We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Uganda a lot of instances and had some superb experiences together with gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. Nonetheless, there may be much more to do in Uganda past these iconic actions!
After we go to Uganda, we all the time spend a few of our time in its capital metropolis, Kampala. That is by far the most important metropolis in Uganda, and also you’ll discover a lot of issues to do in Kampala, together with cultural sights, museums, markets, and extra.
We’ve already written about issues to do in Entebbe, which is the city closest to the worldwide airport. That’s discovered on the shores of Lake Victoria and can be value visiting. Nonetheless, we predict no go to to Uganda is full with out spending slightly little bit of time in Kampala.
Sure, it’s chaotic, crowded, and the site visitors could make getting round a little bit of a problem. However it’s the capital metropolis, the nation’s most populous metropolis, and actually the one place in Uganda the place you’re prone to see metropolis life. It’s a spot many Ugandans come for enterprise, education, coaching, procuring, and spiritual gatherings. It additionally has a lot of vacationer points of interest!
Most worldwide vacationers to Uganda spend little or no, if any, time within the nation’s capital, and we predict that Kampala deserves a cease in your itinerary if you wish to get a greater understanding of the nation and its folks. So, you probably have the time, we advocate at the very least a day right here earlier than zipping off to go to the nationwide parks and to go trekking for chimps and gorillas.
Jess and I’ve been in Kampala 4 instances, most instances only a day or two, however on one journey we spent a number of days exploring the town. So, we’re fortunate to have visited many of the locations that may be of curiosity to worldwide vacationers and wish to encourage extra folks to take the time to cease and provides the town a glance.
On this information, we’re going to share a few of our favourite issues to do in Kampala. Whether or not you simply spend a day seeing a number of the highlights as a part of an extended tour in Uganda or are on the town for an extended time period, we hope this information evokes you to see as a lot as you possibly can.
We’ll additionally share some tips about issues like getting round in addition to staying protected and the place to remain. Let’s get began!
Issues to do in Kampala Uganda
Right here’s our overview of our favourite issues to do in Kampala, primarily based on our private expertise visiting. You must be capable to do all these actions throughout a couple of days or pick your favorites for a full day of sightseeing!
Kasubi Tombs
Earlier than Uganda turned a British Protectorate within the late nineteenth century, the area it occupies right this moment was comprised of a collection of smaller kingdoms.
The biggest of those kingdoms was the Buganda kingdom, house to the Baganda folks. The Baganda are dominated over by Kings, referred to as the Kabaka, in a practice that dates to the early fourteenth century, and which continues to today.
The Kabaka are clearly essential to the Baganda folks, a reality which is especially obvious on the Kasubi Tombs, discovered on Kasubi Hill in Kampala.
That is the ultimate resting place of 4 of the Buganda Kabakas. It’s a main historic, cultural, and religious web site in Uganda. It’s additionally the one UNESCO world heritage web site in Kampala and stays an necessary religious place for the Baganda.
The positioning, which takes up 64 acres of land, dates from 1882. The first attraction is the large conical thatched constructing which homes the tombs themselves, which is also known as the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga. Due to its dimension the constructing is taken into account a grand instance of a constructing utilizing conventional strategies and pure supplies corresponding to wood poles, spear grass, reeds, and wattle.
Additionally on web site are a gatehouse, a drum home, and cemeteries the place the youngsters, wives, and different kinfolk of the kings are buried. The world additionally has a lot of historically constructed properties the place the widows of the previous Kings stay and have a tendency the graves.
The Kasubi tombs had been really nearly solely destroyed by hearth in 2010, nevertheless a significant renovation mission was launched they usually reopened in 2025. We visited as they had been within the means of rebuilding and there was a lot of craftsman from varied components of Uganda working.
We actually loved our go to to the Kasubi tombs and might extremely advocate putting this in your to-do listing in Kampala. This is a vital religious web site so you’ll want to gown conservatively. Ladies might want to cowl their legs with an extended skirt or tie a big scarf round their waist to go to. Jess had on pants however was nonetheless requested to tie an extended skirt round her waist to enter.
There may be an entry payment to go to, payable on web site. You may be accompanied by an on-site information to your go to. It can be visited as a part of a guided tour like this one or this one which incorporates a number of stops in Kampala.
Wamala Tombs
In case you are curious about tombs and Baganda tradition, you may additionally wish to add a go to to Wamala Tomb to your listing. That is smaller and fewer central burial place of the twenty ninth Kabaka of Buganda Ssekabaka Ssuuna ll who dominated from 1832 to 1856. By most accounts, he was not a really good man who had nearly all his brothers executed!
It is a smaller and fewer well-known web site in comparison with Kasubi. The tomb is inisde a conventional thatched constructing like that in Kasubi. There may be additionally the stays of the previous palace, tomb of Suuna’s mom, and a set of royal artifacts.
Be aware that the Wamala Tombs are a couple of 30 minute drive north of central Kampala. In case you are wanting to go to Wamala Tombs, you may contemplate this tour which additionally contains visits to Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Palace, and the central markets.
Kabaka’s Palace (Mengo Palace)
The Kabaka’s Palace, or King’s Palace, is the standard house of the Buganda King. The palace, which is also referred to as Lubiri and Mengo Palace, might be discovered on the highest of Mengo Hill, and the situation affords glorious views of the encircling metropolis.
Right this moment the palace grounds are open to the general public to go to, though you possibly can’t go contained in the precise palace residence (Twekobe Palace). The Twekobe Palace is not used as a residence however remains to be used for official visits and ceremonies The principle place of job for the Kabaka is on the Bulange which is related by a straight highway referred to as the Kabaka Anjagala or “Royal Mile”.
So the go to takes place primarily outdoor. Visits are guided, you principally flip up on the entry gate. pay the entry payment, and a information will probably be allotted to you.
After we visited we had a superb English-speaking information named Fred who confirmed us across the grounds and defined a variety of the historical past of Uganda. In addition to being house to the spectacular palace constructing, the grounds are additionally house to the torture chambers of Idi Amin.
