The Kashaya Kitomi Forest Reserve is currently in the Buhwezu district in the western part of Uganda. There are several wildlife attractions in the forest, including chimpanzees, bird species, and monkeys (vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys can be seen in the forest reserve). The forest covers a land area of 433 kilometers square.

In addition, there are baboons in the forest, and to quench their thirst during the dry season, animals migrate from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the major water sources in the forest reserves. Antelopes, bush pigs, Uganda Kobs, and duikers are among the animals that can be observed. The majority of these can be seen around lake Kamunzuku. The Kashaya Kitomi forest reserve offers a variety of tourist activities, including primate tracking, sightseeing, community walks, boat rides on the lake, and birding.

The Budongo Forest Reserve is Uganda’s largest natural forest, covering 825 kilometers square. The largest mahogany forest in East Africa is Budongo, home to numerous tree species and other types of vegetation. One of Uganda’s most popular places for primate-watching safaris is Budongo.

There are 120 chimpanzees in this natural huge, 30 of which are habituated and can be seen by tourists. The Kaniyo Pabidi sector, which is located in the northeastern part of the forest, is home to a variety of bird species in addition to the black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and baboons.

Warthogs, bush pigs, waterbucks, and buffaloes are just a few of the many species of animals that can be found in the Kaniyo Pabidi sector. Budongo has well-developed forest trails that allow tourists to participate in a variety of tourist activities like primate tracking, forest walks, birding, and more.

rea coverage:Mabira Central Forest Reserve is one of Uganda’s largest surviving Natural Forests covering an area of 306 sq km.

Attractions:Mabira has Natural Habitat of 312 species of trees, home of 315 species of Birds, 218 Butterfly Species, 97 Moth Species, 23 Small Mammal Species,

Activities: they include Forest Walks with over 68 km of well-developed trail length, Mountain Biking, Bird Watching, Environmental Education and Research, Camping and Picnics, Primate Watching, Butterfly Identification and general Forest Exploration.

Accommodation

Mabira boosts of 3 Bandas which can accommodate a maximum of 10 Guests at the Eco – Tourism Site near Najjembe Trading Centre. The Bandas are self – catering although some light meals can be prepared for you by the House keeper. There is also a Camping Ground near the Site for do-it-yourself caravans at a modest fee. Mabira Forest Lodge, a modern eco – friendly facility by the Alam Group of Companies is nearing completion.

Accessibility

Mabira Central Forest Reserve is located on the main Kampala – Jinja Highway in Mukono District. It is 54 km from the City Centre of Kampala and 26 km from Jinja Town. The Eco – Tourism Site is about half a kilometer from the road head along a short dirt road off the Najjembe trading center. The Forest is therefore accessible by all vehicles throughout the year.

Mpanga forest reserve offers forest walks in three main trails, the butterfly loop, horn bill and Baseline. The forest has 196 animal species; bush pigs, insects, about 14 species of butterflies and 200 species of trees.

Mpanga forest is also rich in primates like the monkey red tailed black and white colobus and other wildlife include pangalin, cevet cats, snakes especially those falling under the class of pythonidia, Antelopes, tree squirrels and many others. Other activities include nature walks, night walks, bird watching, research experiments from the education sector, picnicking, camping and facilities include accommodation and conference facilities

This is a representative of the once tropical rainforest which are now slowly diminishing because of mans activities. It is locates 40 km away from Kampala and occupies a total area of 4km². It was gazzeted for environmental conservation and has three ecosystems including grassland which is in the fore front, forest ecosystem and swamp or wetland vegetations and this gives three distinct canopies, as the low canopies, middle and taller canopies.

The forest has also a variety of primates especially the monkeys such as patas monkeys in the savannas, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys providing ideal resources for promatologist that allows primate viewing. A lot of bird species hover, the forest and occupies the tree ranging from aboreal birds in the forest to the wetland birds such as the shoebill stork and this richness promotes avi-tourism, birds such as cascet, hornbill, rasses and there are over 45 bird species in the forest.

