Amabere Caves

The Amabere Caves, also known as the Nyakasura Caves given their location at Nyakasura Falls, are located some five miles from Fort Portal on the Bundibugyo Road.

Not really caves, more a large overhang, the name Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru translates as "Breasts of Nyinamwiru" with Nyinamwiru being the daughter of a local usurper king who reportedly had her breasts cut off to make her less attractive to men.

This rather drastic plan failed and the king, Bukuku of Tooro then hid her in the cave. However with her allure still strong, she became pregnant to the Batembuzi King Isaza and later gave birth to their son, Ndahura. Apparently.

<h3>Amabere Caves Video</h3>

Unable to breastfeed the infant herself she used what looked like milk dripping from the stalactites, which appeared milky because of its calcium content. Ndahura went onto fulfil a prophecy that he would become king and take over Bukuku's throne, a throne that was rightfully Isaza's. Ndahura went on to form one of the great empires of the Great Lakes area of Africa. Or so legend has it!

To be honest the Amabere Caves are probably worth a visit only as part of an extended walk in the area which would also take in the waterfall at Amabere as well as the three local crater lakes. Whilst there you can stand behind the waterfall which is a great experience and even swim in the small pool itself though its icy cold and you may end up surrounded by colobus monkeys! Also take in a visit to the marking of a large foot in the area believed to belong to one of the last Batembuzi dynasty people who were giants. Again, apparently!

Given recent publicity the entrance fees to the "cave" have recently risen sharply and non-locals also pay a premium. It's still cheap though and the fee includes the services of a guide who will escort you through the often wet and slippery moss covered path that winds its way to the waterfall and cave. Er, all of three minutes walk, but the guide will enthuse you with ancient folklore to make the cost worthwhile! There is also a nearby campsite and Kibale National Park is just 32km away if you're in the area (as are students at nearby Nyakasura College which was founded by a Scot and the students still wear kilts! for their uniform.)

Amabere Caves

Tooro Palace

The Tooro Royal Palace is home to the Omukama, king of one of the four traditional kingdoms of Uganda.
More >

Botanical Gardens

The Tooro Botanical Gardens promote conservation in the Albertine Rift Region near Fort Portal.
More >

Wetlands Sanctuary

About an hour from Fort Portal, the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary features eight primate species & more.
Visit >

Fort Portal Guide

Find more things to do and tourist attractions in Fort Portal in our Fort Portal profile pages.
More >

Tourist
Attractions

Best Things
To Do

Main Ugandan
Towns

Western Uganda
Accommodation

Africa Volunteer
Network

Africa
Animals

Africa
Games

Child Sponsor
Uganda

Amabere Caves Fort Portal

A video of the Amabere Caves near Fort Portal, also known as the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves, together with their history, legends and map

Tags: Amabere Caves, Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves, Amabere Caves Fort Portal, Amabere Caves Legends, Amabere Caves History, Amabere Caves Video

Text & images copyright © 2015 - Western Uganda Network All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy |Sitemap