Bigodi community Kibale
Bigodi community Kibale
Bigodi community Kibale : Bigodi wetland sanctuary is found in western Uganda 6 kilometers south of Kibale National Park. It is found off the road between the districts of Kamwenge and Fort portal and it has high density of primates in its forests. The area is fascinating and situated in Magombe swamp. The wetland is purely for eco tourism purposes
The sanctuary is a home for a number of bird species like Great blue Turaco, crested cranes among others. The area is known for a wide range of biodiversity, including many species of primates such as red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheekeds, Mangabeys, red tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys and baboons. Mammals like Sitatunga, bush pigs, bush bucks, otters, mongooses and chimpanzees also visit the swamp from Kibale National Park
Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a good example of community based approach to natural resources management that benefits the local residents of the area as well as the tourism industry. It is famous for primates
Bigodi wetland sanctuary is under the administration of Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development known as KAFRED which was established to protect the environment and also to exterminate poverty. The founders of the project were intending to organize the poor local communities around the community so that they can also benefit from tourism.
What to do
Cultural village walks
On a cultural village walk in Bigodi community, you get to visit a traditional healer who always shares his knowledge about herbs, local medicines, plants and about their spirits. You will also get a chance to experience the Ugandan school system, rural life and its activities and Bigodi traditional centre.
You also get to visit the homes of elderly men and women who tell interesting stories about birth, ceremonies, clans, marriages and all things regarding their traditional lives. You learn more about the history and the problems that they face as a developing community of rural areas in Uganda
Handicraft making
The women in the community make beautiful handicrafts and they use local materials like banana fibers, millet straw, raffia and phoenix palm leaves, natural dyes all from the plants that women grow at their homes. These crafts are sold and some one site where the prices vary in sizes, materials dyes, shape among other features. The women from the community always happily show those who are interested on how it is done.
Sales from crafts go into community development which is always 10 percent of it. This income has always been funded the Bigodi Pre-Primary School for some time now and it has helped support orphans, widows, the disabled and other disadvantaged people in the community. The group promotes conservation, takes school children on field trips, and produces songs and plays with conservation messages, as ways of creating awareness among the wider community.
Guided nature walks
When you take a nature walk in Bigodi community you like to spot the primates that are easily seen due to the openness of the tree cover and the well habituated state of the animals. For birders will enjoy the walk because it’s a home for a number of bird species with over 138 bird species and also its rich in butterflies
Visit the new snake park
The Bigodi community snake park will house all kinds of the snakes which offers tourists a chance to see all the different kinds of snakes found in the area. People who love snakes get a chance to view them as the only activity. There are also activities like dance drama performances and fun interpretive meals.
Bird watching
Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers where Magombe swamp is a breeding ground for birds and it attracts frogs and insects. The main species found in the sanctuary include Yellow spotted nicator, Black collared apalis, Blue breasted kingfisher, Black bee eater, African pitta, Green breasted pitta , yellow rumped tinker bird and the purple breasted sunbird.
Best time to visit
Bigodi is open throughout the year but the best time to visit the community is during the dry seasons that include December to early march and then July to September. It takes 6hours to access the community from Kampala
