Visit Uganda to explore the distinctively divine sites of the Amabere Ga’nyinamwiru caves, also known as the Nyakasura caves in the western part of the country. Amabere Ga’Nyinamwiru is interpreted as ‘the breasts of Nyinamwiru’ a significant cultural heritage among the Batooro tribe. According to their legends, it all started around the 14th century with Bukuku, a great famous rich King of the Batembuzi Dynasty. His daughter, Nyinamwiru refused to get married to a man of her father’s choice. In his anger, he cut off the daughter’s breasts and threw them in the Nyakasura caves. This was to make her less attractive to men but that plan failed.
Bukuku hid her in the cave, where she became pregnant with the Batembuzi King, Isaza. Later, she gave birth to their son Ndahura. Incapable of breastfeeding the baby, she used the dripping stalactites in the cave since they appeared breast-like, with milky drippings. The locals now strongly believe that they are breasts of Nyinamwiru flowing. However, scientific studies show that the stalactites and stalagmites are formed by chemical reactions between limestone and water in the area.
Nevertheless, years later Ndahura fulfilled the prophecy that he would become king and replace Bukuku on the throne, which was meant to be for another man called Isaza. Ndahura’s empire became one of the greatest empires within the African Great Lakes region. Besides this and more interesting folklore that you will be told by the experienced local guides in the destination, there are more tourist attractions in and around Nyakasura for exploration. These include the following.
The crater lakes are located in Fort Portal about 10-20 minutes’ walk in Nyakasura hills. These crater lakes include Lake Kigere, Lake Wabikele, and Lake Saaka, which is also a fishing site for locals. Here, you can have lovely views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the highest mountain in Uganda also known as the mountains of the moon.
The giant footprints of the demi-god Ndahura can also be viewed as believed to have been formed when retiring back to his place of birth after he was relinquished in favor of his son, Wamala.
The luxurious green forests surrounding the waterfalls are scenic and offer perfect sites for forest walking adventures and birding excursions. Several primate and bird species can be spotted including the great blue turaco and the black and white colobus monkey.
Other tourist attractions include volcanoes, swamps, lakes, and streams that can be used as backgrounds for photos and videos.
Accessing the Amabere Ga’nyinamwiru Caves
The Amabere Ga’nyinamwiru caves are situated approximately 375 kilometers from Kampala city. This is a scenic drive from Uganda’s capital city to Fort Portal in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle, manned by an experienced English-speaking guide from a reputable tour company.
Amabere Ga’nyinamwiru caves are situated within the Nyakasura area, about 8 kilometers west of Fort Portal city, on the Fort Portal-Bundibugyo-Lamia Road. The road trip will take you only 20 minutes. If you are on a chimpanzee trekking tour in Kibale National Park, the site is 32 kilometers on the road, which is only a 1-hour drive.
The optimal time to tour Amabere Ga’nyinamwiru Caves.
The Amabere Ga’nyinamwiru can be explored throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry season. The dry season is experienced from June to August and December to February when the trails are drier and less muddy due to minimum chances of rainfall. In the wet season, the trails are more slippery and challenging to hike. This is during March to May and September to November.
What to bring for Amabere Ga’nyinamwiru Caves?
- Comfortable hiking boots with good traction to navigate uneven terrain
- Camera or smartphone to take lovely pictures or videos
- Insect repellent to guard against mosquitos and other biting insects
- Rain jacket to protect you during rainy weather conditions
- Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face from direct sunlight
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect from insect bites, and cuts
- Snacks to enhance your energy levels
- Refillable water bottle with drinking water to ensure you are rehydrated at all times
- Backpack to store your essential portable items while on tour
- Basic first aid kit for minor injuries
- Personal medication for illness
- Travel documents
