Ibanda Hills Hike: Caves, Views and Camping
Located in Nyamirima Ibanda Municipality, Ibanda hills, Nyakahondogoro caves and Mabanga hills, are a spectacular site to behold. They are a holy site for believers, and allegedly home to the Bachwezi demigods therefore very important to the locals in many ways including income generation through tourism. A perfect hiking and camping site for the outdoors person and traveler.
Nyakahondogoro cave
To the local populations of Ibanda, this cave is a holy site for believers. The locals believe this site to be the home of the Bachwezi, the founders of the ancient Empire of Kitara.
The Galt Monument
Outside Ibanda lies a pile of stones in shape of a pyramid which marks the spot where a British colonial administrator was murdered in 1905. Another interesting site to visit on this long road trip to western Uganda.
The experience
Visit the mystic Nyakahondogoro caves, believed to be the home of the Bachwezi, the founders of the ancient Empire of Kitara.
The hike up Mabanga starts at Nyamirima and takes you through hills, community trails right up to Nyakahondogoro caves with a brief but steep ascent to the top of Mabanga hill.
It is a beginner level hike of 11 km and takes up to 5 hours for the slowest hiker. The maximum elevation is 623m, offering a picturesque view of Ibanda and the countryside.
What to pack
It is both camping and hiking. So here is a packing list.
For more preparation tips, read our backpack packing guide and long-hike packing guide.
Hiking gear
- Hiking backpack
- Hiking boots or trail running shoes
- Thick hiking socks
- Hiking pants
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Quick dry and light hiking shirt
- Sun hat
- Sun glasses
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunscreen/sun protection cream
- Hiking pole
- Hydration pack
Camping gear
- Sleeping bag(we provide if you have non)
- Hand sanitizer
- Body wipes – the best camp hack to stay clean!
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Biodegradable soap
- Toilet paper
- Trash bags
- warm clothing
- Headtorch
- Wool socks
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Pants for the cooler evening
- Shorts
- Sleeping thermals
- Long sleeve shirt
- Short sleeve shirt
- Sandals – depending on what you plan to do
- Undergarments
All this can be placed in a good waterproof backpack.
This camping blog post can be of help for beginner campers https://sunny-outdoors-ug.myshopify.com/blogs/hiking-and-trekking/tent-camping-for-beginners
Itinerary
Day 1
6.30am- Departure from Kampala. meeting point is Lugogo mall at 6am.
1pm- arrival at Mayor's garden inn campsite. set up camp and prepare for the hike.
1.30- Drive to trail 15 minutes away head and start the hike. The hike lasts 5 hours for the slowest hiker so we should be done by 7pm.
7pm- Dinner, campfire and social till late. Retire at will.
Day 2:
8am- Breakfast
9 am- Departure from Kampala passing by the Galt Monument outside Ibanda town.
5pm- estimated time of arrival in Kampala
Bookings:
For the 11-12th may 2024 event- tap on link https://sunny-outdoors.com/products/ibanda-hills-hike?_pos=1&_psq=ibanda&_ss=e&_v=1.0
For private adventurer bookings call/text +256702590664