Bigodi Community Walk, Kibale National Park
Bigodi Community Walk is a culturally enriching experience located near Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda. This guided tour, organized by the local community through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the rural lifestyle and traditions of the people living in the area.
The walk typically starts with a visit to local homesteads, where travelers can meet the residents and learn about their daily lives. Visitors gain insights into the traditional ways of farming, food preparation, and crafting, including weaving baskets and mats from local materials like papyrus. The interaction with community members provides a deep connection with their culture and an opportunity to ask questions about their customs, history, and everyday challenges.
One of the highlights of the Bigodi Community Walk is visiting the village healer. Here, you will learn about traditional medicine and the healing powers of indigenous plants, which have been passed down through generations. This cultural exchange sheds light on the close relationship between the people and their environment.
The walk also includes a stop at Bigodi Women’s Group, a cooperative formed by local women who create handmade crafts like jewelry, baskets, and bags. Purchasing these crafts supports the community and promotes sustainable tourism.
What is there to see in Bigodi Community Walk?
The Bigodi Community Walk offers a variety of cultural and natural attractions, providing a rich and immersive experience. Visitors can explore the following:
- Local Homesteads: The walk includes visits to traditional homes where visitors can interact with community members, learn about their daily lives, farming practices, and cultural customs. This offers a unique glimpse into rural Ugandan life.
- Traditional Healer: A visit to the village healer is one of the highlights, where guests learn about the use of indigenous plants and herbs in traditional medicine, an important aspect of local culture.
- Crafts and Handicrafts: Visitors can see the Bigodi Women’s Group at work, creating beautiful handmade crafts such as baskets, jewelry, and mats. These crafts are available for purchase, supporting the community and sustainable tourism.
- Birdwatching: The area around Bigodi is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 200 bird species. Visitors may spot colorful birds like the Great Blue Turaco and other wildlife along the way.
- Primates: During the walk, you may encounter primates such as the black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkeys, and even chimpanzees in nearby Kibale Forest.
- Scenic Wetlands: The walk also takes visitors through lush wetlands and swamps, rich in biodiversity and offering beautiful views of the natural landscape.
How long does Bigodi Community/Swamp Walk take?
The Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, rich in biodiversity and stunning landscapes, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This 4.5 km walk takes you through a vital wildlife corridor connected to Kibale Forest, offering an immersive experience in Uganda’s natural beauty. The trek typically lasts around three hours, providing ample time to appreciate the serene environment.
Known as the “Home of the Great Blue Turaco,” the sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 200 bird species spotted, including the elusive Great Blue Turaco, which attracts birding enthusiasts from around the world. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to encounter various primates, such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and other wildlife. Bigodi is a remarkable example of community-based conservation, making it not only a wildlife haven but also a great initiative supporting local communities.
The Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is home to a variety of mammals, including sitatungas, bushbucks, and otters. Knowledgeable local guides lead interpretive tours through the sanctuary’s lush vegetation, offering a chance to view wildlife from forest pathways, boardwalks, and a treehouse nestled in the canopy. The 3-hour walk offers visitors an immersive experience in the rich biodiversity of the area.
Visitors can only tour the wetlands when accompanied by a trained Sanctuary guide. The office is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to start the walk are between 7:30-9 AM or at 3 PM for optimal wildlife sightings, though visitors are welcome to enjoy the walk at any time within the opening hours.
How Much is Bigodi Swamp Walk?
The table below shows the costs per person for the Bigodi Wetlands tour. This guided walk takes you deep into the wetlands, offering a unique experience as you explore its diverse ecosystems. In many areas, you’ll traverse boardwalks elevated just above the water, allowing close-up views of the rich flora and fauna without disturbing the habitat. The tour offers a fantastic opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, primates, and other mammals, making it a must-do experience.
| Guided Nature Walk | Cost in UG Shillings | Cost in US Dollars* |
| Visitor Category | Per Person | Per Person |
| Foreign Non-Residents | UGS 90,000 | $25 |
| Foreign Residents | UGS 70,000 | $20 |
| East African Citizens | UGS 15,000 | $5 |
Which birds can be seen during Bigodi walk?
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species recorded. Some of the notable birds commonly seen during the walk include:
- Great Blue Turaco – the star of the sanctuary.
- Papyrus Gonolek
- White-spotted Flufftail
- Western Nicator
- Black-crowned Waxbill
- Yellow-billed Barbet
- African Harrier Hawk
- Brown-backed Scrub Robin
- Crowned Eagle
- Green-breasted Pitta
- White-tailed Ant Thrush
- Speckled Tinkerbird
- African Pitta
Where is Bigodi Community is located?
Bigodi Community is situated near the Bigodi Wetland, on the outskirts of Kibale National Park in Uganda. This vibrant community is known for its eco-tourism initiatives, which promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity, home to numerous bird species, primates, and other wildlife. Visitors to the community can engage in guided nature walks through the wetland, spot wildlife, and learn about local culture and conservation efforts. The community’s commitment to eco-tourism has made it a key destination for nature lovers and those seeking an authentic cultural experience.
Bigodi Community walk takes between 2-3 hours, walking down in the swampy, where you will see the bird species, primates, and many others. You also visit the community where you engage in the local community activities like the Local Banana Beer Experience, farming, local healers and many others.
What is the best time to do Bigodi Community Walk?
The best time to do the Bigodi Community Walk is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September. During these months, the weather is favorable, with less rainfall, making the trails in the Bigodi Wetland easier to navigate. Wildlife viewing is also better, as animals are more active and visible. Birds and primates are abundant, and the community activities are more accessible without the challenge of muddy paths. Mornings are particularly ideal for walks, offering cooler temperatures and higher chances of spotting wildlife in the wetland.
If you are having Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park, it’s always amazing to combine it with Bigodi Community Walk. You can have chimpanzee trekking in the morning, and then after taking your lunch, you take a 5 minutes drive to Bigodi for this iconic swamp and community walk.
