We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Uganda numerous occasions and had some superb experiences together with gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. Nonetheless, there’s tons extra 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 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 more likely to see metropolis life. It’s a spot many Ugandans come for enterprise, education, coaching, buying, and non secular gatherings. It additionally has numerous vacationer sights!
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, when you have the time, we suggest a minimum of 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 occasions, most occasions only a day or two, however on one journey we spent a number of days exploring town. So, we’re fortunate to have visited many of the locations that might be of curiosity to worldwide vacationers and wish to encourage extra folks to take the time to cease and provides 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 among the highlights as a part of an extended tour in Uganda or are on the town for an extended time frame, we hope this information evokes you to see as a lot as you’ll be able to.
We’ll additionally share some recommendations on issues like getting round in addition to staying secure 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 have the ability to do all these actions throughout a number of days or select 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 sequence of smaller kingdoms.
The most important of those kingdoms was the Buganda kingdom, residence to the Baganda folks. The Baganda are dominated over by Kings, often called the Kabaka, in a convention that dates to the early fourteenth century, and which continues to at the present time.
The Kabaka are clearly essential to the Baganda folks, a truth 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 non secular web site in Uganda. It’s additionally the one UNESCO world heritage web site in Kampala and stays an vital non secular place for the Baganda.
The location, which takes up 64 acres of land, dates from 1882. The first attraction is the massive 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 equivalent to picket 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 family members of the kings are buried. The world additionally has numerous historically constructed houses the place the widows of the previous Kings stay and have a tendency the graves.
The Kasubi tombs have been truly nearly completely destroyed by fireplace in 2010, nonetheless a serious renovation venture was launched and so they reopened in 2025. We visited as they have been within the strategy of rebuilding and there was numerous craftsman from varied elements of Uganda working.
We actually loved our go to to the Kasubi tombs and may extremely suggest inserting this in your to-do record in Kampala. This is a vital non secular web site so make sure you costume conservatively. Girls might want to cowl their legs with a protracted skirt or tie a big scarf round their waist to go to. Jess had on pants however was nonetheless requested to tie a protracted skirt round her waist to enter.
There’s an entry price to go to, payable on web site. You may be accompanied by an on-site information in your go to. It may also 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 inquisitive about tombs and Baganda tradition, you might also wish to add a go to to Wamala Tomb to your record. 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 standard thatched constructing like that in Kasubi. There’s additionally the stays of the previous palace, tomb of Suuna’s mom, and a group of royal artifacts.
Be aware that the Wamala Tombs are a few 30 minute drive north of central Kampala. In case you are wanting to go to Wamala Tombs, you would possibly contemplate this tour which additionally consists of 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 normal residence of the Buganda King. The palace, which is also referred to as Lubiri and Mengo Palace, may be discovered on the highest of Mengo Hill, and the situation presents wonderful views of the encircling metropolis.
In the present day the palace grounds are open to the general public to go to, though you’ll be able to’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 administrative center for the Kabaka is on the Bulange which is linked by a straight highway often called 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 price, and a information might be allotted to you.
After we visited we had a wonderful English-speaking information named Fred who confirmed us across the grounds and defined lots of the historical past of Uganda. In addition to being residence to the spectacular palace constructing, the grounds are additionally residence to the torture chambers of Idi Amin.
These underground concrete cells have been the ultimate holding location of anybody deemed a menace to Amin’s regime, and it’s estimated that over 200,000 folks have 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 is still of those 1000’s of misplaced lives.
In addition to the above, the tour consists of different fascinating info on Ugandan historical past. Our information was additionally educated in regards to the bushes, fruits, and crops we noticed alongside the stroll.
We learnt about bark material, a standard cloth created from tree bark which lengthy predates woven textiles. Many Ugandan artists use it as a standard medium upon which to color. There’s a small store which sells painted barkcloth and different historically made objects which make for good Ugandan souvenirs.
General, a go to to the Kabaka’s Palace grounds is an efficient method to study Ugandan historical past, together with it’s darker occasions. The on-site guides we visited with have been actually wonderful, and this was a really worthy expertise.
