Fort Portal.
Uganda is located in the western Uganda, this is a beautiful and then vibrant city known as the country’s ‘’Tourism City’’. Fort Portal is a home to some of Uganda’s most natural attractions and is known for its lush scenery, rich cultural heritage and friendly people. The city itself is a peaceful and clean town that is located at the foothills of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, and its surrounding areas are attraction for nature lovers.
The city was named after Sir Gerald Portal. Today, Fort Portal is the capital of the Tooro Kingdom, one of Uganda’s four traditional kingdoms. This rich history and connection to the Tooro people, who are known for their hospitality, make a visit to Fort Portal a unique cultural safari experience.
Top attractions and activities.
Fort Portal is located in the variety of safari expiernce it offers, from wildlife encounters to stunning landscapes and cultural experience.
Kibale Forest National Park; the Primate Capital.
Kibale forest national park is located just a short drive from Fort Portal it’s often called the ‘’Primate Capital of the world’’. This national park is the best safari destination in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. The dense, tropical forest is a home to over 1500 chimpanzees, along with 12 other primate species, including the rare L’Hoest’s monkey and red colobus monkeys. A chimpanzee trek in Kibale offers an unforgettable safari opportunity to get up close with our closest relatives as they play and groom high in the trees. For a more immersive safari experience, you can participate in chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) which allows you to spend a full day with the chimp community.
Crater Lakes Region.
The area around Fort Portal is a geological wonder that has 50 crater lakes. These beautiful lakes are formed by past volcanic activity that are located in steep, green hills and offer breathtaking views. Many of these lakes like Lake Kyaninga and Lake Nkuruba, have the best walking trails around them, making them perfect for scenic hikes and nature walks. You can also stay at lodges and campsites near the lakes, which provide perfect escape with the stunning scenery. The area’s unique topography makes it an excellent location for taking pictures and then peaceful exploration.
Amabera Caves and Nyakasura waterfalls.
Fort Portal is known for unique attractions like Amabere Caves (known as the ‘’breasts of Nyinamwiru). These caves are not true caves but rather a rock shelter with the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. According to local folklore, they are named after a legendary princess, Nyinamwiru whose breasts were cut off by her father to make her unattractive to suitors. The trek to the caves also takes you past the beautiful Nyakasura waterfalls and through lush vegetation. It’s an easy and then rewarding hike that provides you information into the history of the Tooro people.
Tooro Kingdom palace.
Tooro kingdom palace is located near the city, the Karuzika Palace is the official residence of the King of Tooro kingdom, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The palace is an important cultural landmark and a symbol of the kingdom’s heritage. While you cannot enter the place without the proper arrangement, you can visit the grounds and take in the panoramic views Fort Portal and then surrounding countryside. This is a great stop for anyone interested in Ugandan history and traditional kingdoms.
Tea plantations and scenery.
The area around Fort Portal is covered with the vast, then sprawling tea plantations. This are such beautiful that crate a green attraction across the rolling hills. On a safari the visitors can arrange tours to see the tea-growing process, from cultivation to harvesting and processing. It’s a great way to learn about the local economy and enjoy the serene, attractive landscape. The scent of fresh tea leaves in the air makes for a wonderful sensory experience.
How to get there.
Fort Portal is well connected to Uganda’s capital, Kampala through the well-maintained road. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours and is known for its beautiful scenery, passing through rolling hills and small towns. The city’s location also makes it a perfect starting point for longer safaris that include visits to other national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.