These underground concrete cells had been the ultimate holding location of anybody deemed a menace to Amin’s regime, and it’s estimated that over 200,000 folks had been murdered right here, their our bodies dumped in a close-by lake.
This darkish interval of Ugandan historical past is included on the tour, and is in stark distinction to the beautiful palace on the hill. Determined messages written in charcoal and blood and damp stained concrete are all that continues to be of those 1000’s of misplaced lives.
In addition to the above, the tour contains different attention-grabbing info on Ugandan historical past. Our information was additionally educated concerning the bushes, fruits, and crops we noticed alongside the stroll.
We learnt about bark material, a conventional material made out of tree bark which lengthy predates woven textiles. Many Ugandan artists use it as a conventional medium upon which to color. There’s a small store which sells painted barkcloth and different historically made gadgets which make for good Ugandan souvenirs.
General, a go to to the Kabaka’s Palace grounds is an effective approach to study Ugandan historical past, together with it’s darker instances. The on-site guides we visited with had been actually glorious, and this was a really worthy expertise.
There may be in fact a payment to go to. You possibly can go to your self, as we did, or as half of a bigger day tour. Nearly all of excursions of Kampala will embody Kabaka’s Palace, corresponding to this one or this one.
Uganda Museum
Based in 1908, the Uganda Museum is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Kampala to go to to be taught concerning the historical past of the nation. It’s additionally the oldest museum in East Africa.
It options quite a lot of displays, protecting the historical past and tradition of the Ugandan folks, with objects together with musical devices, weapons of conflict, barkcloth work, conventional medical provides, garments, and much more. There are additionally displays from pre-historical instances, that includes fossils and different relics that time to the historical past of human evolution within the area.
Outdoors, you’ll discover the cultural village, which incorporates a vary of various conventional buildings and gadgets that had been used throughout completely different durations in historical past. This was our favorite a part of the museum, and it was so attention-grabbing to see the completely different types of home in addition to the gadgets utilized by the completely different tribes throughout Uganda.
The museum isn’t large, and might positively be visited in 2 to three hours. There may be an admission payment. You possibly can go to by yourself or you will get a information for those who favor a guided go to. You possibly can see extra about opening instances and what you possibly can see on the official museum web site.
Be aware: the Uganda Museum closed for renovations in August 2024 and is because of reopen in mid-2025. Test the official web site for the newest standing.
Independence Monument
Uganda gained independence from the British on October 9, 1962, and this monument, which was unveiled the day earlier than the date of independence, symbolises that second.
The 29 foot excessive concrete sculpture, which might be discovered within the King George V Jubilee gardens, depicts a mom lifting her baby into the air with ropes round her legs. The ropes symbolise the liberty from colonialism, whereas the kid’s pleasure showcases the enjoyment of freedom.
The statue can be depicted on Ugandan foreign money, showing on paper notes between 1,000 and 50,000 UGX. So it may be acquainted to you earlier than you even see it!
It’s free to go to the Independence Monument in Kampala. It is usually typically included on excursions corresponding to this one and this city-centre strolling tour. We visited it as a part of this guided strolling tour.
Different Historic Monuments and Statues in Kampala
Along with the Independence Monument, there are additionally a lot of different monuments and statues which you could see round Kampala. These embody:
- World Warfare Memorial Monument – constructed by the British in 1945 to recollect the Ugandans misplaced within the first and second world wars. One of many oldest memorials in Kampala. Discovered on Kampala Street by the central police headquarters.
- King Mutesa II Monument – Monument to the thirty fifth King and first President of Uganda who died in exile in 1969. The monument exhibits him in British army fatigues, which is a nod to his service as a Queen’s Grenadier Guard. He was additionally the primary Black Commissioned Officer within the Grenadier Guards. This was initially positioned on the intersection of Speke Street and Nile Avenue, however as a consequence of highway works it has been moved to sit down between the Serena Lodge and Imperial Royale Lodge
- The Centenary Monument – Commemorating the centenary of the Kampala Metropolis Council, this monument symbolizes the id of the town’s governing authority. Present in Centenary Park alongside Jinja Street
- Stride Monument – Created to honor the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Authorities Assembly, this monument incorporates a household shifting ahead collectively, symbolizing the unity of the Commonwealth. Discovered between the Parliamentary Gardens and the Kampala Serena Lodge
- Lengthy Cut up Drum Statue – The statue is of a tall drum or engalabi, a conventional lengthy, cylindrical drum coated with pores and skin. It’s positioned on the Nantawete roundabout alongside the Kabaka Anjagala, or highway between the Kabaka’s Palace and the Bulange.
- Wildlife Statues – You’ll discover a lot of wildlife statues alongside the roads in central Kampala, significantly Previous Kira Street. Statues embody a lion, gorillas, cranes, giraffes, impala and plenty of different native wildlife species
Be aware that there’s typically safety round public memorials and monuments and round authorities buildings in Uganda. So you might be requested why you’re there and requested to not take photographs. For instance, we had been stopped on the conflict memorial by police and we had been solely allowed to strategy and take a photograph as a result of we had been with a neighborhood information.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe
The following few entries in our listing of issues to do in Kampala are locations of worship for a number of the main religions you’ll discover in Uganda. We’ve visited all of those, and every location is attention-grabbing and value visiting in its personal proper. It simply will depend on your pursuits.
The primary within the listing is Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, extra generally known as Namirembe Cathedral. That is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda and the headquarters of the Anglican Church of Uganda.
The church was consecrated in 1919, and is the fifth church constructing to be discovered on this location, with the primary 4 buildings (courting from 1890) all having been deserted or destroyed for varied causes.
The current-day church is a formidable giant crimson constructing with a domed roof, constructed from earthen bricks and earthen roof tiles.
The church might be discovered on the highest of Namirembe hill, simply to the west of the town’s central enterprise district. As with many of the hills within the space, the hilltop location affords glorious views of the encircling metropolis.
