Kabale- The Switzerland of Uganda.

Kabale is my favorite place in Uganda. I love to go here every year when the city gets too overwhelming. It is called the Switzerland of Uganda because of the many beautiful hills in the region. I first discovered it in 2010 and have returned ever since. Its located in South Western Uganda 400 Kilometers away, and it neighbors Rwanda and Congo.

View of Lake Bunyonyi.

Back in 2014 when I first visited the equator, you wont miss seeing it on your way to Kabale.

Going by bus takes 8 hours but sometimes you have to be careful what bus you choose, the first time I went where the bus took almost 10 hours because it stopped frequently to pick up passengers. Lately there are good buses that you can use like the Post Office Bus which is very reliable, Bismarkan coaches and a few others. The town is quite small and there is not much to do but the magic starts when you get out.

A terraced hill in Kabale

Black and white Colobus monkeys on the way to Bwindi.

The first thing that catches your eyes are the hills. Their slopes are spectacular and the views are like a painting.There is one amazing activity done 51 kilometers away from the town to Bwindi impenetrable forest and that is Gorilla tracking. When I did my tracking, the drive from the town to Ruhija in Bwindi took us two hours. We stayed at one budget camp called Ruhija Community Rest Camp. The view of the thick forest was so amazing and we saw some monkeys and multi-colored birds frolicking. 

The beautiful Bwindi impenetrable Forest

Up-close with the mountain gorilla.

The best part after tracking the mountain gorillas gorillas, is chilling by Lake Bunyonyi. "Bunyonyi" means birds, so if you love feathered friends, you will be amazed by so many species.This is the most beautiful and freshest lake for you to enjoy Don't worry about any parasites because there isn't any,so jump right in! You will be awed by the many islands on this lake and views once you do some short hikes. I recommend you rent a canoe and explore. Check out the Punishment island. The story is unfortunately heartbreaking but the story must be be told. Women pregnant before marriage were sent here and left to die.Some were rescued by single men unable to afford dowry but looking for a bride. Today Punishment island no longer serves as a punishment island but a sobering reminder of past injustices. 

Take some village walks and hikes of which you will get amazing views once on top. Don't forget to try the delicious cray fish from the lake.

The view of the many islands on Lake Bunyonyi

More Views of the lake.

Visit a Batwa community.  This is a community if pygmies who are the most voiceless and marginalized group of people in Uganda. They used to live in Echuya forest but were resettled away from there by the government. You can learn a lot about their culture and feel free to buy from their handcrafts or make some donations if you wish so.

On the canoe with clients to explore some islands.

The Batwa community.

Kabale is always a rewarding experience. Surrounded by clean air, hills and a lake you feel as one with nature. With so many birds singing songs of welcome, how could you not be transformed?

Experience this diamond in the hills. You won't regret it. 

Send an email for more info to explore this area.

The crater district of Uganda.

Fortportal is a district in western Uganda located 261 km from Kampala. It’s easily accessible by private or public transit. I first visited in 2015 during Easter weekend with friends and fell deeply in love with it. So will you!

Stunning view of a crater.

Tea Plantations along the road

We caught a bus thinking the journey would take us 4 hours but it took about 5 hours. It was a long bus journey but the scenery makes up for it. There is so much green and cleaner air away from the capital. The forests and tea plantation s along the way look spectacular.
We got to the town quite late but had a taxi organised for to take us to our hostel.
In the morning everything was very clear with the majestic peak of Rwenzori mountain greeting us. The forests were emerald green with a crater lake right in front of our rooms. We had a wonderful walking tour where we learned of beautiful gardens and plants. We ended up at the Mahoma Falls for a shower. Everything was picture worthy.

On a walking tour with our guide Noah

Beautiful trees on our walking path.

Mountain Rwenzori view.

Shower at Mahoma falls

Our guide Noah hired motorbikes for us and rode in the far parts of the district. Driving through Kibale National Park was quite a sight as a number of monkeys said hello along the way. We ended up at an area known locally as "Top of the world," a spectacular 360° view of Mother Nature. We were tired but euphoric.

Rented bikes

Top of the world,

Half Way to Heaven.

There is a lot of monkey business here in Fort Portal (seriously). There is a good chance you’ll see a chimpanzees amongst the green during the tracking in Kibale Forest. You can also visit the Kitagata hot springs which are said to have healing powers. The short hike there is also great considering the views of the surrounding nature.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a short distance and it’s an idea for a day safari from Fortportal and ideal for those on a budget.

I have been going to Fortportal every year since I first set foot here. I have taken friends and clients here.

My favourite place to stay is the Ayapapa Open House, an eco friendly accommodation located in Lyantonde village just before Papaya Lodge. I was introduced to this place by friends who stayed here and fell in love with it. This place is a beautifully designed open house and has cabins overlooking Crater Lake. The owner has planted trees and flowers all over the area. There is resting place overlooking the lake, not to mention a big kitchen. It is a self-catering accommodation and you can easily chill in the hammocks while you read a book. On a hot day, you can easily hop into the lake for a swim and cool off. If you love nature and prefer peace and quiet, this is your place. Jaishu the owner will help you with anything.

Breakfast overlooking the lake surrounded by roses.

One of the lounging areas.

The Kitchen.

My favorite spot.

Experience Fortportal! It would be my pleasure to help you arrange your trip.