Fort Portal City
Fort Portal City is situated in western Uganda, in the Kabarole District, at the northern base of the Rwenzori Mountains. It is the only city in Uganda that has an English name, and it is the tourism city of Uganda. The city’s name originates from the colonial time of the British in Uganda. Sir Gerald Portal, a colonial master, was living in Uganda in the 1980s. Fort Portal was named after him since he stayed in the area.
The city is dominated by the Batooro, whose kingdom is the most prominent tribe in the town, and their palace is situated within the city. Initially, it was called Kabarole, meaning “Let them see” in the Rutooro. The city is majorly under the Tooro kingdom, which the Omukama Oyo heads. Fort Portal City has the best stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
What to see in Fort Portal City?
Fort Portal City, also known as the tourism capital of Uganda, offers multiple tourist attractions to explore during a Uganda safari. These attractions include;
Kibale National Park
The Kibale National Park is located near Fort Portal City, with one of the coolest atmospheres. The park is famous for chimpanzee trekking, which is done within the Kibale forest. The park is also home to 12 other primates and 372 bird species, making it a birders’ haven for tourists on a Uganda safari. Kibale is also accessible via the Kampala-Mubende-Fort Portal Highway. This becomes a fantastic destination for a traveller on a Uganda safari to Fort Portal City.
Tooro Kingdom Palace
The Tooro Palace is located within Fort Portal City, with a captivating view of the city from Karuzika Hill, which was built in 1960. It was refurbished in 2005 with modern designs to follow the new trends in the world, with support from international and local friends. The kingdom was fully restored in 1993 by the current ruling government, following Obote’s 1980 abolition of all kingdoms in Uganda.
Amabere caves
These caves are 5 miles away from Fort Portal City, and they were initially called Nyakasura Caves. These are referred to as the breasts of the mother of Mwiru. She believed that her breasts were cut off by her dad, who was the king. He did it to make her unattractive to men so that she would not give birth to a bastard who would kill her. So, the Bukuku, the gatekeeper of the king, had to hide her in the caves. During your visit to these caves, you will also have the opportunity to see the Nyakasura Falls and hike to the summit for breathtaking views of Lake Saka and Lake Kigere.
Semuliki National Park
While on your Uganda safari to Fort Portal City, Semuliki National Park is one of the bucket list destinations to visit. This park is home to over 53 mammal species and 442 bird species. This makes it a true birders’ haven for travellers on their Uganda safari. While on your visit to Semuliki National Park, you will have the opportunity to see the hot springs. That is to say, the female and male hot springs. Here, you will boil eggs in these hot springs, as their waters reach temperatures of up to 40 degrees, which is very hot.
Tooro Botanical Gardens
This garden was established in 2001 to help conserve and protect the rare species of trees that were facing challenges of extinction in the western part of Uganda. In this area, there is a variety of Albertine Rift Valley species to offer. During your visit to the botanical gardens, you will have the opportunity to do a birding safari since the birds will have a habitat. Such bird species include Scaly Franklin, Luther’s bush shrike and many others.
Where to stay?
While in Fort Portal, there is a variety of accommodation facilities that one can stay in, and these facilities range from the high-end, midrange and budget facilities. High-end facilities or luxury facilities are facilities that operate on standards. They offer a high-end experience to travellers on their Uganda safari that is usually 4 to 5 stars. These facilities include: a crater safari lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Amaraga Rift Valley Lodge, Papya Lake Lodge and many others.
Midrange facilities offer services that are neither expensive nor inexpensive. The services are based on satisfaction standards. These include Ataco Country Resort, Fort Fun City Hotel, Princess Court Apartment, Nayika Hotel, the Moon Hotel and many others.
Budget accommodation facilities offer services at an affordable level to travellers in Uganda on safari in Fort Portal City, including New Fort Views, Kyaninga Royal Cottages, Fort Breeze Hotel, and many others.
Could you please get to Fort Portal City?
Fort Portal City is located in western Uganda, in the Kabarole District, which is approximately 297 kilometres from Kampala. This is about a 6-hour drive using the Kampala – Mityana – Fort Portal Highway. On the other hand, the city can be accessed by air. Travellers on a Uganda safari have to book a direct domestic flight from Entebbe to the Tooro Semuliki Airstrip. You will be transferred by car to the city for your thrilling adventure.
What is the best time to visit Fort Portal?
Fort Portal City is accessible throughout the year. However, the best times to visit the city are in June, July, August, September, December, and February. This is because these are the dry months of the year when you can visit the city. Book your Fort Portal Tour Now and create a lasting memory.
