FORT PORTAL ET SES ENVIRONS

The town is pleasant but has no real attractions, apart from its botanical garden, the Tooro Botanical Garden (www.tbguganda.org), which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (25,000 Ush). The surrounding area, on the other hand, is full of possibilities: hiking on the northern slopes of the Rwenzori, mountain biking in the lake district, visiting the village of Rubona (famous for its handmade baskets) and the weekly market in Mugusu (the largest in the region ; every Wednesday), exploration of caves (mostly very small balsams) such as those at Amabere, expedition to the hot springs at Rwagimba, excursion to the toro royal tombs at Karambi (where the omukama Kasagama, Rukidi III and Kaboyo II are laid to rest surrounded by regalia)... All the above outing suggestions are located within a 25 km radius of Fort Portal. The very remote Katonga Nature Reserve (entrance fee: US$40) is also likely to appeal to the more adventurous. Managed by the UWA, this 207 ^km2 reserve, initially created as a hunting reserve in 1964, was once a favourite haunt of poachers (particularly between 1971 and 1985) and then of farmers from the surrounding countryside, who did not hesitate to encroach on its perimeter to cultivate the land or graze their livestock. Since 2014, when these farmers and herders were evicted from the reserve, wildlife has been gradually reclaiming its rights. A policy of introducing and reintroducing species (zebra, impala) was undertaken in 2015 to repopulate the area and develop tourism. Divided between swamps (rubber boots a must!) and savannahs, Katonga Wildlife Reserve is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of sitatunga, harnessed guib, duiker or baboon, especially during the 6.30-hour nature walk. For the time being, accommodation is limited and basic (camping, dormitory), although a new guesthouse is changing things a bit. There are several access roads to Katonga, but the most convenient - coming from Fort Portal - is the one leaving the main road to Kampala at Kyegegwa. Allow 145 km, including 42 km of track. In addition to Kabarole Tours, a specialist in the region, the Dutchess team and the staff at Kyaninga Lodge can give you invaluable advice and put you in touch with competent guides if you plan to visit the area around Fort Portal.