Numerous butterflies also exist in the area and the forest is especially known for butterfly breading the pupas are exported to Denmark, Britain, New Zealand and Nairobi. According to Odupiano Oba the butterfly expert in pupa costs Ugshs 10,000. Other animals in the forest include the rats, snakes, pythons which can all be viewed by tourist. Animal species include the sitatunga, boar diker.

Budongo forest reserve is divided into three zones allowing Eco tourism and research to prosper and its production zone caters for commercial activities. Budongo forest reserve is the largest surviving natural forest in Uganda with a total surface area of 825sq km. It straddles across three districts of Masindi, hoima and the newly created Buliisa district

hey are located on the famous Ssese Islands described as medium altitude moist forests. They form a belt along the lower ridges with a gentle slope from a lake shore to the centre. Lutoboka has one particular trail that stretches from the landing site up the fort where the explore Henry Morton Stanley pitched camp on his way to the popular mountains of the moon. There are 31 gazetted forest Reserves in the Islands with a sum of 7,324 hectares under the control of the National Forest Authority.

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN LUTOBOKA AND BUJANZI

There are a number of activities carried out in Lutoboka and Bujanzi central forest reserves that a lot of visitors enjoy which include the following ; sailing, Boating, Fishing, Sun bathing along the lake shores, Forest walks, Bird watching, Primate identification, Butterfly identification.

Kaiyo pabidi forest extends over an expanse of about 8km in the middle of Kichumbayobo gate. It shows all the guests an opportunity of tracking the impressive chimps in addition to other species of primates that can be found in the mahogany trees there. It’s a home for many species of birds like the yellow footed flycatcher, the ituri batis in addition to the white thigh hornbill. Many tourists enjoy taking nature walks in the forests, although Rabongo forest presents the finest experiences the best.

The Buligi region is recognized among the major game viewing safari IN Uganda areas. The savannah grasslands give a great place to enjoy the African wilderness in addition to the attractive sights of the great East African rift valley on top of Lake Albert overlooking the DRC. Some of the activities to be enjoyed here are the game drives that are conducted from Paraa that will rewards you with very splendid sights of the delta going for the three to four hour drive. Seeing the game will be very favorable if done in the morning or in the late afternoon. Your safari guide will give all the necessary information regarding the park and the forests. All the way through this, the visitors have very memorable experience while on the game drive. The Nile offers shelters to many hippos and crocodiles in addition to the aquatic species like the famous Shoebill stork.

Kaniyo Pabidi forest is a good looking natural forest covered majorly by the huge mahogany trees and the iron wood trees. In this forest, the chimps may be tracked from the Kaniyo Pabidi tourism site that is managed by the Jane Goodall institute. The birds in this area are very plentiful with a diversity of species among which are the chocolate backed kingfisher, white thigh hornbill as well as the puvel’s illaposis.

Rabongo Forest stands as an island covered by the tropical river forest with in a sea of stunning grassland in the southern eastern part of the conservation area, its only one and half hours’ drive from Paraa safari lodge. The verdant forest may also be explored not just in safari vehicles but on foot and that way you will have a chance of setting out in search of these very impressive giants’ occasional chimpanzees, in addition to other primate species like the baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and the red tailed monkeys.

The forest may be explored not just in safari vehicles but on foot as well as that way you will have an opportunity of setting out in search of these very impressive giants’ occasional chimps, more so to other primates like the baboons, black and white Colobus monkeys as well as the red tailed monkeys. You can also choose to picnic or camp by the shores of the river Wairingo. This area is in addition perfect for the teams of the students. It offers a diversity of bird species, trees in addition to medicinal plants which are all worth exploring.

This forest is found in Bushenyi district in Western Uganda. The forest is well known for 414 species of tree and shrubs for example the stroboia, parirari ficus, prunus and Africana among others . Bird species include ; 378 species of birds like cuckoos, sunbirds, the great blue Turaco , black and white caskets. There are 6 different species of primates that can be recognised in Kalinzu, black and white colobus monkeys, vevet monkeys and thechimpanzees. other species include reptiles, flowers, 262 butterflies and 96 moths. Kalinzu forest reserve occasionally provides refuge of savannah grassland because of its proximity to the Queen Elizabeth National Park species like the Duikers , leopards and wild pigs.

