Located in Western Uganda, Fort Portal is a city full of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. On July 1, 2020, it was officially made a city, showing how much it is growing in importance as a tourist destination. If you’re looking for a place where mountains meet forests, ancient caves tell stories, and friendly people greet you at every turn, Fort Portal is the place for you. Take a break from your everyday life, pack your curiosity, and let me show you the wonders of this city.
Start your day in Fort Portal with a view of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” These mountains are one of the few places in Africa with snow, and their highest peak, Mount Margherita, stands at 5,109 meters. The Rwenzoris offer amazing hiking and mountain climbing experiences. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone who just wants to explore, the Rwenzoris will surprise you with their beauty as you walk through misty valleys, past rare plants, and alongside clear streams. It’s an adventure you’ll remember for a long time.
Just a short drive from the city is Kibale National Park, called the “Primate Capital of the World.” This forest is home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees, and you can track them as they swing through the trees, play, and live freely. The park also has other primates, like the rare L’Hoest monkey, as well as over 375 species of birds. Walking beneath tall trees that are more than 200 years old, you’ll hear the sounds of nature all around you—making Kibale a great place for anyone who loves wildlife.
For something a little different, visit the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves, which are full of history and legends. The caves are named after a story where a king cut off his daughter’s breasts to stop suitors from asking for her hand in marriage. The stalactites in the cave look like breasts, and the story is part of the area’s rich culture. Nearby, you’ll find waterfalls and Lake Nkuruba, a peaceful place surrounded by a forest with monkeys and colorful birds. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Fort Portal’s culture is just as exciting. At the top of a hill, you’ll find the Karuzika Palace, which offers great views of the city. This palace is a reminder of the Tooro Kingdom’s history, and it was restored in 2001 with help from Libya’s Colonel Gaddafi. The people of Fort Portal, known as the Batooro, are friendly and greet visitors with “empaako”—special names that show their strong sense of community. Visit the Wednesday market, where traders from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet, or the Tooro Botanical Gardens, a peaceful 100-acre park full of native trees and birds.
Beyond the city, there are even more beautiful places to visit. Semuliki National Park, known for its hot springs, and Lake Albert, which is surrounded by the Rwenzori foothills, are close by. The countryside is full of crater lakes, tea plantations, and hills covered in green. Fort Portal itself is a clean, cool city located at 1,523 meters above sea level. Whether you’re staying in a guesthouse or enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, the city feels welcoming and makes you feel at home.
Why should you visit Fort Portal? Because it offers the perfect mix of adventure, peace, and history. Every corner of the city has something new to discover, whether it’s watching a chimpanzee, seeing a mountain view, or hearing a story from long ago. Fort Portal is not just a city to visit; it’s a place that invites you to connect with its heart. Will you answer the call and come explore?
