Kabata cave is found along Buhesi road within Kabata Village, a small junction set in the neighborhood of Kibale Forest National Park. The ‘primate capital of the world’ is undoubtedly the most popular safari destination for chimpanzees trekking in Uganda. But Kabata caves is one of the beautiful natural features you will encounter during your tour.
Kabata caves are large enough to accommodate up to 25 people at a go and are only about 5 kilometers south of Lake Nkuruba by road transfer. It is also between the luxurious Ndali Lodge, one of the most popular and unmissable places of lodging for visitors to Kibale Forest National Park and lake Lyantode campsite.
Interestingly, the caves can be reached from Nkuruba, where two more stunning crater lakes are easily seen from about half a kilometer away, before getting to the Village. A stone’s throw away, especially on the left-hand side of the road is the popular Lake Nyinambuga, on the current 20,000 Uganda shillings note. It was named for its moderate saline water.
Activities Conducted Within and Around Kabata Cave
Cave Tours Around Kabata Cave
Travelers to Kibale Forest National Park have the chance of taking a guided cave tour around Kabata cave, while learning more about the cultural significance of the area. The information learnt while here include the fact that it was used as a shrine for the Chwezi ancestors. While on this tour, visitors are likely to encounter different creatures that inhabit the cave such as snakes, frogs and different bird species. Birds to look out for include pygmy goose, African grey parrots, ross turaco, yellow-billed ducks, the great blue turacos and so much more.
Crater Lake Tours
Given the existence of Lake Nyinambuga around the area of Kabata cave, visitors are offered the opportunity of undertaking a crater lake tour. This includes a visit to the phenomenal Lake Kifuruka, surrounded by riparian and blanketed by floating water lilies. Lake Lyantode is about half a kilometer from Kabata caves and all you have to do is turn right to Buhesi road, after getting to Kabata Village.
Community/Cultural Tours
Visiting the Kabata Village also provides travelers with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of interacting with the local communities as well as sharing their unique lifestyles. A number of community activities such as traditional dance performances, banana juice and beer making as well as farming are offered.
After visiting Kabata cave, you can kick off an extension of your trip by driving southwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an amazing game safari. This can be done along the Kasenyi plain and the famous Ishasha sector in search for the famous tree climbing lions. Alternatively, you can also go straight to Bwindi Impenetrable for an amazing gorilla tracking holiday, so that you can explore the lives of the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.