Tourism Activities in Fort Portal City
Bigodi wetland Sanctuary
This wetland is endowed with an interlocking eco-system and commonly known for its unique birds which call it a home. It is a birders heaven with a recorded number 138 species, there are also some primates which can be spotted in this swamp such as: blue monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys and other wildlife like bush buck, mongoose.
Semuliki national park
The park begun as a forest reserve in in 1932 but later in 1993 it became a national park. It is bordered by Rwenzori mountains on the south eastern side and the lake Albert in the northern side. Semuliki national park is known as the birder’s haven with over 400 bird species. There are over 50 mammal species in the park. The park faces a challenge of encroachment from the locals around the park who hunt animals, cut down tree for firewood and herbs. There are tribes which live near the park, they include; the Bakonjo and Bamba, the Batuku and the Batwa. The Bamba are farmers who grow crops at the foot of Rwenzori mountains.
The park is situated in one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests. The park is a good place for those interested in hiking as they see flora and fauna, different bird species like long-tailed Hawk, red-billed Helmet shrike among others.
Semuliki national park lies along the main fort portal to Bundibugyo Road, approximately 52km from fort portal. The road becomes muddy with trenches after heavy rains. Semuliki national park has attractions like, the sempaya hot springs, game drives, primates and chimpanzee, brids, game drives, boat rides, nature walks and so much more.
KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK.
Kibale national park is located in western Uganda covering an area of 795km south of east fort portal. The park is famous and known for being the best park for chimpanzee trekking safaris in east Africa. Kibale has the highest number of primates in Africa with over 13 species in primates inclusive of chimpanzees. This park is also commonly known as the primate capital of the world a home to the chimpanzees, it also has 71 mammals, 13 primates, 372 bird species and 350 plant species. It is situated in western Uganda protecting Kibale rain forest comprising of low land and montane relief and 739km2 in size. The park has a favorable climate with temperature ranging between 14-270C per year, it receives lots of rainfall especially in the rainy season which starts from March- May and October-November
Kibale Forest National Park has varied vegetation ranging from tropical forest to woodland, savannah and swamps this is because of its altitude which stands at 1590m above sea level in the north to 1100m on the Albertine rift valley floor in the southern part of the park.
Kibale Forest National Park has a connection corridor to Queen Elizabeth National park in the south, it extends up to Ishasha Sector and other far areas of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Attractions in kibale forest national park include; primate tracking, chimpanzee tracking, birding, kibale forest tour, bigodi wetland sanctuary, community tours and so much more.
The Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains covers approximately 1000km squared, the mountain has the third highest peak in Africa which is approximately 5,109 feet. The mountain has waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, flora and fauna and lakes. The mountain has different mountain ranges which include Margherita the highest on this mountain but third highest in Africa, the mount Speke, and mount Baker which is the fifth highest peak in Africa. However, the mountain has other ranges like mount Luigi da Savoia, Mount Stanley which is the highest, mount Emin Pasha and mount Gessi which are separated by deep gorges. As you climb the mountain, the vegetation keeps on changing. This is because of the altitude.
Rwenzori Mountains national park is located in south western Uganda, kasese district near the Democratic Republic of Congo boarder, approximately 300km from Kampala city if you pass via Mubende Fort portal route, and approximately 360km if you use Masaka-Mbarara busenyi then to kasese route. The park was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1994, it is also referred to as the mountains of the moon. Attractions in Rwenzori mountains national park include; mountain climbing, bird watching, hiking and nature walks, wildlife viewing, cultural encounters and so much more.
Tooro palace.
The palace was built in 1963, but later was abolished by Idi Amin Dada, later it was restored and constructed in 2001 by the by then president of Libya Gadhafi
Visiting Tooro palace will give you a 360 degree panoramic view of the whole fort portal town..
Amabere caves
These are commonly known as Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru which translates as breasts of Nyina Mwiru. They were named after the ancient folklore where the king had his daughter’s breasts cut off in order to make her less attractive to men. However, his plans failed and the daughter got pregnant, which prompted the king to hide her in a cave. You will get a chance to watch the waterfalls, nature walks, bird watching and so much more.
Tooro botanical gardens
Tooro botanical gardens have a number of plant species and trees, the gardens have organic farming projects, herbs, flowers, natural dyes plus medicinal plants.
Karambi royal tombs
This is where the former kings of Tooro kingdom where buried. The tombs have the royal spears and drums which were used by the kings.
Other attractions in fort poral city include; Kihingami wetlands, Uganda crater lakes tours, Nkuruba community tour, Lake Nkuruba nature reserve