Be aware that it’s free to go to the surface of the cathedral however for those who want to go inside as a customer there’s a payment which features a guided tour. The church is in fact a working church so visits aren’t all the time allowed if worship companies or different occasions are happening.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, additionally generally referred to as Rubaga Cathedral, is discovered on the prime of Lubaga Hill, which is simply east of the town middle. This commanding hilltop location affords glorious views of the encircling metropolis.
That is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Kampala, which is the oldest diocese within the nation. Rubaga has been the seat of the Bishop since 1883, and the cathedral itself was consecrated in 1925. It was initially arrange by the White Fathers, French Roman Catholic missionaries, who got the land by the thirty first Kabaka of Buganda.
The cathedral is a big brick constructing with two spectacular towers on the entrance, and the capability to carry as much as 5,000 worshippers. There are some attention-grabbing stained-glass home windows, murals, and different artwork items that inform the story of the Catholic Church in Uganda. We had a information from the church who gave us a brief tour inside.
Right this moment, most Ugandans establish as Christians (over 80%) and Roman Catholicism is the most important denomination, adopted by Anglicism.
The church is free to go to though donations are inspired. The church is in fact a working church so visits aren’t all the time allowed if worship companies or different occasions are happening.
Baha’i Home of Worship
The Baha’i religion is without doubt one of the smaller and newer faiths in Uganda, however its primary home of worship and placement remains to be nonetheless value a go to. Discovered on Kikaya Hill on the sides of the town, this imposing octagonal constructing towers 127 ft above the bottom, topped by a big inexperienced dome. It may be seen for miles round.
The constructing, which dates from 1958, is discovered on a fifty-acre property which incorporates beautiful, landscaped gardens in addition to a lot of different buildings. It has a surprising location.
Truthfully, we knew little or no concerning the Baha’i religion earlier than we visited, so the chance to study that was welcomed. All visits are by free guided tour, and our information was glorious, exhibiting us the important thing highlights of the property and answering all our questions concerning the historical past of the constructing and the Baha’i religion. It’s positively one thing slightly bit completely different and definitely worth the small effort to get right here in our opinion.
We really visited twice, the primary time we took a ride-share right here however arrived too late because it had already closed. You possibly can solely go to the grounds throughout visiting hours. On our second go to we deliberate a bit higher and arrived throughout opening hours.
We signed in and got a tour by a stunning information named Esther. She advised us rather a lot concerning the historical past of the religion and of the Kampala temple. No companies had been occurring after we visited so we had been allowed to go inside, no speaking or pictures is allowed inside.
Because it’s discovered to the north of the town middle it’s a good location to cease in case you are heading north out of the town, maybe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or additional north to Murchison Nationwide Park.
Uganda Nationwide Mosque
The Uganda Nationwide Mosque, beforehand referred to as the Gaddafi Nationwide Mosque, is the most important mosque in East Africa. Round 15% of the inhabitants of Uganda is Muslim, and this mosque has room for nearly 20,000 worshippers!
Development of the mosque really began in 1972 through the regime of Idi Amin, nevertheless the instability of the regime meant that building halted in 1976. It wasn’t till 2001 that building restarted, because of the assist of the Libyan chief Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The mosque lastly opened for worship in 2007 and was renamed the Uganda Nationwide Mosque in 2013 after the loss of life of Gaddafi.
The mosque has one minaret, and it’s open to guests to climb to the highest. From the highest you will get nice views over the town. This minaret was really featured in a Season 31 episode of The Superb Race (2019), the place they needed to climb and depend all of the steps (272 of them!). In case you plan on climbing, simply observe that you simply want to have the ability to climb up and down all these steps to get to the highest as there’s no elevator. We had been the one ones contained in the tower throughout our go to.
The mosque might be visited by non-Muslims as a part of a tour. Simply observe that in Fridays and different holy days, you might not be allowed to go inside the principle components of the mosque. However it is best to nonetheless be capable to go to the outside and climb the minaret.
There may be an entrance payment to go to as a foreigner. We visited as a part of this guided strolling tour and had been assigned to a mosque information for this a part of the go to. The inside of the mosque is admittedly architecturally spectacular, however for us the spotlight was going up the tower for the views throughout the town.
As with every spiritual constructing you’ll want to observe the gown code. All guests ought to gown modestly. Ladies ought to put on unfastened becoming garments protecting to the wrist, ankle (ideally an extended skirt), and canopy their heads. Males ought to put on trousers and shirts with sleeves. Coverings can be found at reception to borrow (as a part of entrance payment).
After we visited Jess felt a bit suffocated because it was scorching and she or he needed to wrap a big scarf (kanga) round her waist (she had on pants/trousers not a skirt), put on a head scarf, and a face masks (COVID-19 rules on the time). We additionally needed to take our footwear on and off a couple of instances and she or he spent a variety of time fumbling with the coverings and footwear. General she loved it however it’s one thing to bear in mind.
Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Basilica
The Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs is a minor Catholic Basilica discovered within the township of Namugongo, round 7 miles northeast of Kampala.
The basilica is a novel design, consisting of an enormous round constructing, which was designed to duplicate a conventional African hut. It’s additionally one of the visited pilgrimage websites in Africa, because it serves as a shrine to the Uganda Martyrs.
The Uganda Martyrs had been a gaggle of twenty-two Catholic and 23 Anglican Christians, who had been killed between 1885 and 1887. Most of the martyrs had been members of the King’s Royal Courtroom who had adopted Christianity towards the King’s needs, and whom he ordered to be executed. Nearly all of the martyrs (twenty-two males) had been burned alive at Namugongo in 1886.
The loss of life of the Uganda martyrs had a significant impression on the political and spiritual panorama in Uganda. It resulted in widespread fashionable assist amongst the British public for buying Uganda as a protectorate, which occurred just some years after the deaths of the martyrs. It additionally led to a extra widespread adoption of Christianity in Uganda, with about 80% of the inhabitants right this moment being part of the Christian religion.
