The Bigodi swamp walk
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary lies outside Kibale National Park. A community organisation runs it, with its own guides and its own prices. A Kibale permit does not cover a Bigodi visit, and a Bigodi ticket does not cover the park. The sanctuary lies a further 5 km south of the Kanyanchu area, which itself is about 35 km southeast of Fort Portal.
The walk is a loop of about 4.5 km that takes up to 3 hours. You need a trained sanctuary guide, and the route uses forest paths and wooden boardwalks and includes a tree house for viewing. If you want chimpanzees, plan a separate chimpanzee trek in Kibale, because Bigodi is not a tracking area.
Bigodi birds and primates
What you may see, with no promise for a single day.
Birds
More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the wetland, among them the great blue turaco. Recommended walk starts are in the early morning or at 15:00.
Primates
Eight primate species live in the wetland, among them the red-tailed monkey. For the other species of the park, read our guide to the primates of Kibale.
The landscape
Swamp, forest paths and boardwalks shape the walk. After rain the ground can be wet.
Our pick: a trip with the Bigodi swamp walk
The Bigodi swamp walk is part of this three-day Kibale trip from Entebbe.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kibale and Bigodi tours
Guided Kibale trips that can include a swamp walk, birding and chimpanzee trekking, with live prices and availability. Check what each trip includes before you book.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary prices and hours
The office is open daily from 7:30 to 17:00. Recommended walk starts are between 7:30 and 9:00 or at 15:00. Prices below are per guided nature walk.
| Category | UGX | US dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Tourists | UGX 50,000 | $23 to $25 |
| Expats | UGX 40,000 | $20 |
| Locals | UGX 10,000 | $5 |
These are the sanctuary's own category names. The tourist rate of UGX 50,000 comes to about $23 to $25, so ask for the current dollar amount when you reserve. For most visitors, the tourist rate applies.
Bigodi walk or Kibale trek?
Two different outings, run by two different organisations.
| Kibale chimpanzee trek | Bigodi swamp walk | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | UWA | A community organisation |
| Starts at | Kanyanchu visitor centre | The sanctuary office |
| Length | 2 to 5 hours | Up to 3 hours |
| Price in 2026 | $250 permit for foreign non-residents | UGX 50,000 for tourists |
| Main wildlife | Chimpanzees, no sighting guaranteed | Birds and monkeys |
For most visitors, the trek is the main event and the Bigodi walk is a quieter second outing. The trek price is the UWA base tariff for 2026, so check the current amount before you book.
Community walks and your visit
How Bigodi began and how to book.
A community project
KAFRED, the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development, was founded in 1992 to protect nature outside the state parks and to benefit the local community. The wetland was formerly known as the Magombe Swamp. Income from walks goes back into community projects.
Nature walk or village walk
The sanctuary offers the nature walk and a cultural village walk, and you can reserve through its own website. Ask whether you need to reserve for your day.
Combine it with a trek
A chimpanzee trek often starts early and takes 2 to 5 hours. The afternoon start at 15:00 fits well after a morning at Kanyanchu. Keep both bookings separate, and build in time to travel between them. For more ideas read about Fort Portal and Tooro.
Plan the rest of your trip
More pages for your Kibale days.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: frequently asked questions
How long is the Bigodi swamp walk?
The loop is about 4.5 km and takes up to 3 hours. A trained sanctuary guide leads every walk.
How much does Bigodi cost?
Tourists pay UGX 50,000 per guided nature walk, which comes to about $23 to $25. Expats pay UGX 40,000 ($20) and locals UGX 10,000 ($5). Ask for the current dollar amount when you reserve.
Can I see chimpanzees at Bigodi?
No. Bigodi is not a chimpanzee tracking area, and no permit for Kibale applies there. Chimpanzee trekking starts at the Kanyanchu visitor centre.
Does a Kibale permit include Bigodi?
No. Bigodi is a separate community project with its own guide and price.
When is the Bigodi office open?
Daily from 7:30 to 17:00. Recommended walk starts are between 7:30 and 9:00 or at 15:00. Reserve through the sanctuary's own website.