Town · Western Uganda

Fort Portal

A tea-growing town at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains, and the gateway to Kibale and Semuliki.

How to get there

By road from Kampala, or as a stop between Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

What to find

Crater lakes, tea estate tours, and the Tooro Kingdom's royal palace.

Overview

Fort Portal is one of Uganda's most attractive towns. It sits at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains, surrounded by tea estates and crater lakes, and is home to the Tooro Kingdom.

It's the gateway to Kibale National Park and Semuliki, and a relaxing base with cool weather, good lodges and plenty to explore between parks.

Highlights

  • The Ndali-Kasenda crater lakes, with walks and swimming at some lakes
  • The Tooro Kingdom's Karuzika Palace, overlooking the town
  • The Amabere caves and waterfall
  • Tea estate visits, with views of the Rwenzori on clear days

Things to do

Crater lakes walk

Hike or cycle around the crater lakes.

Royal Tooro

Visit the palace and learn about the kingdom.

Tea tours

See how Ugandan tea is grown.

Best time to visit

All year. Mornings are often clearest for Rwenzori views.

Getting there

About 5 to 6 hours by road from Kampala on a good highway, or by a short flight to Kasese and a transfer.

Where to stay

Crater lake lodges, guesthouses in town, and lodges on the edge of Kibale.

Kibale & Fort Portal

Budget Isunga LodgeSimple lodge close to the Kanyanchu chimp-tracking centre.
Mid-range Kibale Forest CampTented camp in the forest near Bigodi.
Mid-range Primate Lodge KibaleThe only lodge inside the park, a short walk from chimp tracking.
Mid-range Mountains of the Moon HotelHistoric hotel in Fort Portal town.
Luxury Kyaninga LodgeLog cottages on a crater lake rim with Rwenzori views.
Luxury Ndali LodgeClassic lodge on the rim of Lake Nyinambuga.

A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Uganda →

Good to know

  • Spend two nights: chimps in Kibale, then the crater lakes the next day.

Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.

From Fort Portal

Places to visit from Fort Portal

Culture & HeritageAbout 15 minAmabere ga Nyinamwiru CavesNear Fort PortalLake & Waterfall30–45 minNdali-Kasenda Crater LakesNear Fort PortalNational ParkAbout 45 minKibale National ParkWestern UgandaSanctuary & Forest45 min–1 hrBigodi Wetland SanctuaryNext to Kibale National ParkWildlife Reserve1.5–2 hrsToro-Semliki Wildlife ReserveBundibugyo DistrictNational Park1.5–2 hrsSemuliki National ParkWestern Uganda (Albertine Rift)National ParkAbout 1.5 hrsRwenzori Mountains National ParkWestern UgandaNational Park2–3 hrsQueen Elizabeth National ParkWestern UgandaWildlife Reserve2–2.5 hrsKyambura Wildlife ReserveBushenyi DistrictWildlife ReserveAbout 3 hrsKatonga Wildlife ReserveKamwenge District

Drive times are approximate. Look up another city.

Related guides

Park Guides · 5 min readChimpanzee Tracking in Kibale: What to ExpectRead guidePark Guides · 6 min readChimpanzee Tracking in Uganda: Four Forests ComparedRead guide
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