Fort Portal: City Tour with King's Palace & Local Market

Discover the beautiful Fort Portal city on a guided tour. Explore key landmarks and attractions within the town, and gain insight into the daily life of the locals.

We meet at the Reinah Tourist Hotel. From there we start your tour with a visit to the Omukama's Palace, also known as the King's Palace. Set on Karuzika Hill, the palace offers a 360-degree view of the city and the Rwenzori Mountains.

On arrival at the palace, go on a tour of the palace, and see the old palace, the new King's Palace, and the huts for the cultural chiefs that are used during the “Empango Celebrations” (coronation anniversary).

Walk around the palace gardens and learn more about the culture and traditions of the “Batooro” people. As you walk through the palace, stop by different huts that serve different purposes, such as for traditional dancers that entertain the king during the coronation anniversary celebrations, and others for chiefs and rituals.

See the Royal cows grazing in the palace gardens before continuing with your city tour. Stop by the Gerald Portal Monument, situated in the midst of town. Learn about the history of his diplomatic work in Uganda.

Continue your tour by walking around the city, stopping by shops, and seeing the locals as they go about their day. For the street food lovers, stop by a local food stand and order the “Ugandan Rolex,” a common street food delicacy in Uganda made of “chapati” and eggs.

Next, head to River Mpanga, Fort Portal is one of few cities in Uganda that has a river passing through the town. Take photos here before continuing with your tour.

Head to Mpanga market and Kabundaire market, the popular local markets in the city where locals can buy foodstuffs for the home. On entry into the markets, see fresh food market stalls, fish stalls, meat stalls, and fruit stalls.

End your tour by stopping by a local food restaurant where you have lunch. If local food is not of interest to you, stop by Gardens Restaurant where you can order food off an a la carte menu.