Uganda is endowed with more than 16 species of primates with the stars of the show being Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees although the latter have always appeared in the shadows of the former. However, Chimpanzees are very interesting creatures to see, the fact that they are mankind’s closest relatives sharing over 98.7% of their DNA with humans.

On top of participating in chimpanzee tracking and the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, filming of these primates is conducted in different locations, one of which is Kalinzu Forest Reserve.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve is one of the country’s ecotourism sites situated in south-western Uganda within Rubirizi/Bushenyi district and is considered an extension of the popular Maramagambo Forest. Due to its strategic location, you can actually stop-by this destination on your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. There are over 200 Chimpanzees in this destination, out of which two communities were habituated using funds from the Japanese Government thus are available for tracking and filming. Any tourists interested in filming within this site have to therefore choose from any of the two communities-one features 70 members while the other has about 40 members.

Much as the community can be large (70 members), it is sometimes easy to sight all of these primates at once because of the fact that chimpanzees live in communities (troops) but may breakup into smaller communities of at least 10 members or less during day to reduce on any likely competition for resources (such as food) but get back together in the evenings for nesting.

Chimpanzee filming Permits for Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Due to the fact that Kalinzu Forest is under National Forestry Authority (NFA), all tourists intending to participate chimpanzee filming have to first get permission from the Management of NFA. You can actually use the services of credible tour operators to make it easier to acquire permits and organize logistical support inform of accommodation, transport and location scouting among others.

Unlike other places under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (like Kibale Forest National Park) that are charged highly ($1000 per group per day in addition to a monitoring fee and paying an extra for the Chimpanzee tracking permit), you will need to pay only $100 per person per day (group of 4 crew members) only and nothing more for tourists planning to film from Kalinzu Forest. Therefore, this site is the perfect chimpanzee filming destination for budget travelers.

However just like other destinations, you have to be accredited by Uganda Media House to allow you import your filming equipments in addition to booking for accommodation and transport much as these can be done by a tour operator.

Besides chimpanzee filming, Kalinzu Forest is known for other interesting activities such as nature walks/hiking, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching and game viewing among others.

Bugoma central forest reserve is found in Hoima district. Its total surface area is 41,144 hectares. Eco tourism in the reserve is influenced by African nature conservation Expeditions, an international private firm with vast experience in tourism development. The firm is in advanced stages of infrastructure development of the previous forest station.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BUGOMA

Bugoma eco tourism site is gifted with a variety of tourist attractions like; Reptiles, Birds, Butterflies, chimpanzees, monkeys and tree species some of which are endemic to Bugoma. Forest trails totalling 30km long divided into loops of 200m each have been developed in this area .

Bulago is just over 500 acres. From tip to tip it is nearly 2 miles long. There are about 6 kms of sandy beaches and about 10km of shoreline altogether, the balance of the shoreline is made up of rocky outcrops and low cliffs. Around the shore the soil is highly fertile and is in places tree covered. The north-east tip of the island contains a small portion of rain forest. The interior of the island is less fertile and is covered with savannah-like grassland. It is intended that Zebra and some antelope be brought to Bulago where they may exploit the savannah-like environment in the interior of the island.

LVSC is aiming to make the island as self-sufficient as possible. A number of local farmers are able to provide a range of fruit (Bulago pineapples are heavenly) and vegetables. Ducks, chickens, suckling pigs and goats are also available and the prices are very reasonable – a whole suckling pig for £8, for example. The fish – Nile Perch and Tilapia – can be caught by line or bought from the fishermen and is quite delicious. LVSC has established a small farm and various European vegetables such as courgettes, green beans and aubergines can be bought when available. Other goods, such as wines, meat and luxury items can be bought in Kampala. Basic essentials are cheaper than UK but luxury goods are more expensive.

• Activities

Sailing on the lake is great fun, and a laser is available free of charge for the use of club members. A small sailboat or a windsurfer is highly recommended for owners and can easily be launched from the beach. Waterskiing and tubing is available through the Lodge or an owner could invest in a speedboat.

