Fort Patiko: Located in Northern Uganda in the district of Gulu, Fort Patiko lies on Ocecu hill about 2 kilometers from Gulu town at Nimule nearing Sudan and Egypt, the place is referred to as Fort Patiko, Fort Baker, or Baker’s Fort the fort was once a military structure that served as the collection point for the slaves during the slave trade business.
Despite the fact that this place witnessed an unpleasant background to the humanity of the slave trade, it offers a feel to explore part of its history that dates back to the 19th century as you get to learn more about the history it holds.
Founded on several rationales like the need to sort slaves, and long distances to the market reach in Sudan and Egypt where Arabs trade merchants settled, there was a need to get a resting point for the slaves, hence the fort was built by early explorers led by Sir Samuel Baker in 1864 after it was discovered by him and his wife Florence Baker.
There was also a need to acquire a place for keeping of ammunition and the early explorers bumped on Ocecu hill which became the convenient place where they carried out all the sorting, kept the slaves, and ammunition, as well as a resting point.
Fort Patiko was discovered prior to Murchison Falls and Lake Albert. Upon Sir Samuel Baker’s departure, the fort was later used by Charles Gordon and Emin Pasha who were representatives of the British Protectorate of Uganda
The Fort also acted as a convenient trading venue, and at Ocecu Hill is where they built huts to aid as stores for valuables like ivory, food as well as ammunition. Ocecu Hill also became the main place for trading slaves. Bakers Fort was spotted or discovered by Sir Samuel Baker and Florence Baker in 1864 as one of the treasures that John Speke had spoken about.
The Fort is of mega importance at the fort, dark markings are assumed to be the blood splatters of slaves who could not make it to the market due to the long distances and were beheaded at this spot and their blood is still very visible on the rocks and this is as of history and culture.
While on your safari to the fort there are various attractions aside from the fort to witness and these also add more excitement to the adventures at the fort some of these include;
Tochi Resort Beach
Tochi Beach is a low-lying sandy bank of River Tochi found 20 km away from Gulu town. A lot is lacking but the beach has a lot of potential for development into a key tourist attraction for excursions, camping, and the construction of bands.
Amoro Hot Spring
About 35 km from Gulu town is where you will find these hot springs which are considered the largest hot springs in Northern Uganda, in Paga parish, Amoro sub-county, Kilak County. They sit on a land area of about 100 sq. meters and unfortunately, the destination is underdeveloped but potentially available for tourism exploitation. It also has enough ground space for camping.
Guru Guru Caves
Located about 25 kilometers in the northern side of Gulu town, these are said to have been used as a safety haven during the notorious Lamogi rebellion and historical inter-clan wars among the Lou. Still in history, if you feel you love knowing the past.
Safari activities at Fort Patiko
Cultural Performances and Antiquities
Though Acholi’s cultural heritage and dances are not yet fully developed for tourism, plans are underway by the local authorities to establish a cultural center in Gulu town for crafts, souvenirs, and cultural ornaments and regalia.
Atiak Forest Reserve Colobus Monkeys
Atiak Forest Reserve near the Albert Nile is home to colobus monkeys which can easily be spotted here. On top of the colobus monkeys are some mammals, a wide variety of bird species and the short Savannah Forest canopies combine to give a potential attraction that may be enhanced by tourist trails and camping.
Hill Climbing
With several hills like Ocecu Hill where Fort Patiko is situated, Ato, Kilak, and Moro hills, all these spread in the northern parts of Uganda, all offering opportunities to showcase your fitness by hiking to the top, offering spectacular views from the birds-eye to the surrounding area and the best of it is photography at a new altitude.
Accommodations at Fort Patiko
Unfortunately, there are neither accommodation nor hospitality facilities like restaurants around Baker’s Fort or Fort Patiko. Tourists are advised to bring their requirements such as food, airtime, and water among others
Book a trip to Bakers Fort with Achieve Global Safaris and an itinerary will be drafted for you to travel in the company of a very knowledgeable guide who will uncover all the relevant chapters about this place of historical importance to you.
