This article talks about the top things to do in Fort Portal, plus a whole lot more. Let’s begin!
In Uganda, Fort Portal is a beautiful town with many tourist attractions. By now you are probably aware that it was named after Sir Gerald Herbert Portal, the British Consul General of Zanzibar.
He arrived in Uganda in the 1890s to formally establish a British protectorate over Uganda.
This beautiful district is located 300 kilometers to the west of Kampala, the capital of Uganda, in the northern foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Many say that it’s the best place to start your Ugandan adventures.
In addition to other tourist attractions in Fort Portal, this city has up to 52 crater lakes, a vibrant culture, and various natural treasures, not withholding its amazing weather. Local and foreign tourists are drawn to Fort Portal City all year long and we’re about to find out why.
In this article, we discuss the top things to Do and See in Fort Portal plus a whole lot more. Let’s begin right away!
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Over 70 mammal species and 217 bird species may be found in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The park was established in 1991 and awarded World Heritage site status in 1994.
Most known, however, are the mountains and their breathtaking views. The location is also a top destination for trekking and mountaineering.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park, which is 150 miles from Kampala, is known for its Sempaya Hot Springs, which are always a wonder to see. It is also home to 442 bird species and 53 mammal species.
A park is an excellent place for bird watching because it has so many uncommon species of birds, although it doesn’t have a lot of animal diversity. With Lake Albert to its north and the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains to its southeast.
The park is situated along the Semuliki and Lamia rivers and on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Kibale National Park (Best Place for Chimpanzee Trekking)
One of Uganda’s most well-known and often visited national parks is Kibale. The abundance of chimpanzees that can be found here in their natural habitat makes the park well-known.
Additionally, the Superb Sunbird, White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Western Nicator, Grey-winged Robin-chat, White-tailed Ant-thrush, Hairy-breasted Barbet, and Brown-crowned Tchagra are just a few of the 375 bird species found in the park.
The Kibale Forest National Park is the main location for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a fantastic place for birders and anyone interested in primates. It is a one-hour drive from Fort Portal, tucked away on the edge of Kibale Forest.
You can see all the birds and wildlife you might have missed earlier in the day while observing the chimpanzees as you make your way through the swamp on wooden pathways.
Chimpanzee trekking and the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary are complementary activities that can both be completed in Kibale Forest in a half-day.
The Tooro Palace
The palace is worth a visit just for its 360-degree panoramic views of the town from its highest peak. King Oyo, who took the throne in 1995 at the age of three, lives there. You cannot enter the building, but a guide narrates the history of the monarchy and describes the ceremonies that take place inside.
The circular building, which had been constructed in 1963, was abandoned after Idi Amin abolished the regal kingdoms. After Colonel Gadaffi met the monarch and gave the money for repairs, it was repaired in 2001.
The Amabere Caves
The Amabere Caves often referred to as the “Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru,” or “Breasts of Nyinamwiru,” are named after an old folktale in which a local ruler had his daughter’s breasts removed to lessen her appeal to males.
Despite the King’s best efforts, his daughter became pregnant.
According to folklore, he later concealed her in a cave. Tourists can check out the local waterfalls and three crater lakes by going to the Amabere caves. Colobus monkeys can be found in the Amabere Caves as well.
Lake Albert
Lake Albert, which is situated in western Uganda between the countries of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, receives water from both the Semliki and the Victoria Nile in the north.
While Buliisa, the largest town at the north end of Lake Albert, has a population of about 30,000, it is a large lake with no significant towns on its shores on the lake’s Ugandan side. Instead, a relatively small population lives in nearby villages.
Hotels and Lodges in Fort Portal
Kyaninga Eco Cottages
From the sound of the name, this is the place for the person who believes in conserving the environment. They will love the Kyaninga Eco Cottages. The accommodation promises zero carbon emissions and is entirely run on solar power.
For construction, they used locally sourced materials and labor. Wherever they cut a tree, they planted a new one.
The cottages feature unobstructed views of Lake Kyaninga and the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains in addition to protecting wildlife.
They provide eight reasonably priced thatched-roof cottages with bathrooms that are ideal for singles, couples, and families.
Kluges Guest House Farm
Kluges Guest House is the ideal choice if you want to experience family-style hospitality, wholesome food, and a place to get away from the clamor of the city.
It has Ten self-contained cottages with terraces that allow you to peacefully take in the stunning surroundings. All around is a lush green garden that makes it look like paradise.
Tooro Fairway Hotel
Tooro Fairway Hotel is a popular destination because of its modern architecture and natural surroundings.
The Hotel has mostly large rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar serving a variety of cuisines, a patio, and a garden. They also offer full-body massages for guests that are looking to relax in all its entirety.
Customers adore the hotel’s welcoming personnel, round-the-clock room service, cutting-edge dining options, breakfast in bed, ample free parking, and breathtaking views.
The Duchess
The Duchess is a peaceful haven close to Fort Portal’s center. Its located in a quiet neighborhood and is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine.
This boutique hotel offers five rooms: three luxurious, one mid-range, and one inexpensive, making it ideal for visitors seeking a more personalized experience. Every room has an en suite bathroom, mosquito netting, and Wi-Fi. Televisions are also available in the more opulent rooms.
Conclusion
There are more than many ways to wind down and relax when in Fort Portal City. You may visit national parks and lakes, or simply book into a hotel and enjoy what they have to offer. It’s all up to you.
Just keep in mind that Fort Portal is best visited between late June and early October. Or, between December and February, when it’s dry. This is because most of the activities to do in Fort Portal like chimp trekking and nature walks won’t be impacted by rains.
During rainy seasons, however, the paths can become slippery or inaccessible for excursions. There’s we advise that you travel during the mentioned seasons for the best trip to Fort Portal.