The 22 Catholic Ugandan martyrs had been beatified in 1920, and canonized as saints in 1964. Since its completion in 1968 the Basilica has served as the focus for the annual Martyrs Day Celebration. That is held on the third June, which is the Feast of the Uganda Martyrs. On today lots of of 1000’s of individuals go to the shrine.
Pope Francis visited Uganda and the basilica in 2015. He celebrated Mass exterior the basilica at Namugongo November 28, 2015.
Nonetheless, you possibly can go to the shrine at any time of yr and discover the grounds and basilica throughout visiting hours. There was a small payment to go to for worldwide guests.
There may be the bascilica, slightly museum space, shrines to the martyrs, a small lake, an amphitheater, a small cafe, and a present store. It’s a peaceful and peaceable place and properly value a go to.
Kampala Markets
Markets are an important place to get to know the native tradition and to additionally choose up some souvenirs out of your journey. Uganda has many markets, with two of the most important being Owino Market and Nakasero Market.
Nakasero Market is the oldest market in Kampala. It’s divided into two areas, an inside and an out of doors. The skin space primarily sells contemporary produce, whereas the within space has extra of a concentrate on issues like clothes, textiles and souvenirs.
Owino Market is the most important central market in Kampala and whereas it sells a little bit of all the things, it’s significantly recognized for distributors promoting secondhand clothes, footwear, and style equipment.
There are in fact dozens of different smaller markets in Kampala, and every space or neighboorhood could have some form of market.
In case you are particularly in search of souvenirs, then you definitely must also contemplate a go to to Publicity Africa. Positioned on Buganda highway, this market has over 30 stalls that includes arts and crafts that are typically made both in Uganda or Kenya. It has quite a lot of antiques, native crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.
We advocate visiting with a information to get essentially the most of your go to to the markets. They’re giant, busy, and might be actually overwhelming for a first-time customer. A neighborhood information also can provide help to talk with stall homeowners and ensure you get a good value.
Whereas we felt protected strolling round Kampala, thieves, pickpockets, and scammers will goal vacationers. You additionally wish to be very cautious of your valuables when contained in the markets. We advocate that you simply depart any costly jewellery, cameras, and different gear at your resort.
Images is usually discouraged and you might be requested to cease taking photographs or filming. At all times ask earlier than taking a photograph of an individual or their items. Our information requested permission of one of many market homeowners to permit us to take some photographs from sure areas at Nakasero Market and even then we had been watched and requested solely to take photographs from a sure place.
Previous Taxi Park
The Previous Taxi Park is the oldest and largest transit terminal in Kampala. Right here you’ll see lots of of minibuses coming and moving into organized chaos.
That is in no way a must-see place however it’s included in a variety of strolling excursions as a cease, and it’s a good place to cease to study transportation in Kampala.
Ndere Cultural Middle
One in all our favourite actions in Kampala was our go to to the Ndere Cultural Middle. The cultural middle showcases the cultural heritage of Uganda, with dance performances, artwork displays, and meals.
The Ndere troupe was based in 1984 by Rwangezi Stephen in 1984 as a cultural group “for common unity by way of music, dance and drama”. They’ve now additionally unfold that message round Uganda with touring teams.
The principle expertise for guests in Kampala, which is what we’d advocate and did, is to go to for one of many night performances. These fluctuate however usually embody a mixture of dance, theater, and music and infrequently even have the choice to have a buffet dinner through the present.
These performances happen a couple of instances every week, and usually run from 7pm – 10pm. Reveals are held exterior beneath a big mango tree, and in addition to the present there’s the choice to buy meals and drinks.
We visited for the Wednesday night Sherehe present. This was a extremely enjoyable night with nice performers and a stunning setting. The present tells the tales from the completely different Ugandan tribes with conventional dance. There’s additionally a superb and entertaining primary host who explains what you’re seeing so all of it has context, and brings all of it collectively.
Dinner was a buffet with conventional Ugandan meals which was additionally good. We will extremely really helpful reserving a ticket for a efficiency right here if one is occurring throughout your go to to Kampala. Its an important night out and supporting a superb native group.
It’s simple sufficient to go to the Ndere Cultural Middle your self, or you possibly can e-book a tour which incorporates a lot of sights in addition to the present and dinner like this one.
Nommo Artwork Gallery
In case you’re curious about seeing and even shopping for up some native artwork throughout your time in Kampala, then a go to to Nommo Gallery is value your time. It’s a small gallery however it’s considered one of few in Uganda.
The Nommo Gallery was established by the Uganda Nationwide Cultural Middle in 1964, and might be discovered within the coronary heart of the town close to to State Lodge. It serves as Uganda’s Nationwide Artwork Gallery.
After we visited the principle artwork exhibited was a black-and-white pictures exhibition about incapacity. There was additionally a lot of different artwork on the market, largely work, but additionally statues, wooden carvings, paper artwork, and many others. made by native artists.
Be aware that attending to the gallery might be difficult. We had a taxi, however he needed to drop us off a couple of 10-minute stroll from the gallery due to highway closures and safety checkpoints. The gallery is positioned close to the State Home which regularly results in elevated safety within the space. So we needed to go on foot by way of a few completely different safety checkpoints (a photograph ID was required) to succeed in the artwork gallery (after which return).
Just lately, there was speak of relocating the gallery to someplace that’s simpler for guests to succeed in however no determination has but been reached. Within the meantime, if you wish to go to you’ll want to be ready and take alongside an official photograph ID with you and put on snug footwear.
Take a Meals Tour
We love exploring the native meals after we go to a rustic, and top-of-the-line methods we’ve discovered to do this is to take a meals tour. On considered one of our visits to Kampala we took this three-hour meals tour.
This was a superb approach to strive a variety of Ugandan meals, and included Rolex, deep-fried grasshoppers, fritters, fried fish, contemporary fruit, sugar cane juice, and samosas from quite a lot of avenue distributors. It then completed with a full buffet at a restaurant specializing in Ugandan meals. Some of the frequent meals eaten in Uganda is matooke (a boiled and mashed inexperienced bananas) so I’d you’ll want to strive that.
