THE AREA OF AMAZING CRATER LAKES
Western Uganda has everything you have ever dreamed of, literally lined up for you. The great rugged Ruwenzori mountains stand tall, at the Uganda – Congo border, like a furious troll demanding his toll. His foot is beautifully donned by lush forests and his head crowned by glaciers and ice that sparkles in the sun. You can explore the environs of the Ruwenzori Mountains and discover the mirror-smooth crater lakes, cute villages, endless banana trees, and countless amazing viewpoints. A stunning transformation from the once wild, volcanic landscape with simmering lava. It gets better, in this area, where dense jungles(home to Chimpanzee families), lakes, and mountains meet, a spectacular ecosystem thrives, the mysterious Bigodi Swamp.
STAMPING THROUGH THE SOPPING SWAMP
While exploring your way through the swamp, listen for the distinctive bird calls, and watch the forest come to life. Bigodi swamp is the paradise for bird watchers, with the prized bird being the Blue Turaco. If you’re not a twitcher then all is not lost. The swamp is still home to a variety of monkeys, baboons, and chimps, that you can safely get close to. Expect rich vegetation full of wild plants and flowers. From edible plants that cure your cough to simple flowers that can make an alcoholic drink that also heals you from Malaria. The mud shouldn’t be a hindrance, it comes with the package. Hahaha…Luckily, when the water level of the swamp becomes so high that it almost runs into your boots, you can use the wooden path resembling a squat bridge built over the swamp water. It gets better, the tropical plants and palms rise from the swamp and form a roof over your head.
RAIN BOOTS AND GO WITH THAT BANANA!
The walkthrough Bigodi Swamp takes two to four hours, depending on your interest in the area! So, what do you need? Long sleeves and pants? Check! Decent hiking boots/trainers? Check! check!…I’m pleased to inform you that you are ready for your much-awaited swamp walk. However, there is lots of rain in this area, a raincoat/jacket will come in handy. If at all your rain boots do not fit in your suitcase or backpack, that is not the end of the world, the guide got you covered. You can always rent them from the tour office. Bird lover? Then binoculars are not wrong either!
The swamp walk is also easy to combine with numerous activities such as primates tracking, butterfly viewing, bird watching as well as nature and community walks. The walks are especially exciting because they are guided by trained local guides with exceptional knowledge of the terrain. If you’d like to spend several days in the area, then a visit to the cosy town of Fort Portal is highly recommended. Not enough? Then hop on the back of the bike to race along all the crater lakes. Not such motor mice, or maybe you tagged your children along? Then the Bigodi Swamp walk is a thunderous alternative!
