Fort Portal City
Fort Portal City is located in western Uganda in the Kabarole district in the northern part of the foothills 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 around the area.
The city is dominated by the Batooro whose kingdom is the dominant tribe in the city and their palace is located within the city. Originally it was called Kabarole meaning “Let them see” in the Rutooro. The city is majorly under the Tooro kingdom which is headed by the Omukama Oyo. Fort Portal City has the best stunning views of Mountain Rwenzori.
What to see in Fort Portal City?
The Fort Portal City or the tourism city of Uganda has multiple tourist attractions to see while on 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 other 12 primates and 372 bird species making it a birders’ haven for tourists on Uganda safari. Kibale is also accessed via the Kampala – Mubende – Fort Portal Highway. This becomes an amazing destination for a traveller on a Uganda safari to Fort Portal City.
Tooro Kingdom Palace
The Tooro palace is located within the Fort Portal City. With a catchy view of the city in Karuzika Hill that 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 after Obote in 1980 abolishing all kingdoms out of Uganda.
Amabere caves
These caves are 5 miles away from Fort Portal City and these caves were originally called Nyakasura Caves. These are referred to as the breasts of the mother of Mwiru. She believed that her breasts were cut off by the dad who was the king. He did it to make her unattractive to men so that she would not give birth to a bustard that would kill her. so, the Bukuku the gatekeeper of the king had to hide her in the caves. So, on your visit to these caves, you will also be able to see the Nyakasura Falls and hike to the top of the world to have 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 travelers on their Uganda safari. While on your visit to Semuliki National Park, the travelers will have the opportunity to see the hot springs. That is to say the female and male hot springs. Here, you will do the egg boiling on these hot springs since their waters are up to 40 degrees 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 are a variety of the Albertine Rift Valley species that 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 are operating on standards. They offer a high-end experience to travelers on their Uganda safari that are 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 are facilities that offer services that are neither expensive nor cheap. And the services are on the satisfaction standards. Tese include Ataco Country Resort, Fort Fun City Hotel, Princess Court Apartment, Nayika Hotel, mountains of the Moon Hotel and many others.
Budget accommodation facilities are facilities that offer services at an economic level to travellers in Uganda on a safari in Fort Portal City including new fort views, kyanising royal cottages, Fort Breeze Hotel and many others.
How to get to Fort Portal City?
Fort Portal City is located in western Uganda in Kabarole district which is over 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 can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the city is 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 signature of memories.