The actual spotlight of the tour although, past the superb meals, was our tour information Andrew. The excursions are led by extremely passionate and enthusiastic Ugandans who like to share their ardour for Ugandan meals and their data of Kampala. We had been fortunate sufficient to be the one folks on the tour, so we bought to speak with our tour information about all kinds of subjects, from the political historical past of the nation, to his favourite meals, sports activities, and what it’s prefer to stay in Kampala.
If you need an immersive native expertise and to strive a variety of native produce and dishes, this meals tour is a wonderful approach to do exactly that. This provides you with an important introduction to Ugandan meals.
Go to AFFCAD
Like many nations around the globe, poverty is an actual subject in Uganda, particularly affecting youngsters. They typically have restricted entry to all the things from clear water to schooling to healthcare, which doesn’t lead to constructive life outcomes.
One group that’s working to empower these in poverty is AFFCAD, which stands for Motion for Basic Change
and Growth. This nonprofit was arrange by 4 younger males from Bwaise in Kampala, one of many poorest neighborhoods within the metropolis.
This township suffers from an absence of city planning, speedy inhabitants progress, and a location on a former wetland, which all conspire to create residing circumstances suffering from floods and unsanitary circumstances.
We advocate watching the movie Queen of Katwe earlier than your go to to Uganda to get an concept of life within the slums in Uganda, in addition to be taught concerning the superb real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, who grew up in Katwe, and her mentor Robert Katende.
AFFCAD are working to enhance alternatives out there to the folks in Kampala’s poorest areas, together with the Bwaise neighborhood, by way of a variety of instructional, healthcare, and financial applications. That is achieved by way of vocational coaching, colleges, and entry to healthcare.
AFFCAD additionally affords a slum consciousness tour to guests to Kampala, the place you possibly can be taught concerning the challenges going through neighborhoods like Bwaise, and perceive what AFFCAD are doing to assist. We’ve got written previously about moral slum tourism so we positively advocate studying that earlier than reserving any slum excursions. Primarily based on our expertise, we really feel that visiting Bwaise with AFFCAD positively ends in general constructive outcomes.
We took our strolling tour with Jaffar, one of many 4 founders of AFFCAD. We visited the varied AFFCAD buildings the place they provide vocational coaching. It was not a “college” day, so it was a comparatively quiet day, however we noticed the varied instruments used for instructing expertise together with computer systems and stitching machines. The tour then took us on foot across the Bwaise neighborhood to get extra of an understanding of the challenges confronted by the residents.
Lastly, we had been served a conventional meal of kikkomondo, which is principally beans and chapati, and is scrumptious. A pleasant approach to finish the tour.
Our tour lasted about 2.5 hours and included transport from our resort in Kampala. We did it in 2023 and the fee was $35 per particular person. We paid in money initially of the tour of their workplace.
The proceeds from the tour go on to serving to AFFCAD enhance the lives of a few of Uganda’s poorest, and might make an actual distinction. It’s additionally an excellent approach to get insights from a neighborhood about life on this a part of Kampala.
You could find out extra about visiting AFFCAD at their web site right here. These excursions do have to be booked prematurely. One of the best ways to arrange a tour is to e-mail them instantly, which you are able to do at information@affcad.org.
Guide a Strolling Tour of Central Kampala
We will extremely advocate reserving a guided strolling tour for at the very least a few of your time in Kampala, particularly if you wish to navigate the native markets and monuments, or if you need another person to deal with transportation.
Kampala could be a bit chaotic, particularly for a primary time customer, and letting another person take care of logistics and route planning will allow you to concentrate on the sights. It could possibly additionally provide help to navigate a number of the language limitations and safety points that you could be come throughout.
We took this glorious strolling tour of the highlights of central Kampala with information Arthur who is part of the ImmersionUG tour firm. It’s the prime firm we will personally advocate for strolling excursions as we’ve taken a number of strolling and meals excursions from them throughout our visits to Uganda.
This firm was setup by a gaggle of younger native Ugandans eager to showcase the perfect of their nation, and we additionally took excursions with them in Entebbe and Jinja. Additionally they ran the meals strolling tour we did in Kampala. You possibly can see extra of their excursions right here.
The tour we did with Arthur coated a number of the primary highlights of central Kampala, and included sampling of a Rolex, visits to Nakasero Market, Owino Market, a Hindu temple, Parliament Sq., and the Previous Taxi Park, a neighborhood espresso on the 1000 Cups Cafe, and time at a number of the monuments in Kampala together with the Independence Monument. We additionally took the choice to go to the Uganda Nationwide Mosque.
General, we will extremely advocate reserving a strolling tour of Kampala as a part of your go to to the town. Ideally we advocate doing one thing like this originally of your time in Uganda because it helps offer you a superb introduction and an opportunity to ask a variety of questions.
Day Journeys and 2-Day Journeys from Kampala
Clearly, there may be much more to do in Kampala itself, however in case you are within the metropolis for a couple of days (maybe as a part of a convention or one thing), you may be questioning what choices there are for exploring additional afield.
The excellent news is that there are many good day journey choices from Kampala, in addition to choices for 2-day journeys. Most of those might be carried out as a part of a day tour. Listed here are some to contemplate:
- A day journey to Jinja and the supply of the Nile. Jinja is a comparatively laid-back metropolis on the shores of Lake Victoria, round a 2-hour drive to the east of Kampala. It’s famous as being considered one of many sources of the River Nile, as that is the place Lake Victoria begins to feed into this mighty river. A tour from Kampala is an effective approach to see the sights of the town in a day.
- Entebbe day journey – Most guests to Uganda will move by way of Entebbe as that is the place the worldwide airport is positioned. It’s solely about half an hours drive from Kampala and might be simply reached with a ride-share or shuttle bus service. There’s a lot to do right here on a day-trip, together with visiting the zoo and the botanical gardens. See our information to Issues to do in Entebbe for some concepts.
