Swamp walk in Bigodi Wetland

Location: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, near Kibale National Park, Uganda
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or mid-afternoon (dry seasons preferred)
Famous For: Birdwatching, primate viewing, wetland biodiversity
Ecosystem: Papyrus swamp, tropical wetland, rainforest edge
Key Sights: Great Blue Turaco, swamp mammals, butterflies, orchids, elevated boardwalks

Introduction

Just 6 km from Kibale’s visitor centre lies a hidden gem often overlooked: the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This sacred swamp, locally known as the “home of the Great Blue Turaco,” invites you into a world of verdant boardwalks, lush papyrus reeds, and an astonishing array of wildlife. It’s the perfect complement to chimpanzee trekking—a serene, sensory-rich journey on foot.

What Is the Swamp Walk?

A guided, 4–4.5 km stroll through protected wetlands, led by knowledgeable community guides. The walk takes approximately 2–3 hours and winds along raised wooden pathways, across bridges and through dense flora. The tour runs daily with morning (7:30–9 AM) and late afternoon (around 3 PM) departures.

What You’ll Experience

• Birding Paradise: Keep your binoculars ready—over 200 bird species inhabit the swamp. Highlights include the vibrant Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, kingfishers, hornbills, barbets, and several Albertine Rift endemics. Dawn and dusk walks are especially rewarding for birders.
• Primate Encounters: Bigodi is home to eight primate species. Look out for colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, vervets, L’Hoest’s monkeys—and occasionally even a passing chimpanzee from the neighbouring forest canopy.
• Wetland Wildlife & Flora: Beneath the canopy, you’ll spot shy swamp dwellers like sitatungas, bushbucks, otters and bush pigs. Guides will also introduce you to papyrus, wild palms, medicinal plants, orchids and butterflies.
• Scenic Highlights: Elevated walkways curved through papyrus marshes lead to a canopy treehouse—your vantage point for spectacular views over the swamp and wildlife activity.
• Community & Conservation: Managed by KAFRED, the activity supports local conservation, schools, women’s craft groups, water and waste projects. Many of the craft items—baskets, paper beads, raffia products—are hand-made by local women and available for purchase.

Why It’s Worth It

• Nature Immersion: Swap safari roads for walking how nature lives—boardwalks, birdcalls, and hidden wildlife
• Biodiversity Showcase: Primate species, waterfowl, marsh mammals, unique plants—all in one compact, accessible location
• Wetlands Appreciation: Experience the vital ecological role of swamp ecosystems up close
• Community Impact: Your fee goes directly to empowering local communities and preserving this natural heritage