There’s after all a price to go to. You’ll be able to go to your self, as we did, or as half of a bigger day tour. The vast majority of excursions of Kampala will embrace Kabaka’s Palace, equivalent to this one or this one.
Uganda Museum
Based in 1908, the Uganda Museum is likely one of the greatest locations in Kampala to go to to study in regards to the historical past of the nation. It’s additionally the oldest museum in East Africa.
It options a wide range 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 extra. There’s are additionally displays from pre-historical occasions, that includes fossils and different relics that time to the historical past of human evolution within the area.
Exterior, you’ll discover the cultural village, which contains a vary of various conventional buildings and objects that have been used throughout totally different durations in historical past. This was our favorite a part of the museum, and it was so fascinating to see the totally different types of home in addition to the objects utilized by the totally different tribes throughout Uganda.
The museum shouldn’t be large, and may undoubtedly be visited in 2 to three hours. There’s an admission price. You’ll be able to go to by yourself or you may get a information in the event you choose a guided go to. You’ll be able to see extra about opening occasions and what you’ll be able to 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. Verify the official web site for the most recent 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 may 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 equivalent to this one and this city-centre strolling tour. We visited it as a part of this guided strolling tour.
Different Historic Monument and Statues in Kampala
Along with the Independence Monument, there are additionally numerous different monuments and statues you could see round Kampala. These embrace:
- 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 Highway 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 reveals 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 Highway and Nile Avenue, however because of highway works it has been moved to take a seat between the Serena Resort and Imperial Royale Resort
- The Cenetary Monument – Commemorating the centenary of the Kampala Metropolis Council, this monument symbolizes the identification of town’s governing authority. Present in Centenary Park alongside Jinja Highway
- Stride Monument – Created to honor the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Authorities Assembly, this monument contains a household shifting ahead collectively, symbolizing the unity of the Commonwealth. Discovered between the Parliamentary Gardens and the Kampala Serena Resort
- Lengthy Cut up Drum Statue – The statue is of a tall drum or engalabi, a standard lengthy, cylindrical drum lined 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 numerous wildlife statues alongside the roads in central Kampala, notably Previous Kira Highway. Statues embrace a lion, gorillas, cranes, giraffes, impala and lots 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 have been stopped on the conflict memorial by police and we have been solely allowed to method and take a photograph as a result of we have been with an area information.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe
The following few entries in our record of issues to do in Kampala are locations of worship for among the main religions you’ll discover in Uganda. We’ve visited all of those, and every location is fascinating and price visiting in its personal proper. It simply depends upon your pursuits.
The primary within the record 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 constructions (courting from 1890) all having been deserted or destroyed for varied causes.
The current-day church is a formidable giant pink constructing with a domed roof, constructed from earthen bricks and earthen roof tiles.
The church may be discovered on the highest of Namirembe hill, simply to the west of town’s central enterprise district. As with many of the hills within the space, the hilltop location presents wonderful views of the encircling metropolis.
Be aware that it’s free to go to the surface of the cathedral however in the event you want to go inside as a customer there’s a price which features a guided tour. The church is after all a working church so visits will not be all the time allowed if worship companies or different occasions are going down.
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 town heart. This commanding hilltop location presents wonderful views of the encircling metropolis.
That is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Archdioceses 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 fascinating 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.
In the present day, most Ugandans determine 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 after all a working church so visits will not be all the time allowed if worship companies or different occasions are going down.
Baha’i Home of Worship
The Baha’i religion is likely one of the smaller and newer faiths in Uganda, however it’s most important home of worship and placement remains to be nonetheless value a go to. Discovered on Kikaya Hill on the perimeters of 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 numerous different buildings. It has a surprising location.
Truthfully, we knew little or no in regards to 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 wonderful, displaying us the important thing highlights of the property and answering all our questions in regards to the historical past of the constructing and the Baha’i religion. It’s undoubtedly one thing slightly bit totally different and definitely worth the small effort to get right here in our opinion.
