Just under nine miles from Kabale as
you climb the hills towards Kabaraga, which is the highest point
that overlooks Kabale, you would stumble across the Nyakagyera
Cave. Hardly a tourist attraction because few, if any tourists
actually make the tortuous journey over rough, reclaimed wetland
areas where no vehicle, not even a boda boda can pass. In fact few
residents of Kabale even know the cave exists, nor do they care
much! Measuring 62 feet deep, 33 feet wide and 20 feet tall, Nyakagyera
Cave's past has never been written down, merely stories float down
the ages from the mists of time.
The stone cave was allegedly inhabited by early man from where
stones were thrown to kill animals lower down the slopes and the
dead animals would be taken to the cave for feasting. The cave was
also used as a place of safety where clan leaders could rest
safely and plot against incomers such as those from present day
Rwanda who attempted to spread into the area. The Batwa (pygmies) eventually took control
of the cave, however they were later forced from the recluse by
the Bakiga ("people of the mountains") who now populate the area. The Batwa were forced into the forests where today they are better known as the pygmy people. Today the cave is only home to bats, birds and its entrance is masked
by overgrown shrubs and trees.
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As yet largely uncommercialised,
Western Uganda has many tourist
attractions for the explorer to visit.
As well as the main tourist attractions
there are many other activities
to enjoy in Western Uganda.
A guide to the main towns in and
around Western Uganda, where to stay,
eat and things to see and do.
A comprehensive guide to the best
places to stay when visiting Western
Uganda from hotels to camp sites.