We drove slowly to Fort Portal through Mabale, where we spent one night. The town is situated at about 1,500 meters and overlooks the mountains of the Ruwenzori Range and the Mufumbiro volcanoes. Several tea estates are concentrated east of the town. We found a lovely spot to park in the garden of the Kalitusi Nature Resort (50000 UGX), serving delicious food.
The next day, we walked to the palace of the king of Toro, which looks down on the town from its highest hill. The circular structure was built in 1963 but collapsed after Idi Amin abolished the royal kingdoms. Colonel Gadaffi met the king and donated the money for repairs in 2001, restoring it. Unfortunately, it can’t be visited; we tried it three times.
Another town highlight is the Tooro Botanical Garden (🎟️20000 UGX), where we took a walk-through with a knowledgeable guide. These homegrown botanical gardens have many well-signed Indigenous plants and trees and an organic farming project growing herbs, flowers, natural dyes, and medicinal plants.
There are several clubs in the town, but we simply did not have the energy or transportation to go there at night.
Parking location – Fort Portal: 0.664030N 30.267172E (🚻,🚿)