Nakayima Tree
An enormous buttressed tree on Mubende Hill, a shrine associated with the Bacwezi and still in ritual use.
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The Nakayima tree stands on Mubende Hill, an enormous Ficus with buttress roots forming chambers large enough to walk between, estimated at several centuries old. It is a shrine associated with Ndahura, a Bacwezi ruler, and with Nakayima, the spirit medium of the site, and offerings are still left in the spaces between the roots. The hill was a centre of the Kitara polity and archaeological material has been found around it.
What you actually see
- The buttress roots - root walls forming chambers large enough to walk between.
- The shrine - offerings left in the root spaces by those seeking help.
- The Bacwezi association - the site linked to Ndahura and the Kitara rulers.
- The hilltop position - the view over Mubende and the surrounding country.
When to go
Year round; the site is open in daylight hours. Ritual activity happens at any time and takes precedence. Mornings are quietest.
Honest expectations
It is an active shrine and offerings and ceremonies are not a display; photographing them needs permission. Shoes are removed at the tree. The site is modest apart from the tree itself.
Nearby
Mubende is below, and Bigo bya Mugenyi is south.
What to pack for Nakayima Tree
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.