Birding trips in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – Community Visits in Bigodi.

Birding excursions in the wetland paradise at Bigodi Nestled in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains, the well-known “Mountains of the Moon,” Bigodi settlement lies high on western Uganda’s hills. About forty kilometers outside of Fort Portal, the village borders Kibale National Park, the most densely populated area for monkey life worldwide.

Good wooden paths within the tiny wetland forest provide birders with ideal possibilities to wander silently over the wetland, therefore increasing their chances of finding birds and getting decent pictures. Famously for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a wildlife refuge close to Kibale Forest National.

Over 215 bird species call the swamp home; some of them are rare species. Among the birds in Bigodi are Papyrus Gonolek, white winged warbler, Shine blue kingfisher, white spotted flufftail, Great blue Turaco, White tailed ant-thrush, Yellow billed barbet, Uganda spotted wood-pecker (speckled breasted wood pecker), Joyful green bull.

While birding in the swamp you could have the chance to see and photograph several species of monkeys including Red colobus monkey, Grey checked Mangabeys, L’Hoest monkey, Vervet monkey, black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey, Olive baboon, blue monkey Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary boasts about 9 monkey species.

Items to bring for the birding trip.
A pair of binoculars.

One must bring binoculars as the area features thick trees, which makes it difficult to see certain birds without them.

waterproof jacket

It’s advisable to pack a rain suit since the Rwenzori sometimes rains anywhere near kibale forest.

Photographer.

Given the abundance of activity on the trip, it might be worth carrying a camera to capture images of monkeys and birds.

Getting water.

Usually taking three to four hours, the treks in the forest may be humid at times; hence, it is suggested to pack drinking water.

Booty hiking

Hiking boots are advised for comfort as certain muddy areas on the hike path and the marsh have snakes.

long trousers.

In birding trips, long trousers are advised as you could go off the walking path to precisely see birds.

Any shirt is good.

The swamp long or short sleeved shirts will be ideal as the likelihood of biting insects and stinging nettles is rather low.

How can one reach the wetland paradise at Bigodi?

About forty kilometers from Fort Portal Town, the Bigodi Wetland Swamp route is ideal for any vehicle to handle its 45-1 hour travel over Kibale Forest National Park.

Perfect season for birding excursions in the wetland reserve of Bigodi
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is visited all year round. The driest months, December through February and the months of June and July are hence the greatest seasons for this pastime. At this time, walking the paths is simpler, and the whole experience usually is more fun.

Where in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary should one stay?

From kibale forest camp to kibale home stay, monkey lodge, Turaco tree tops, chimpanzee forest guest house, isunga lodge are other lodging alternatives available near Bigodi.