganda’s best-known community tourism projects.
A sanctuary run by the community
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary protects the Magombe Swamp, on the edge of Kibale National Park. It’s managed by KAFRED, the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development, a local organisation set up in 1992. The walks are led by guides from the surrounding villages, and the income goes back into community projects, such as local schools and health work, as well as protecting the wetland itself.
That’s what makes Bigodi special. You aren’t just seeing wildlife, you’re seeing how conservation can work when local people benefit directly from it.
What you’ll see
The walk follows a trail and boardwalks through papyrus, swamp forest and the edges of village farmland. It usually takes about three hours at a relaxed pace.
- Birds: more than 200 species have been recorded. The star is the great blue turaco, a spectacular blue, green and yellow bird the size of a small chicken. Look out for black-and-white-casqued hornbills, papyrus specialists, kingfishers and weavers too.
- Primates: several species live in and around the swamp, including red colobus, black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys.
- Everything else: butterflies, dragonflies, bushbuck tracks and, with luck, a sitatunga, the shy swamp antelope.
Fees and timing
At the time of writing, KAFRED’s own website lists the guided nature walk at US$25 or UGX 50,000 per foreign visitor (it quotes both, and paying in shillings works out cheaper), with lower rates for expatriate residents and Ugandans. There’s also a separate cultural village walk. Prices can change, so we’ll confirm the current fee when we book. Walks run during the day, and mornings are best for birds, though an afternoon walk after chimp tracking works well too.
How it fits with Kibale chimp tracking
Bigodi is only about 6 km from Kanyanchu, the starting point for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. A popular plan is:
- Morning: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
- Lunch: at your lodge or a local restaurant in Bigodi village.
- Afternoon: the Bigodi swamp walk, or the cultural village walk if you’d like to meet local families and see village life.
Lodges nearby range from Kibale Forest Camp and Primate Lodge Kibale to the crater-lake views of Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge.
More to do around Kibale
If you have an extra day in the area, it’s worth slowing down. The landscape between Kibale and Fort Portal is dotted with crater lakes, and there are some lovely short outings:
- The Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes for walks, views and a swim in the right spots.
- Amabere ga Nyinamwiru Caves, with their waterfall and local legends.
- Fort Portal itself, a relaxed hill town with markets and cafes.
Practical tips
- Wear closed shoes. Parts of the trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Light waterproof boots or gaiters help.
- Bring binoculars for turacos and monkeys high in the trees.
- Use insect repellent. It’s a swamp, after all.
- Carry some small cash for crafts made by the local women’s group, if you’d like to support them further.
Good to know
Bigodi suits almost everyone: keen birders, families and anyone who wants a slower, more personal experience after the excitement of the chimps. Because the pace is easy and the trail is mostly flat, it can also be a good option for travellers who are too young for chimp tracking, which has a minimum age of 12. Ask us and we’ll check the details for your group.
Plan it with us
We’ll add Bigodi to your Kibale stay, book your chimp permit and make sure the timing works. Get in touch with your dates and we’ll send a suggested plan.