One of the great pleasures of Bulago is the sheer range and diversity of walks available and with two dominating hills on the island, the views can be magnificent. The size of the island means that walks can range from quick strolls through to full-blown hikes.

Bird watching is another great past-time on Bulago and the range of birds is dazzling – even to non-twitchers.

Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary is located just 4 miles south of Bulago Island. Ngamba, known locally as Chimp Island, is home to 30 orphaned chimpanzees and is run by the Jane Goodall Trust.

Horses thrive on the island and there are currently two Somali ponies used for riding. LVSC can provide a livery service if an owner wished to purchase a horse (about £750 landed on Bulago), or the ponies – more are planned soon – can be hired for trekking.

It is intended that donkeys and carts will soon be available on Bulago for transport and pleasure rides. LVSC does not wish to encourage motorised transport, although there is a degree of flexibility if there is good reason. Currently, there is a policy of prohibiting two stroke engines on the island and jetskis are not allowed; this is quite simply to preserve the essential peace and tranquillity of the Island.

Access To Bulago Island

By Air

Entebbe airport is a modern, efficient and friendly airport. It is just under 8 hours from Heathrow. There are flights to Europe every day of the week; the main carriers are BA, Emirates, AfricaOne, Kenya Airways and SN Brussels. Alternately, flights via Nairobi connect to a variety of European destinations daily with a wide range of carriers. A grass airstrip which is currently being built on Bulago will allow owners to access Bulago directly from Entebbe airport. The flight time in a Cessna 210 is approximately 8 minutes. The cost of this short hop will be about US$40 per person.

By Boat

Entebbe is located on the lake. There are three locations for boarding a boat to Bulago: the Entebbe Sailing Club, the Botanical Beach Hotel and Entebbe Pier. Each of these locations is less than ten minutes from the airport. Entebbe is located 10 miles from Bulago Island. It is possible to hire a local canoe, but not specially recommended as these native boats are not compliant with safety regulations. It is more likely that an owner would have his or her own boat or would charter a boat from LVSC or another company (of which there are a growing number). It takes about 30 minutes by speedboat from Entebbe to Bulago, depending on the condition of the lake.

The journey from Kampala to Bulago takes about forty minutes and many private boats are now based at the newly opened Speke Resort and Country Club marina which is located in the lakeside suburb of Munyonyo, ten minutes from the city centre. If desired a permanent mooring can be arranged at Speke Marina. Speedboats may also be chartered.

The 84 forested islands of the Ssese Group, scattered like green jewels on the waters of Lake Victoria, 55 km from Entebbe – Uganda’s International Airport, are one of Uganda’s undiscovered treasures. It is only the larger island Bugala that has any development, the rest remain unspoiled – tropical forests full of birds, the world’s most beautiful butterflies, monkeys and monitor lizards, white sand beaches, crystal clear water teeming with fish and other marine life.

Accommodation

Isolation is what has kept the Ssese’s from development, and will continue to do so. Islands Club, is a small lodge, situated on Bugala Island, the largest of the Ssese Islands. Islands Club offers wooden chalet accommodation, set beneath high forest just off a white sand beach lapped by clear water.

Facilities

Beautiful wooden cabins all with personal bathroom (flushing toilet, shower with hot/cold water)

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Right on the beach

Multi course evening meals are often taken on the beach, around a large bonfire, while in this unpolluted atmosphere the night stars seem close enough to reach out and touch.

Things to Do

Whether you like sun-bathing, swimming, watching animals, go fishing, or simply relaxing, you can do it all at Islands Club:

Wildlife watching

A big variety of wildlife is available on the islands. Black-and-white colobus monkeys, water monitor lizards, a few antelope species (including the rare split hooved swamp-dwelling Sitatunga), but most of all birds, such as Trumpeter hornbills, herons and kingfishers, hawks, eagles, turacos and parrots. Most of these birds live in the beautiful tropical rainforest

Fishing

The world’s largest fresh water fish is swimming in the Lake Victoria, and you can catch it! Nile Perch of 80 kg have been taken by anglers, with specimens well over twice that size recorded.

