Fort Portal City is the tourism capital of Uganda. The city is a hub connecting various tourist destinations. It’s famous for being the most beautiful and clean city in Uganda, almost close to Kigali. In 2020, Fort Portal was among the 10 towns whose status was upgraded to that of a city.
Fort Portal is among the few vibrant cities and towns in western Uganda. It lies in the shadows of the Great Albertine Rift. Located in Kabarole district in western Uganda, in the capital of Toro Kingdom. One of the outstanding traditions in Uganda is Fort Portal, which lies at the foothills of the Rwenzori mountain ranges. Which makes it a place of beautiful endowments.
The name Fort Portal derived from the British special commissioner, Sir Gerald Herbert Portal. Who visited Uganda in 1892 to establish whether Uganda should become a British protectorate. When Portal visited Uganda, he went to western Uganda. And based himself here to undertake his tasks. This makes Fort Portal the only city or town in Uganda with an English name.
Fort Portal City is a lovable city with a rolling landscape. That holds many attractive features. Port Portal is located about 50 kilometers from Kasese District and 26 kilometers from Kibale National Park. The only city amidst various protected areas, particularly national parks, and these are Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kiabale National Park, Mt. Rwenzori National Park, and Semuliki National Park.
What to do when basing at Fort Portal
Visiting the traditional Amabere Ganyinamweru
The caves, which geographically were made due to stalagmite and stalactites dropping from the top of the caves, form the breast-like feature. Then traditional stories are connected to the tale of Nyinamwiru, a daughter of the King of the Bachwezi dynasty. The caves are located 7 kilometers from Fort Portal and attract a large number of tourists who wish to have a look at the breasts. Reaching the caves is a steep slope through the narrow path that leads to the roaring falls. It’s a breathtaking spot with an interesting story of what transpired within the Bachwezi dynasty.
Take a drive to Karinzu Palace.
Karuzika Palace, the administrative palace of Toro Kingdom, is situated on Karuzika Hill, which overlooks Fort Portal town. This palace was renovated in 2001 and is one of those scenic buildings that lends a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire town of Fort Portal. The Tooro palace is still home to the current King Tooro, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who has been the cultural leader of the Toro kingdom since 1995.
The Omukama Royal Palace
Just a few meters from the town is the panoramic view of Fort Portal Town from the top hill of Omukama Palace in Toro Kingdom. The circular palace structure was built in 1963, but after the abolition of kingdoms by President Obote, it fell into ruin. But in 2001, Colonel Muammar El Gadhafi met with Omukama Oyo and donated to reconstruct the palace. According to the historical narratives, Prince Olimi Kaboyo, son of the king of Bunyoro kingdom, annexed the southern province of his father’s kingdom and declared himself king of that land, Toro. He was warmly welcomed and accepted by the Batooro, who accepted him as Rukirabasaijja Omukama Kabayo Olimi.
Karambi Royal Tombs
Located 7km south-west of Fort Portal town along the Kasese Highway, it’s the burial grounds for several kings of the Tooro kingdom, and at the tombs, the caretaker takes you to view the graves of different kings with their drums and spears. Outside the tombs is the graveyard for members of the royal family. At the tombs, there are artifacts and information that narrates the kingdom’s history over the past centuries.
Tooro Botanical Gardens
Established in 2001 as a solution to conserve the rare exotic tree species that were at risk of going extinct in western Uganda. The garden sited on 100 acres, benefiting not only conservation but also education and scientific research. Within the garden, you have a guided tour with well-informed guides, and the composed atmosphere is an opening for lonely leisure resting in the heart of beautiful flowers.
Kyaninga Crater Lake
Close to Fort Portal are the beautiful scenic Crater Lakes, surrounded by elevated hills that are explored on a hike. The lake offers a breathtaking view of Mount Rwenzori and is located around the historical Amabere Caves. The beautiful, serene scenery provides a platform for hiking. Geographically, the crater lakes formed about 8,000–10,000 years ago by violent volcanoes exploding rocks and ash. These volcanic reactions are also responsible for the formation of the rift valley and the Rwenzori ranges. There are various hiking trails considering where the crater lake is located.
Visit Akira Alira Adventure Park.
After enjoying the natural beauty that baptizes Uganda as the Pearl of Africa, Akira Alira Adventures has invented another adrenaline adventure hub to accompany the rich tourist city of Fort Portal. Looking forward to a peaceful escape? Then Akira Alira has proven to offer a deal for your getaway in Fort Portal with great on-site amenities and fun and adventure activities. The adrenaline-pumping adventures to undertake at Akira Alira include wall climbing, obstacle courses, zip lining, land sailing, swimming, and mini golf. This amazing ship offers an ambiance that can’t be encountered elsewhere in the country, and on board, there is luxury accommodation with a restaurant and a bar.
Other destinations to explore based on Fort Portal
Close to Fort Portal, you can explore the surrounding parks while on a Uganda safari. South-west is Queen Elizabeth National Park for rare tree-climbing lions, game drives, and boat cruises. To view some of the big five, herds of wildlife. And schools of hippos in one of the world’s most populated hippo pools, the Kazinga Channel. West of Fort Portal are the Rwinzori Mountains, with one of the tallest mountain ranges in Africa and an opening to hike the top of a magnificent Margherita peak, and northern Semuliki National Park, the true birders haven.
Other adventures around include the top of the world. Where you have a world-class view of the Rwenzori mountain ranges; the thick Kibale Forest National Park. Which is also the primate world; and magnificent views of a variety of crater lakes. At Kyaninga Lodge, you can explore the Rift Valley Walk.
Where to stay in Fort Portal
There is worry about where to stay when in Fort Portal; there are quite a number of accommodation facilities that also provide dining and bar service. You should also not worry about the class of accommodation, as accommodations here range from 3 stars to world-class services, including:
- Lake Kifurka Eco Lodge
- Kyaninga Lodge
- Jerusalem Paradise
- Dutchess Hotel and Restaurant
- Kluges Guest Farm
- Fort Height Homestead
- Papaya Lake Lodge
- Westend Motel
- Kluges Guest Farm