Amabere caves near Fort Portal
The Amabere caves, officially Amabere ga Nyinamwiru, are a cave and rock overhang about 8 to 9 km west of Fort Portal. You will see stalactites and stalagmites, white calcite deposits, and a waterfall beside the rock. Expect a compact site, not a large cave system you walk deep into.
Most visitors add it to a day with the crater lakes. If you also want chimpanzees, plan the trek first, because the Kibale trekking schedule sets the rest of your day.
What you see
Rock, water and white mineral deposits.
The cave and overhang
The site sits in limestone. Stalactites hang from the ceiling and stalagmites rise from the floor. They form when mineral-rich water drips over many years.
The white deposits
The pale, milky look comes from calcite left behind by the dripping water. It is not milk, whatever the tale says.
The waterfall
A waterfall falls beside the overhang. Whether you can walk to the base or into the pool depends on the day, so ask on arrival and do not plan on swimming.
Our pick: a trip with the Amabere caves
A guided Amabere caves stop is part of this five-day route.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours near Fort Portal
Day trips that combine Amabere with crater lakes, Kibale and Fort Portal, with live prices and availability.
The legend of Nyinamwiru
Amabere ga Nyinamwiru translates as the breasts of Nyinamwiru. In the story, Nyinamwiru was a king's daughter, and her father mutilated her. The white formations at the cave are said to be what remains.
This is a legend, not a record of events, and it is not a scientific explanation for the rock. Listen to it as a story. A short guided visit adds the local context and the geology.
How to get there
Distances differ depending on the start point.
The caves lie near Nyakasura, west of Fort Portal. The distance is 8 to 9 km, depending on where you start. The turn-off from the Bundibugyo Road is at Nyakasura Secondary School. A driver or boda-boda rider from town will know it. Ask about the state of the track on the day.
Before you go
Fees and guides
Entry and guide fees change, so ask at the gate or through your accommodation for the current amount before you pay. Do not rely on an old price you saw elsewhere.
Opening hours
Ask for the current hours and for any days when the site is closed.
Access to the waterfall
Ask whether the path to the falls is open on your day.
Parking
Ask your driver whether parking is available at the gate.
Combine Amabere with a hill walk
A hike on Kyeganywa Hill, which has a view of a crater lake, fits well with the caves. That makes a good half day west of town, ending with views over the lakes. See the crater lakes page for the walks in the same area.
Back in town, the Fort Portal guide lists what to do in the evening and the next day.
Amabere caves: frequently asked questions
What does Amabere ga Nyinamwiru mean?
It translates as the breasts of Nyinamwiru. The name comes from a legend about a king's daughter, which is told as a story and is not a historical record.
Is it a big cave system?
No. It is a cave and rock overhang with dripstone formations and a waterfall. Do not expect to walk deep underground.
How far is Amabere from Fort Portal?
About 8 to 9 km west of the town. The turn-off from the Bundibugyo Road is at Nyakasura Secondary School.
How much does it cost?
Fees change, so ask for the current entry and guide fee on site. Check it before you pay.
Can I swim at the waterfall?
Do not plan on it. Health advice warns against swimming in Ugandan freshwater, and access to the water depends on the day.