- Go to the Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island. Chimpanzee trekking is a well-liked exercise in Uganda, however the majority of the chimpanzees are too distant from the capital metropolis to make a day journey possible. Nonetheless, there’s a inhabitants of chimps on Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria. This tour contains round-trip transport from Kampala with a boat-cruise, in addition to a guided chimpanzee trek, snacks, and lunch. Be aware that that is additionally the perfect place to see chimps in Uganda you probably have youngsters as all different websites have minimal age restrictions.
- See the shoebill storks at Mabamba Swamp. One in all our favourite experiences in Uganda was our boat birding safari on Mabamba Swamp to see the superior wanting shoebill stork. These birds have an unimaginable shovel formed beak, and are solely present in a couple of places in Uganda. The boat tour additionally contains the chance to see many different birds, however the shoebill stork is the spotlight.
- A day journey to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is presently the one place to see rhino in Uganda. Contains round-trip transfers and admission to the park. We’ve visited Ziwa twice and have all the time seen rhino, a extra exceptional expertise since you really trek and discover the rhino on foot. Additionally, you will doubtless see a variety of birds and different wildlife as properly right here. Extremely really helpful.
- In case you actually wish to go on safari in Uganda however don’t have a variety of time to spare, then contemplate this 2-day in a single day journey to Murchison Falls. It’s round a 4 hour drive every approach, however you’ll nonetheless have time to see the spectacular Murchison Falls, take a ship trip, and do a morning sport drive. There’s additionally the choice to incorporate a cease at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- There are additionally many multi-day safari centered excursions from Kampala, together with excursions which characteristic chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. You possibly can see a number of the greatest choices on GetYourGuide right here and Viator right here.
There are in fact many extra choices for journeys from Kampala, particularly you probably have extra time. You possibly can see a vary of choices right here. The one factor we’d all the time advocate is to verify driving distances. Uganda is pretty giant, and also you don’t wish to spend all of your time simply sitting in a car getting from Level A to B.
Practicalities for Visiting Kampala
How one can Get to Kampala
As the principle metropolis in Uganda, Kampala is properly related to the remainder of the nation by highway. The principle airport in Uganda is in close by Entebbe, with an specific freeway between the 2, which solely takes round half-hour to journey by automobile. Be aware it is a toll highway, however the payment is properly value paying because the previous Entebbe-Kampala highway can take over 2 hours to traverse as a consequence of site visitors.
In case you are arriving into Entebbe airport and staying in Entebbe or Kampala, your resort may be capable to organize an airport switch for you. You can too e-book this your self utilizing a service like this.
There may be additionally a shared shuttle bus service from Entebbe to Kampala and Jinja referred to as the Pineapple Categorical. This affords an reasonably priced scheduled service from a lot of Entebbe places together with the airport, and you’ll e-book this on-line right here.
How one can Get Round Kampala
There are a variety of various methods of getting round Kampala. Town and its points of interest are fairly unfold out, so while you possibly can stroll to see some points of interest, it’s doubtless you’ll need some type of transport throughout your go to.
There are a variety of choices, together with motorbike taxis (boda boda), minivan taxis (matatu), trip sharing apps like Protected Boda and Uber, in addition to personal drivers and tour corporations. You may additionally hire a automobile and drive your self, though given the site visitors and a number of the highway conditons we’d in all probability advise towards that.
As a global traveler, your two primary choices for fast journey are to both use a automobile (both a personal taxi or by way of trip sharing app) or to get a boda boda. The boda boda is unquestionably the quickest and least expensive possibility of the 2 and if it is advisable get someplace fast, these are sometimes the one possibility. They are often hailed from nearly any avenue. However we caught to vehicles as a result of there was the 2 of us and we felt extra protected in vehicles.
For almost all of our Kampala sightseeing we used a ride-sharing app (Uber) to get across the metropolis. This made issues simple as we might pay by way of the app. Nonetheless, we did have points with drivers probably not realizing easy methods to use the app accurately or nonetheless asking us to pay in money (we might refuse and nonetheless pay by way of app). So simply know many drivers are new to Uber so there can nonetheless be points.
One other fashionable possibility is SafeBoda, which lets you specify if you need a automobile or a boda boda (bike). In case you do wish to take bike taxis, we do advocate reserving by way of them as you possibly can pay by way of the app they usually embody a helmet and security vest.
For a number of the sights we visited they had been shut sufficient to our resort that we visited them on foot. So strolling is an possibility, simply you’ll want to put on snug footwear you don’t thoughts getting soiled (our footwear bought a pleasant layer of reddish brown mud from our walks).
On considered one of our later visits to Kampala we walked out rather a lot, sufficient in order that the native safety folks within the space would say whats up to us and ultimately stopped asking if we needed them to name us a taxi. Whereas we felt protected wandering round on foot, it could not really feel snug or be a superb possibility for some folks as you’ll doubtless draw consideration. We solely walked throughout daylight, and wouldn’t advocate strolling by yourself after darkish.
After all, in case you are doing a tour that features transportation in Kampala (or a part of a a lot greater Uganda tour), then that can be a well-liked approach for guests to get round. On our first go to to Kampala, our driver simply dropped us off and picked us up at designated locations, making it very simple.
In case you are visiting by yourself (with out a tour information), simply know it’s not that tough to get round Kampala by yourself. If in case you have any questions or need assistance getting a taxi or boda boda, your resort can simply provide help to organize this.
The place to Keep in Kampala
There’s a variety of inns to remain at in Kampala, throughout varied value factors. Listed here are some choices to contemplate, together with the inns we’ve stayed at throughout our time within the metropolis.
- Bushpig Backpackers – for those who’re in search of a hostel in Kampala (or only a price range pleasant lodging possibility), then this is a wonderful alternative. Each personal rooms and shared dormitory rooms can be found, and it’s only a quick stroll from the Uganda Museum. There’s additionally an on-site bar and restaurant the place the included breakfast is served.
- ONOMO Lodge Kampala – we’ve stayed right here twice and had a snug keep every time. This is without doubt one of the newer and extra trendy inns in Kampala. There’s free WiFi, snug air-conditioned rooms, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and glorious buffet breakfast.