Relaxing

Enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Ssese Islands, or explore the one of the largest lakes in the world by swimming. And wait for the sun to set…

Please note that for some of these attractions additional rates may apply.

Getting There

Several ways of transport are available. The islands are located near Entebbe and Masaka.

Boat from Entebbe

A 25 footer boat is available from Entebbe to the Ssese Islands. This journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.

A speed boat is available, this takes approximately 1 hour, but is more expensive

Ferry from Masaka

Between Masaka and the Ssese Islands is a free, government owned ferry. It runs three times a day every day except Sunday, when there is only one crossing around midday. Drive to Bukakata in Masaka and take the ferry to Bugoma. From there, it is a 45 minutes drive to Islands Club (Kalangala Town).

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to 49 orphaned chimps rescued from throughout Uganda. This sanctuary was established in October 1998 to care of the orphaned chimpanzees that have been rescued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Many of the chimpanzees were rescued from poachers and are unlikely to survive reintroduction to the wild. The sanctuary is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The Island facilities offer day trips and overnight trips which provide exceptional opportunity to closely observe and interact with these fascinating great apes in this unique setting. Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, an NGO, is responsible for all aspects of the sanctuary at Ngamba Island.

Ngamba Island is 100 acres of rain forest situated a short boat ride (23 km) away from Entebbe, near the Equator in Lake Victoria, Uganda. It supports a rich diversity of natural wildlife and provides a variety of natural foods for the chimpanzees. The island is set up as an eco-friendly project with compost toilets, rainwater collection, proper waste management practices and solar energy for electricity and hot water.

You get to see the chimps being fed several times a day and you can participate yourself as well if you want. Visitors can interact with chimps and join in caretaker activities. You can check if you have all the necessary vaccinations before you go, we share 98% of the same DNA as chimps. The work of chimpanzee sanctuary and wildlife conservation trust is impressive as well as the core chimpanzee rehabilitation there is environmental protection of original chimpanzee habitat and environmental awareness.

You get a chance to observe the 49 chimps in their care up close, watch or participate in one of their feedings and learn about their behavior and the steps that are taken to reintroduce, those which are capable of being returned to the wild. It is well worth the time and expense of getting there. The staffs are very knowledgeable and provide a real insight into conservation in Uganda.

These chimps are not truly living in the wild, they come in to sleep, they are trained range creating nests and to eat they also forage in the forest but would deplete those resources. The sanctuary has a small gift shop that supports their work accepts dollar as well as Ugandan shillings so bring money. The staff is dedicated and very knowledgeable.

As the day ends and the evening sets in, join us for an exclusive sunset cruise. Enjoy the unique view of fisher men casting their nets, fishing villages as they wind down the day and of course the golden circular site of nature’s eye going to sleep. The thrill comes from knowing that you are crossing the globe from the southern to the northern hemisphere on the equator as you slip away on cold drinks in a romantic bliss.

The sanctuary is open all year round to visitors who pay a nominal entrance fee to view one or both of the chimpanzee feedings. Day and overnight visits (staying in luxury tents) are available and can be booked through the booking agent.

For overnight visitors there are four superior double tents and larger groups can be catered for right on the gently lapping shores of Lake Victoria. As birds fly home to rest in the deepening dusk, enjoy a spectacular sun downer as the sun melts into the horizon. The island does many projects for the local community and allows them to visit the chimps one day a week.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private, non-profit, animal sanctuary in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a collaborative effort between the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Rhino Fund Uganda, a Ugandan NGO committed to the restoration of Uganda’s rhinoceros population and Ziwa Ranchers Limited, a private land management company. The sanctuary offers a secure place where rhino populations can be expanded by breeding, protected from human and non-human predators and gradually re-introduced into Uganda’s national parks, while at the same time, allowing the public to enjoy these majestic animals, as the project moves forward.

