Fort Portal Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Fort Portal with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, dining, and accommodation options.


Introduction to Fort Portal

Nestled in the Rwenzori Mountains in the western region of Uganda is the charming town of Fort Portal. Known for its lush greenery, breathtaking vistas, and friendly locals, this town is an off-the-beaten-track destination that rewards visitors with its natural beauty and cultural charm.

List of Places to Visit in Fort Portal

If you’re planning a trip to Fort Portal, here are the top attractions that you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Amabere Caves: These caves are believed to be the birthplace of the legendary Katuru, one of the first Bachwezi kings. The name “Amabere” means “breasts,” and the cave features stalactites that resemble breasts, which are considered sacred by the locals.
  • Karambi Tombs: This impressive historical site is the burial place of the Omukama of Toro, the king of the Toro Kingdom. The tombs feature an intricate architectural design and are surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Tooro Palace: This palace is the official residence of the King of Toro Kingdom and is located in the heart of Fort Portal. The palace is a fine example of traditional architecture and features exhibits on the history and culture of the local people.

Natural Attractions of Fort Portal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kibale National Park: This national park is located just outside of Fort Portal and is home to a range of exotic wildlife, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and colorful birds. Visitors can take guided tours, hikes, and nature walks to get a closer look at the wildlife and take in the lush greenery.
  • Semliki National Park: This park is located on the border of Congo and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, and leopards. Visitors can take guided tours of the park and take in the breathtaking views of the Albertine Rift Valley.
  • Fort Portal Crater Lakes: These scenic lakes are remnants of the volcanic activity in the region and offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can hike or bike along the lakes’ edges and take in the views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fort Portal

  • Mahoma Trail: This trail is located in the Kibale National Park and offers a scenic hike through the forest, leading to the beautiful Mahoma Falls.
  • Fort Portal Crater Lakes Hike: This hike takes visitors through several crater lakes, each with its unique charm and beauty. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.
  • Biking to Rwaihamba Crater Lake: This bike trail takes visitors through scenic hills and valleys to the beautiful Rwaihamba Crater Lake, where they can enjoy a relaxing picnic.

Best Things to Do in Fort Portal: Activities and Tours

  • Chimpanzee Trekking: Kibale National Park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and visitors can take guided tours to trek these primates and observe them in their natural habitat.
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the stunning beauty of Fort Portal from a hot air balloon. The Hot Air Balloon Safari takes visitors above the forests, lakes, and valleys, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the region.
  • Visit a Tea Plantation: Fort Portal is known for its tea plantations, and visitors can visit one of these plantations to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of Uganda’s best teas.
  • Visit a Local Market: The local markets of Fort Portal offer a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of the locals and buy some souvenirs and local products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fort Portal

Day 1: Arrive in Fort Portal and check into your hotel. Take a walking tour of the town and visit the Karambi Tombs. Day 2: Take a trip to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking and explore the park’s other natural attractions. Day 3: Visit the Amabere Caves and the Tooro Palace. Day 4: Take a hot air balloon safari to enjoy scenic views of Fort Portal from above. Day 5: Go hiking or biking along the Fort Portal Crater Lakes. Day 6: Visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process. Day 7: Visit a local market to buy souvenirs and local products.

Food and Drink Scene of Fort Portal

Must-Try Dishes

  • Matoke: This is a staple food in Uganda and is made from steamed green bananas. It is often served with peanut sauce, meat, or fish.
  • Ruwenzori Trout: This fresh fish is sourced from the nearby Rwenzori Mountains and is served in many local restaurants.
  • Groundnut Soup: This flavorful soup is made from peanuts and is a popular dish in the region.

Local Beverages

  • Waragi: This is a type of gin made from bananas and is popular in Uganda.
  • Coffee: Fort Portal is known for its high-quality coffee, and visitors can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee in many local restaurants and cafes.
  • Nile Special Lager: This is a popular beer in Uganda and is a must-try for beer lovers.

Where to Stay in Fort Portal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Kyaninga Lodge: This luxurious lodge is located on a hill with stunning views of Lake Kyaninga. The lodge features a restaurant, bar, and spa.
  • Rwenzori View Guesthouse: This guesthouse is a budget-friendly option located in the heart of Fort Portal. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the guesthouse features a garden and on-site restaurant.
  • Mountains of the Moon Hotel: This hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood in Fort Portal and features a pool, restaurant, and bar.

What to Buy in Fort Portal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Crafts: The local markets offer a range of handmade crafts, such as baskets, woven mats, and traditional clothing.
  • Tea: Fort Portal is known for its high-quality tea, and visitors can buy a range of tea products to bring home.
  • Coffee: Locally sourced and freshly roasted coffee is a popular item to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Fort Portal

The local people of Fort Portal are warm and friendly, and visitors should take note of the following customs when interacting with them:

  • Respect the local customs: Fort Portal has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should respect this by being mindful of the local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly: Fort Portal is a conservative place, and visitors should avoid dressing in revealing clothing.
  • Greet people respectfully: The local people place a lot of importance on greetings, so visitors should greet people respectfully when they meet them.

Best Time to Visit Fort Portal

The best time to visit Fort Portal is from June to September and from December to February when the weather is dry, and the temperatures are mild. The rainy season is from March to May and from October to November, and the roads can be challenging to navigate during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fort Portal

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Dress modestly
  • Greet people respectfully
  • Take guided tours to the parks and natural attractions

Don’t:

  • Take photographs without permission
  • Disrespect the local culture and customs
  • Litter or damage the natural attractions

Safety and Health

Safety in Fort Portal

Fort Portal is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should take the following precautions:

  • Avoid walking alone at night
  • Keep valuables such as cameras and phones concealed
  • Be cautious when using public transportation

Health in Fort Portal

Visitors should take the following health precautions when visiting Fort Portal:

  • Get vaccinated against yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B
  • Drink bottled water or boiled water
  • Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites

Getting to Fort Portal: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fort Portal

The nearest airport to Fort Portal is the Entebbe International Airport, which is about 300 km away. Visitors can take a taxi from the airport to Fort Portal or take a domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip, which is about 30 km from the town.

Bus Stations Near Fort Portal

Fort Portal is well-connected by bus to other cities and towns in Uganda. The main bus station in Fort Portal is located in the town center, and visitors can take buses to and from Kampala, Kasese, and other nearby destinations.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi to explore Fort Portal and its surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Fort Portal

Visitors can get around Fort Portal by walking or taking a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) or a taxi. Visitors should negotiate the fare with the drivers before getting on the boda-boda or taxi.

Where to Go Next from Fort Portal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: This national park is located about 30 km from Fort Portal and offers a range of wildlife and natural attractions, including hippos, elephants, and scenic lakes.
  • Rwenzori Mountains: These stunning mountains are located about 50 km from Fort Portal and offer a range of hiking and trekking opportunities to explore the mountains’ natural beauty.
  • Murchison Falls National Park: This national park is located about 290 km from Fort Portal and offers a range of wildlife and natural attractions, including chimpanzees, elephants, and the stunning Murchison Falls.

Conclusion

Fort Portal is a hidden gem in Uganda’s Western region, offering a range of natural and cultural attractions that are sure to captivate visitors. With its friendly locals, stunning vistas, and range of activities and tours, Fort Portal is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

View over Fort Portal, showcasing the lushness of the city. View over Fort Portal, showcasing the lushness of the city.