- Humura Resorts – we stayed on this beautiful enjoyable boutique resort on our first go to to Kampala. Rooms are very snug and supply air-conditioning, and there’s an on-site restaurant and pool. It’s a really peaceable place that provides an oasis of calm away from the bustle of the town.
- Kampala Serena – we’ve stayed in a lot of Serena properties and all the time had a superb keep, so we’re joyful to advocate this 4* resort. That includes a big swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, and on-site eating places, this resort would make an important base for exploring the town
- Sheraton Kampala – This 5-star Sheraton resort is one other luxurious possibility discovered within the metropolis middle proper subsequent to the Independence Monument. It has a pool, a lot of eating places, snug air-conditioned rooms, a health middle, a sauna, and a magnificence salon.
After all there are lots of extra choices throughout Kampala, you possibly can see an entire vary of properties at various value factors on reserving.com right here.
Security in Kampala
Lots of people ask is Kampala protected? That is inconceivable to actually completely reply however it’s safer than many different African cities however it does have its share of violent crimes, petty crimes, dangers of terrorism, and well being threats.
That mentioned, we’ve personally felt fairly protected in Kampala as overseas guests on our 4 visits to the town. However you do have to take regular precautions for touring in a big metropolis.
The principle dangers most vacationers will face in Kampala will probably be pickpockets and thieves. Remember that a $1,000 digicam or smartphone could also be regular to you however might imply a complete lot to somebody residing on a couple of {dollars} a day. So, you’ll want to be vigilant along with your valuables and carry a minimal sum of money on you.
The chance will doubtless be larger in busier areas like crowded markets, or on a public bus. Maintaining any valuables like costly jewellery, watches, smartphones, or cameras out of sight is a smart concept. In case you don’t want them, I’d preserve them within the resort. You’ll in all probability discover in a number of the photographs that whilst a photographer I left my massive digicam at house most days and simply carried slightly compact digicam with a thick neck strap.
A cash belt, corresponding to this Eagle Creek one (which is the one we personal), is an effective approach to retailer cash, bank cards, resort key, passports, and many others. You’ll want to guarantee something that may be snatched is secured, so for instance a cross-body purse or digicam strap that goes round your neck goes to be higher than having one thing slung over a shoulder that may be extra simply taken. In case you select to put on a backpack, ensure that the closures/zippers might be secured.
Having a information or becoming a member of a tour will assist cut back your threat; nevertheless, observe you continue to have to be vigilant even with a information as they’ll’t all the time be watching you and your valuables.
In case you select to hire a automobile (not really helpful for most individuals), keep away from leaving valuables in your automobile and park it in a safe spot at night time.
As with anyplace on this planet, the chance will increase at night time, and it’s typically greatest to keep away from strolling alone at night time in most areas. Taking a ride-share as a part of a gaggle, or simply touring with a personal information, is probably going going to be safer.
A particular consideration for journey to Uganda ought to be made for LGBTQ+ vacationers after the passing of the Could 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. In response to the U.S. Division of State, LGBT individuals (or individuals perceived as such and people selling LGBT points) are at elevated threat for fines, violence, harassment, imprisonment, and might even face the loss of life penalty.
Language in Kampala
The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili; nevertheless, there are a variety of native languages spoken in Uganda.
Essentially the most extensively spoken language within the space is Luganda. Luganda is the language of the Baganda folks (Kampala is a part of the Buganda area, the most important of the standard kingdoms in Uganda).
Though Swahili has been made an official language, we hardly ever heard locals talking it except chatting with guests from different East African nations. Some advised us they like to not communicate the language because it reminds them of the time of Amin and army violence. Nonetheless, it’s the language they share with many of the remainder of East Africa.
As a vacationer in Entebbe and Kampala, you will get by fairly properly with English as most individuals within the tourism trade right here communicate at the very least some English. At points of interest and museums, the knowledge is usually written in English.
In case you don’t communicate English, Swahili, or a neighborhood language corresponding to Luganda, it is best to contemplate hiring a information or translator to get essentially the most of your time in Kampala. Or at the very least carry a superb written guidebook with you.
Foreign money in Kampala
The principle foreign money in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, or UGX. That is accepted in every single place.
The US greenback can be typically accepted, however try to be conscious that they have to be latest payments in superb form. Any form of marking or harm to the invoice means it’s unlikely to be accepted as a consequence of a concern of the financial institution not accepting it. We had this occur a lot of instances in Uganda (and different African nations). So it’s typically simpler to only discover an ATM and withdraw UGX.
Bank cards are additionally accepted at most inns and bigger eating places, however this isn’t common, so it’s greatest to all the time carry some foreign money with you.
Well being in Kampala
As with many nations around the globe, you’ll want to take some precautions to make sure you keep wholesome as a customer to Uganda.
Earlier than you go to you’ll want to guarantee you’re updated on any vaccinations you want. You must also talk about any present suggestions for journey to Uganda, which can doubtless embody anti-malarial treatment.
You will get malaria in Kampala though the chance is decrease than in most different components of Uganda. Be aware that along with malaria, mosquitoes can carry and transmit a lot of different illnesses so prevention is essential (insect repellent, sporting lengthy sleeves and pants, and many others.)
We additionally extremely advocate studying the well being recommendation given by your native authorities for vacationers to Uganda. You possibly can see the U.S. CDC journey well being info and proposals to vacationers right here, and from the UK authorities right here.
Studying the well being warnings issued by governments could be a bit scary as there have been outbreaks of some fairly critical issues like ebola, mpox (monkeypox), cholera, and yellow fever in Uganda. However simply know that these are typically small outbreaks and you aren’t prone to come into contact with them as a vacationer. However it is best to nonetheless be educated and take vital precautions.
The principle well being subject most travellers are prone to face goes to be an upset abdomen. This may be brought on by quite a lot of issues, however is most frequently brought on by consuming or consuming one thing with contaminated water.
