Bigodi Wetland Community Walk

Bigodi Wetland Community Walk – A Journey Through Local Empowerment

Embark on a transformative journey with the Bigodi Wetland Community Walk, an initiative rooted in community upliftment and environmental conservation. Established in 2016 by four individuals trained under the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development, this community-based organization seeks to enhance the lives of lower-class families in Bigodi village and neighboring communities. The endeavor began by authenticating a community walk, providing scholastic materials, enhancing households, and generating employment opportunities for community guides and demonstrators.

Situated just six kilometers from Kibale Forest National Park and thirty kilometers from Fort Portal town, the Bigodi Wetland Community Walk (BICOWA) serves as a bridge between visitors and the vibrant local community. Your visit directly contributes to supporting the community while fostering an ethos of conservation, discouraging encroachment on the protected area housing the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.

As you partake in this immersive experience, BICOWA offers you the chance to encounter six different primate species, observe over 160 bird species, and marvel at the diverse butterfly population, among other natural wonders.

Culinary and Cultural Delights:

Indulge in the culinary and cultural facets of the community as you engage in food preparation activities using locally sourced ingredients. Guided by a local expert, you’ll gain insights into the cultivation of different crops and the process leading up to a delightful meal.

Your exploration extends to the summit of Kaikusa hill, where you’ll meet skilled women crafting traditional baskets. Learn about the sourcing of materials from the surrounding swamp and the techniques involved in creating vibrant colors from indigenous plants. The women’s group, open to any community member meeting specific criteria, embodies the preservation of cultural traditions.

Delve into the rich history of traditional medicine as you encounter a surviving herbalist who employs various plants and weeds to treat common ailments such as malaria and snake bites. Witness firsthand the connection between nature and healing, a practice rooted in the community’s history.

Brewing and Harvesting Traditions:

Immerse yourself in the age-old art of brewing banana beer, a cultural staple in the community. Gain insights into the meticulous process before venturing to the coffee home, where an experienced elderly woman guides you through the cultivation, harvesting, sun-drying, and post-drying processes of coffee. As one of the leading exports, coffee holds a significant place in the community, and here you’ll unravel the intricate journey from farm to cup.

Organized by Trek Africa Expeditions, these walks to Bigodi Wetland not only offer a unique travel experience but also contribute to the sustainable development of the local communities surrounding Kibale National Park. Join us in fostering a harmonious blend of cultural immersion and environmental stewardship.