Fort Portal is just under 200 miles from Uganda's capital Kampala and has a population of some 42,670 (2021). Fort Portal is named after Sir Gerald Herbert Portal who was appointed as British Special Commissioner to East Africa in 1892 and visited Uganda to establish whether the area should become a British Protectorate to replace the failing Imperial British East Africa Company. His recommendation that it should become a protectorate was accepted by the British Government however he died at the age of 36yrs old, six months
before his recommendation became a reality on 18th June 1894. His
statue still stands in the town centre (above).
There is much to see
and do when out and about in Fort Portal from a vibrant nightlife with town
centre clubs such as Africana and the Forest Bar and daily markets around the
area. Most however will want to take in Fort Portal's tourist attractions which range
from caves and waterfalls to Royal Palaces (with Fort Portal being the home of
the traditional Tooro Kingdom) and tombs to its tea plantations and guided walks
that take in crater lakes with their bubbling sources. There is good accommodation in and about Fort Portal from which you can use as a
base for trips and adventures to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Bigodi
Wetland Sanctuary and the Kibale forest. Food is plentiful both for those who
prefer traditional African food and those who would rather have international
cuisine with the Dutchess hotel and restaurant close to the centre of town offering
pizzas, burgers etc.
On these pages we hope to provide all you need to know about Fort Portal however
if you know of other tourist attractions in Fort Portal get in touch and let us
know using our contact form to update our travel guide.
Fort Portal Tourist Attractions
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As yet largely uncommercialised,
Western Uganda has many tourist
attractions for the explorer to visit.
As well as the main tourist attractions
there are many other activities
to enjoy in Western Uganda.
A guide to the main towns in and
around Western Uganda, where to stay,
eat and things to see and do.
A comprehensive guide to the best
places to stay when visiting Western
Uganda from hotels to camp sites.