Amabere Ga NyinaMwiru Caves Exploration

Amabere Ga NyinaMwiru Caves Exploration

Amabere Ga NyinaMwiru Caves Exploration : is a cultural site with remarkable history in western Uganda. It is located in Fort portal town near Nyakasura School a few kilometers out of Fort portal town. Actually, this rock is as a result of formation of stalagmites and stalactites.  You can stop by while on your tour to Semuliki national park for birding safari or viewing the hot springs. You can also combine  it to Kibale national park for chimpanzee tracking. On the other hand, you can combine it to Queen Elizabeth national park for a wildlife safari and boat excursion.

Historical Background
Geographical formation

Actually this is a home to a very rich cultural history attached to these rocks which form scenic caves. They also have streams of water above them causing refreshing waterfalls for those who visit. Here, you are welcomed by the sweltering sound of the waterfalls, the glorious distressed waterfalls hissing out the caves. The environment is pretty cool due to moisture content of the falls since the thick forest cover doesn’t allow it to escape. Breast like feature hang on the roof of the caves with whitist milk like substance tickling out.

This milk like substance was created by chemical reaction between water and salt many years ago. As a result, the name “Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru “a local name to mean the breast of Nyinamwiru. In fact, these rocks and caves are called stalagmites and stalactites. A stalagmite is a type of speleothem that rises from the floor of a limestone cave. This is due to the dripping of mineralized solutions and the deposition of calcium carbonate. Besides, the corresponding formation on the ceiling of a cave is known as a stalactite. If these formations grow together, the result is known as a column.

Cultural Myth

According to the locals around, the Bachwezi from the great Batembuzi dynasty lived here between the 13th and 19th century. These people possessed supernatural powers and never died but instead disappeared mysteriously. The Batoro have a strong belief attached to these caves with an interesting myth told through the generations. The caves were named after King Bukuku’s daughter named Nyinamwiru, loosely translated ‘Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru’. King Bukuku was one of the ancient Kings of the Batembuzi Dynasty that ruled that time. They were believed to be demi-gods by their subjects, often disappearing to the underground at given times. In fact, the princess was a beautiful young lady who had a strong personality. She refused to marry the man her father the King had chosen for her.

This greatly infuriated the King and his subjects who could not understand how anyone could disobey the King. The King then ordered that her breasts be cut off because of her disobedience. This would then ensure that she would never get married to whoever she would choose and never be able to nurse children. It is strongly believed that the scenic rocks in this location are her breasts oozing milk since that day. In the midst of this opulent green verdure, nature and culture come together. The ground is rather slippery though and it is covered by hundreds of fallen leaves from over the years. 

From this site one can take hike to Nyakasura hill which will give you views of 3 different crater lakes. You can also visit the marking of a large foot in the area. This is believed to belong to one of the last Batembuzi dynasty people who were giants like humans. 

The Common Ostrich | The World’s Largest Bird

The Common Ostrich | The World’s Largest Bird

The Common Ostrich | The World’s Largest Bird : is the world’s largest bird  and fastest runner of any bird. Lacking teeth, ostriches swallow pebbles to grind their food and an adult ostrich carries about 1kg of stones at any time. Generally, they can sprint at over 70 km/hour, covering up to 5m in a single stride.

Their running is aided by having just two toes on each foot with the large nail on the larger, inner toe resembling a hoof. When threatened, the ostrich will either hide itself by lying flat against the ground or run if concerned. Although they are powerful, long legs can be formidable weapons. They are therefore capable of killing a human or a potential predator like a lion with a forward kick. Additionally, its feathers are decorative and are also used as feather dusters. Its skin is also used for leather products and its meat is marketed commercially. 

Ostrich facts
Appearance

The feathers of adult males are mostly black, with white primaries and a white tail. The long neck and legs keep their head up to 2.8 m (9 ft) above the ground. More so, their eyes are said to be the largest of any land vertebrate helping them to see predators at a great distance. However, the head and bill are relatively small for the birds’ huge size. Their skin also varies in color depending on the subspecies. Some are having light or dark gray skin while others have pinkish or even reddish skin. The strong legs of the common ostrich are unfeathered and show bare skin with the tarsus being covered in scales.

Diet

The Ostrich is one of the world’s largest omnivores, consuming both plants and animals. Sometimes they also feed on invertebrates though and they lack teeth. However, they mainly feed on seeds, shrubs, grass, fruit as well as flowers.  In addition, they swallow pebbles that act as gastroliths to grind their food in the gizzard. Interestingly, an adult ostrich carries about 1kg of stones in its stomach. Ostriches that live in captivity such as zoos have very different food sources than their wild counterparts. On the other hand ostriches that live in captivity often consume diets full of components. These include; alfalfa, hay, commercial pellets, grains and fresh vegetables.

Breeding

They generally have wings that reach a span of about 2metres used in mating displays. These are also used to shade chicks, to cover the naked skin of the upper legs and flanks to conserve heat, etc. Ostriches perform a complex mating ritual consisting of the cock alternating wing beats until he attracts a mate. Afterwards, they will go to the mating area and he will drive away all intruders. The cock will then excitedly flap alternate wings again, and starts poking on the ground with his bill. He will then violently flap his wings to symbolically clear out a nest in the dirt. While the hen runs circle around him with lowered wings, he will wind his head in a spiral motion. She will later drop to the ground and he will mount for copulation.

Behavior

As a matter of fact, these birds spin in circles when they are happy as a way of expressing their emotions. It is also a form of play as they will often make themselves extremely dizzy before walking funny to clear their heads. Ostriches normally spend the winter months in pairs or alone. During breeding season and sometimes during extreme rainless periods, they live in nomadic ‘herds’ of 5-50 birds led by a top hen. In fact, they often travel together with other grazing animals, such as zebras or antelopes. Territorial fights between males for a harem of two to seven females usually last just minutes. However, they can easily cause death through slamming their heads into opponents.

Habitat

The towering birds live in sandy and arid habitats, particularly in open country. Common environments for these birds include savannas, woodlands, desert, plains, dry grasslands and scrubs, etc. Today common ostriches prefer open land and are native to the savannas and Sahel of Africa both north and south of the equatorial forest zone. Besides, in southwest Africa they inhabit the semi-desert or true desert.

Frequently asked questions
Do Ostrich have 3 stomachs and WHY?

The answer is “YES” Just unlike all other living birds, Ostriches have three (3) stomachs. This is because they need to metabolize the tough plant matter that they eat, which they can’t do in just a single stomach. Ostriches can go without drinking for several days, using metabolic water and moisture in ingested roots, seeds and insects. However, they enjoy liquid water and frequently take baths where it is available.

Where they are found

In Uganda ostriches can only be found in Kidepo valley national park in north eastern part of the country. However, outside the park they can be spotted at the Uganda wildlife Education Centre. Ostriches are also apparently endemic to Africa living in Savannah semi-arid areas.