A team of approximately 78 park rangers and security guards keep a 24-hour watch on the rhinos to ensure their safety. The 70 square kilometers (7,000 ha) sanctuary is surrounded by a 2 metres (6.6 ft) electric fence to keep the rhinos in and the intruders out.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be visited on a day tour. The Amuka Safari Lodge offers overnight accommodation to travelers looking to a longer stay in the sanctuary. Most Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls National Park also highlight rhino tracking, an interesting adventure activity within the sanctuary.

Location of the Sanctuary

The sanctuary is located approximately 180 kilometers (110 mi), by road, north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. This location is near Nakitoma Village, Nakasongola District, in the Kafu River Basin, off the Kampala-Gulu Highway.

Wildlife at the sanctuary

The sanctuary is home to at least 40 mammal and reptilian species including monkeys, antelopes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Presently the sanctuary is home to fifteen (15) southern white rhinos. Tourist facilities at the sanctuary include a safari lodge, guest house, budget accommodation, and camp grounds. The accommodations are two separate businesses and both have restaurants that offer meals to tourists. In addition to on foot rhino trekking, tourist activities include birding, canoe rides and nature walks.

Activities at the Rhino Sanctuary

Rhino Tracking

The sanctuary provides well trained rangers who will ably guide you through this expedition. You will have the opportunity to observe the rhinos at a very close and safe distance. While at the sanctuary you will also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, reed bucks, oribis, rich bucks, hippos and crocodiles.

Bird watching

The Sanctuary is also home to over 250 bird species and is a great sport for avid birders interested in finding those rare African species. Experienced bird guides will enable you enjoy this experience.We have four bird trails within the sanctuary which cover Woodlands, Swamp and Savannah. Our bird guides are excellent and this is an activity that cannot be missed.

Guided Nature walks

Guided nature walks will enable you to experience the geography, fauna and flora of this beautiful part of Uganda. On a guided tour in the sanctuary, a local guide will share his knowledge of not only the animals but the botany and vegetation as well.

Ecotourism in Uganda communities

Posted on 18/08/2022 by admin

To understand ecotourism in Uganda, let’s first look at the term ecotourism in general, Uganda Eco Tours defines ecotourism as “that form of travel that involves travelling to natural areas with the objectives of learning, studying or participating in activities that seek to minimize negative impacts of tourism to the environment; at the same time protecting and empowering the local/host communities on gaining the social economic benefits in regards to tourism.

According to IUCN 1996, ecotourism is defined as environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature and any accompanying cultural features both past and present that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of local population.

Uganda has quite a number of eco-tourism hot spots, some of which are centrally based in some of the local community areas more especially the protected areas such as national parks and other identified tourism destinations which generate more positive impacts in regards to as tourism is concerned.

With the development of tourism activities like Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking, Bird watching, Forest / Nature Walks, cultural trails and many more, Uganda have some significant steps in what many people /scholars may regard as a shift from the traditional tourism to responsible tourism to ecologically sensitive areas. Here are some of the eco-tourism initiatives that are in place in modern day today and have greatly improved on the wellbeing of the host communities in some parts of Uganda not only socially and economically.

 Practising ecotourism in Uganda

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary 

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is an exciting area, located in the Magombe swamp. this area is recognized for an extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates species like the red colobus monkey, baboon, black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey grey cheeked, mangabey, vervet monkey, red tailed monkey and the L’Hoest monkey. Additional Mammals such as chimpanzees, Sitatunga, mongooses, bush pigs, otters plus bush bucks, also visit this swamp coming from the adjacent Kibale National Park.

The Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers. Here skilled birders can spot up to fifty new species of birds a checklist. Today, 138 species of bird have been recognized within the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Among the major bird species within the sanctuary is the grate Blue Turaco.

It’s located in western parts of Uganda in the areas of Kamwenge district on the rim of Kibale Forest National park just around 40Kms from Fort portal city and 350Kms from Kampala the central business district and it’s under the eco- tourism initiative of KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Economic Development) which is a community based project aiming at entirely managing and running the local community.

This wetland derived its name from a local dialect in Rutooro language called” Kugodya” meaning walking tirelessly.