Fort Portal is a city located in the Western Region of Uganda. Also known as ‘Uganda’s Tourism Capital’ Fort Portal is the seat of both Kabarole District and historically is the capital of the Toro Kingdom.
Located approximately 296 kilometres (184 miles) by road, west of Kampala, Fort Portal is approximately a four hour road journey from Uganda’s capital city.
The geographical coordinates of Fort Portal City are 0°39’16.0″N, 30°16’28.0″E (Latitude:0.654444; Longitude:30.274444) and is situated at an average elevation of 1,523 metres (4,997 ft) above sea level.
On 1st July 2020, Fort Portal was elevated from a municipality to “Tourism city” status.
In 2019, in preparation for the award of city status, Ford Portal annexed several surrounding neighborhoods and sub-counties, including Karago, Ibaale Parish, Burungu Parish, Karambi sub-county, Bukuku sub-county and parts of Busoro sub-county.
In 2020 UBOS estimated the mid-year population of the city as 60,800. The population agency calculated that the population of the city grew at an average rate of 2.12 percent annually between 2014 and 2020.
Bundibugyo District is a district in the Western Region of Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The town of Bundibugyo is where both the district headquarters and the Bwamba Kingdom seat (Obudhingiya Bwa Bwamba) are located. Before July 2010, the districts of Ntoroko and Bundibugyo were one. These districts are the only two in Uganda that lie west of the Rwenzori Mountains. Bundibugyo (With Ntoroko) was first named Semuliki district on separating it from the Greater Kabarole district alongside Rwenzori district (Kasese) in 1974.
Bundibugyo District is bordered by Ntoroko District to the northeast, Kabarole District to the east, Bunyangabu District to the southeast, Kasese District to the south and the D.R.C to the west and north. The district headquarters at Bundibugyo are located approximately 83 kilometres (52 miles) by road, west of Fort Portal city, the capital of Rwenzori Sub-region. This is about 72 kilometres (45 miles), north of Kasese town but no roads directly link Kasese and Bundibugyo districts due to the Rwenzori Mountains lying between these two districts. Consequently, travellers between the two districts must go around the mountains via Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Ntoroko districts, an approximate total distance of 155 kilometres (96 mi). Alternatively you can cross the border and travel via the D.R.C or traverse the mountains by flying or on foot!
In 2012, the population of the Bundibugyo district was estimated at 261,700.
FORT PORTAL
Mahoma falls:
This fall is a result of the famous Mpanga river which is formed of many
tributaries that flow from Mt. Rwenzori.
TO DO ACTIVITIES
1. Swimming
2. Photoshoots
3. Hiking
Crater lakes exploration:
Kabarole region is the only pace in the world with the highest number
of crater lakes per square mile. This region has 59 crater lakes making it a world wonder.
TO DO ACTIVITES
1. Hiking
2. Forest walks
3. Crater lakes viewing
• Amabere caves: This is a historical site that is known as the last known settlement for the
Chwezi dynasty.
TO DO ACTIVITIES
1. FOREST WALK
2. STORY TELLING
3. VIEWING THE STALAGMITES AND STALACTITES OR AMABERE
TOORO PALACE:
This is the kingdom of the Batooro people that occupy Fort portal city and
Kabarole region.
TO DO ACTIVITIES
1. STORY TELLING
2. PHOTOSHOOTS
CITY TOUR:
Get to know Fort portal city by visiting major land marks in the city, hotels, schools,
hospitals, botanical gardens, empowerment projects.
TO DO ACTIVITIES
1. CRAFT SHOPPING, STORY TELLING, INTERACTONS AND PHOTOSHOOTS
BUNDIBUGYO
Semiliki Sempaya Hot springs:
The Sempaya Hot Springs are Semiliki’s most famous attraction.
The “male” spring, known as Bintente, measures 12m in diameter and is set in a lush swampy
clearing. The “female” spring Nyasimbi, meaning “the female ancestors”, is a boiling geyser
(103°C) which spurts bubbling water and steam up to two meters high.
TO DO ACTIVITIES
1. Egg boiling
2. Steamed cooking
3. Forest walk
4. Birding
• Semiliki forest walk: Within Semiliki forest one discovers different species of plants and wildlife.
• Viewpoints: The viewpoints are a great stop over for scenery lovers. On a clear day one can see
Lake Albert and Goma town in Congo.
TIPS AND GUIDES
• Keeping safe during these covid times is necessary so always endeavor to wear a mask and
sanitize.
• If possible, having a camera is advisable so as not to miss memorable shots.
• During the month of September, it is rainy so endeavor to have rain gears at all times.
TIME INTERVALS FOR MOVEMENT FOR FORTPORTAL
AMABERE CAVES / Crater Lake exploration -9:00hrs to 11:00hrs
RELAXTION AND LUNCH @ NKURUBA NATURE RESERVE
MAHOMA FALLS/ Crater Lake exploration- 14:00hrs to 17:00hrs
NB: TOORO PALACE WILL BE ON PENDIND DUE TO COVID RESTRCTIONS
TIME INTERVALS FOR BUNDIBUGYO SEMILIKI SEMPAYA HOT SPRINGS / VIEWPOINTS – 9:00hrs to 15:00hrs HOTEL AND CRAFT SHOP EXPLORATION -15:30 till late NB: PACKED LUNCH SHOULD BE AVAILABLE.