Founded in 2001, the Tooro Botanical Gardens were established in Fort Portal to help conserve trees and other plant life that was at risk or facing extinction in Western Uganda. Today the gardens are flourishing and cover a 100 acre site and not only concentrates on conservation but also scientific research and education. The Tooro Botanical Gardens also encourage sustainable agriculture and partners with SATNET, the Sustainable Agriculture Trainers Network.
Visitors to the gardens can enjoy a guided tour by well informed staff as well as strolling around the gardens with their abundance of flowers, medicinal plants and fruits and buy saplings and honey from the shop.
There are many different trails to take which take in stone gardens, butterfly breeding and tree nurseries.
It's also a haven for bird watching which can be enjoyed from the tree houses there. Bird species include the Scaly Francolin, Ludher’s Bush-shrike and Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Sunbirds, Waxbills and Flycatchers as well as Hamerkop and Woodland Kingfishers.
Also keep an eye out for the many reptiles that have found a home there and for other wildlife in the ponds.
This short video provides a great introduction to the gardens and what you can expect to see there. Set aside a few hours to fully explore this project. A worthy addition to any visit to Fort Portal described by visitors as "place is cool, calm and relaxing. Great for picnics, meetings and family get togethers", "Beautiful gardens, very quiet u get to feel the beauty of nature", "Very beautiful and detailed gardens with various species of both fauna and flora. Lovely staff knowledge you will be wowed". The only criticism is that the toilet facilities are very basic. And we mean very.
Their website is frequently down however you can keep up-to-date with events at the botanical gardens by visiting their website page:
