Fort Portal (Kabarole)

Fort Portal, or Kabarole, is a laid-back town on the northern edge of the Rwenzori Range, in a tea-growing area. There is not much to see in this town, but it is a nice place to stay if you want to make treks through the mountains, although most people prefer to stay in Kasese, 60 km (38 mi) to the south, because that place is closer to the starting point for treks at Ibanda.

Fort Portal was named after British diplomat Sir Gerald Portal, who was based there during the times of British rule.

Many travellers just pass through Fort Portal on their way to the hot springs at Sempaya and pygmy tribes not far from the village of Ntandi in the Semliki Valley, as well as the town of Bundibugyo, on the other side of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Fort Portal is a good place to stay though, if you want to visit the Kibale Forest National Park, 30 km (19 mi) to the southeast.

There are quite many hotels and restaurants in Fort Portal. The town is connected to Kasese and Kampala by bus and matatu (mini bus). Fort Portal is 296 km (184 mi) west of Kampala.