On the subject of water, you’ll want to follow filtered, handled, or bottled water. You’ll additionally wish to keep away from contemporary salads, raw greens and fruits (except you possibly can peel it), unpasteurized milk, cooked meals that aren’t served scorching, and many others. except you already know they’re from a good and licensed meals vendor (corresponding to your resort restaurant).
In case you’d favor to keep away from shopping for bottled water in Kampala, you possibly can learn this text on protected consuming water when touring for tactics which you could deal with water when touring. We used a Grayl water filter bottle for filtering faucet water for consuming, cooking (e.g, washing fruits), and brushing our enamel whereas in Kampala on our final journey. This made it in order that we didn’t want to purchase any bottled water.
For meals, it’s greatest to try to eat at respected institutions the place potential. If you wish to be extra adventurous, a good suggestion is to take a meals tour like this one that we did, the place the tour information will steer you in direction of protected dishes and take you to locations which have good hygiene requirements.
As individuals who have been sick in Uganda (most definitely from consuming contemporary greens on a sandwich), we extremely advocate being cautious and following the really helpful pointers. We had been in Uganda for a couple of weeks at that time and let our guard down for a day which was a mistake that left us sick for a number of days.
Excursions of Kampala
There are a variety of excursions of Kampala which you could take, which can give you a protected, guided expertise in Uganda’s capital metropolis. We’ve taken a lot of strolling excursions in Kampala they usually had been all glorious, with pleasant, educated guides who helped us actually perceive what we had been seeing. Listed here are some excursions we advocate.
- This meals tour, which incorporates a variety of tasty meals, from avenue meals classics by way of to a sit-down buffet meal. We’ve taken this tour.
- This strolling tour, which incorporates lots of the highlights of Kampala that we point out on this information. We’ve taken this tour as properly.
- That is one other tour of Kampala, which additionally visits a lot of highlights within the metropolis. We haven’t personally taken this one however it’s extremely reviewed.
Getting On-line in Uganda
You’ve a couple of choices for getting on-line if you go to Uganda. First, many locations together with the vast majority of inns have free WiFi, so it is possible for you to to attach a smartphone, pill, or laptop computer to WiFi. There may be additionally typically free WiFi at espresso retailers and eating places, particularly these catering to vacationers.
Nonetheless, you’re doubtless additionally going to wish to be on-line even when not in vary of a free WiFi hotspot. Most guides for instance use WhatsApp for communication, which works over the web. If you wish to use a ride-sharing service like Uber you’ll additionally want to have the ability to get on-line.
So meaning you’ll want a SIM card with information connectivty. We’ve got used Airtel, and we purchased a SIM card from the Airtel kiosk on the arrivals corridor within the airport. There are a couple of completely different carriers, however Airtel labored properly for us and was a superb value. It additionally had the benefit that as we had been visiting a couple of completely different East African nations we had been in a position to buy a roaming information bundle which coated us in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania as properly.
Another choice can be to make use of an eSIM service in case your telephone helps it. We’ve used Airalo in Uganda. We frequently use Airalo after we journey (see our full Airalo assessment right here). It’s usually barely dearer than shopping for a neighborhood SIM, however will allow you to get on-line as quickly as you land and skip having to discover a SIM card and undergo the native means of registering it.
If you need extra recommendation on web entry when touring, see our information to getting on-line when touring for some suggestions and recommendation.
Energy Shops / Journey Adapters for Uganda
Uganda makes use of a three-pin plug (Kind G plug), as you’ll find within the UK and a lot of different nations in East Africa. In case you are coming from the UK or different nation that makes use of the British plug, then your tools will probably be fantastic and also you shouldn’t want a journey adapter.
In case you are visiting from a special nation, corresponding to from the USA, Canada, or most of Europe, then you’ll need a journey adaptor like this.
Moreover, Uganda makes use of a 220v-240v system. That is much like a lot of the world except components of the Americas, together with Canada and the USA, the place 110v is the norm. In case you are travelling from considered one of these nations, you’ll need to verify in case your tools helps the upper voltage. It ought to be written on the plug.
Typically, decrease powered units like cameras, laptops, and telephone chargers assist 110v – 240v, while larger energy units like hairdryers don’t. See our information to journey adapters for extra on this subject.
Additional Studying
That sums up our information to issues to do in Kampala. We hope you discovered it helpful! Earlier than you head off, we needed to share some hyperlinks to different content material we predict you may discover helpful in planning your journey to Uganda and the broader area.
- We’ve got an in depth information to issues to do in Entebbe, that can assist you plan extra of your journey.
- We’ve got an in depth information to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in addition to gorilla trekking in Uganda. These are each fashionable actions for guests to Uganda and properly value doing in our opinion
- We’ve got a information to selecting the greatest safari digicam, and a information to getting higher photographs on safari, so you possibly can make sure you get nice recollections of your journey.
- We even have an in depth safari packing listing that can assist you determine what to carry with you
- In case you are planning on visiting Kenya, try our information to issues to do in Nairobi and our recommended 1 day Nairobi itinerary, which has a lot of concepts for the town
- We’ve got a information to getting on-line when travelling, that can assist you keep related in Uganda
- You’re going to wish to energy all of your units if you journey – see our information to the greatest journey adapters so you possibly can select the proper one for Uganda
- In case you’d like a journey information, contemplate the Uganda Bradt Journey Information, which is usually considered the most suitable choice for Uganda. We’ve used the previous version and might extremely advocate this e-book because it has all the things from the historical past of the nation and it’s folks, by way of to packing suggestions, planning recommendation and extra. It additionally contains detailed info on chimp and gorilla trekking.
- Guide smart, we additionally pack and journey with each the Pocket Information: Birds of East Africa and the Pocket Information to the Mammals of East Africa. These are each very conveniently sized and can allow you to establish a variety of what you see on a go to to any east African nation.
And that’s it! As all the time, we hope you discovered this information helpful. If in case you have any questions or feedback, simply pop them within the feedback part under and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we will.
