Most of the world knows Fort Portal City in Western Uganda, as home to the Kibale national park, a mecca for Chimpanzee tracking and nature hiking.
But it's also home to a community based Swamp project called "Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary." On any nature reserve that size, there's always lots of biodiversity and natural vegetation.
I had spent the previous day at Kibale national park, Chimpanzee tracking and nature hiking. Spotted several of the chimps and, some of the nearly extinct tree species.
The nature walk tour guide looked jovial and was good at imparting knowledge on the animals and vegetation at Kibale national park.
"Away from the park, lies a beautiful, little place, not far, that would be amazing for bird and butterfly lovers." Said the guide.
The guide, named Ben, would go on to sell us on the idea of visiting the sanctuary; and made plans to take us the following day.
Early in the morning, I packed my travel backpack, bid farewell to some of my former group mates who had opted out, and set off for the sanctuary.
6 Kilometers later, I walked down the ramp of the park's minibus and into the sweltering, sticky heat of the wetland sanctuary.
Coming out of the parking area, Ben the guide, gave us a brief history of the sanctuary and the origin of the its name.
"Bigodi" a Rutooro word derived from "kugodya", loosely translated as 'to walk wearily.'
The locals came up with the name because different people who would walk to the wetland back then, would reach extremely tired, and therefore had to rest.
Bigodi Swamp was home to different wild animals that I easily spotted with the help of the expert, Ben the guide. Animals like; the medium sized antelope called " Sitatunga", with facial markings as well as several stripes and spots all over it body.
A dark brown bush pig, endowed with a blunt, muscular snouts; small eyes, pointed ears and buckled toes.
The Blue monkey, though unnoticeably blue, with little hair on its face, a blackish cap, feet and front legs.
Some baboons, that had long, dog-like muzzles; heavy, powerful jaws, close-set eyes, and hairless bums.
I had never seen such a kaleidoscope of butterflies before a visit to Bigodi wetland sanctuary. There was indeed lots of butterflies, rendering the swamp a haven for lepidopterist (zoologists that study butterflies).
This was all heavily vegetated area and teemed with lots of water. A perfect habitat for aquatic like Otters.
When I arrived at the sanctuary, I received a pair of army green gumboots and binoculars, which helped in the nature walk and viewing.
I threw my travel backpack once again over my shoulder, and asked for directions to the bird zones in the area.
Along the board walk trail and viewing platforms, Ben the guide, showed us some of the bird species in the area, explaining their unique characters.
Amongst a population of over 138 bird species, I laid gaze upon the brown chested alethe, black bee-eater, purple breasted sunbirds, weaver birds, e.t.c
So beautiful was the sanctuary, so impressive were the plant and animal life, and such a lucrative protectorate to the surrounding community it was.
A safari to Bigodi wetland sanctuary was more than just an adventure...
My Afro Travels continued...
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