We truly visited twice, the primary time we took a ride-share right here however arrived too late because it had already closed. You’ll be able to 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 beautiful information named Esther. She advised us rather a lot in regards to the historical past of the religion and of the Kampala temple. No companies have been taking place after we visited so we have been allowed to go inside, no speaking or pictures is allowed inside.
Because it’s discovered to the north of town heart it’s a good location to cease in case you are heading north out of town, maybe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or additional north to Murchison Nationwide Park.
Uganda Nationwide Mosque
The Uganda Nationwide Mosque, beforehand often called 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 truly began in 1972 throughout the regime of Idi Amin, nonetheless the instability of the regime meant that building halted in 1976. It wasn’t till 2001 that building restarted, due to the assist of the Libyan chief Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The mosque lastly opened for worship in 2007 and was renamed to the Uganda Nationwide Mosque in 2013 after the dying of Gaddafi.
The mosque has one minaret, and it’s open to guests to climb to the highest. From the highest you may get nice views over town. This minaret was truly featured in a Season 31 episode of The Wonderful Race (2019), the place they needed to climb and depend all of the steps (272 of them!). In the event 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 have been the one ones contained in the tower throughout our go to.
The mosque may 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 primary elements of the mosque. However it’s best to nonetheless have the ability to go to the outside and climb the minaret.
There’s an entrance price to go to as a foreigner. We visited as a part of this guided strolling tour and have been assigned to a mosque information for this a part of the go to. The inside of the mosque is absolutely architecturally spectacular, however for us the spotlight was going up the tower for the views throughout town.
As with every non secular constructing you’ll want to observe the costume code. All guests ought to costume modestly. Girls ought to put on free becoming garments protecting to the wrist, ankle (ideally a protracted 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 price).
After we visited Jess felt a bit suffocated because it was scorching and he or she 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 sneakers on and off a number of occasions and he or she spent lots of time fumbling with the coverings and sneakers. 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 singular design, consisting of an enormous round constructing, which was designed to copy a standard African hut. It’s additionally some of the visited pilgrimage websites in Africa, because it serves as a shrine to the Uganda Martyrs.
The Uganda Martyrs have been a bunch of twenty-two Catholic and 23 Anglican Christians, who have been killed between 1885 and 1887. Lots of the martyrs have been members of the King’s Royal Court docket who had adopted Christianity in opposition to the King’s needs, and whom he ordered to be executed. The vast majority of the martyrs (twenty-two males) have been burned alive at Namugongo in 1886.
The dying of the Uganda martyrs had a serious impression on the political and non secular panorama in Uganda. It resulted in widespread standard assist amongst the British public for buying Uganda as a protectorate, which occurred only a few 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 have 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 at the present time lots of of 1000’s of individuals go to the shrine.
Pope Francis visited Uganda and the basilica in 2015. He celebrated Mass outdoors the basilica at Namugongo November 28, 2015.
Nonetheless, you’ll be able to go to the shrine at any time of yr and discover the grounds and basilica throughout visiting hours. There was a small price to go to for worldwide guests.
There’s the bascilica, slightly museum space, shrines to the martyrs, a small lake, an amphitheater, a small cafe, and a present store. It’s a relaxed and peaceable place and effectively value a go to.
Kampala Markets
Markets are an ideal place to get to know the native tradition and to additionally decide 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 outdoor. The surface space primarily sells recent 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 every little thing, it’s notably identified for distributors promoting secondhand clothes, sneakers, and trend equipment.
There are after all dozens of different smaller markets in Kampala, and every space or neighboorhood may have some sort of market.
In case you are particularly in search of souvenirs, then you definitely also needs to contemplate a go to to Publicity Africa. Situated on Buganda highway, this market has over 30 stalls that includes arts and crafts that are usually made both in Uganda or Kenya. It has a wide range of antiques, native crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.
We suggest visiting with a information to get essentially the most of your go to to the markets. They’re giant, busy, and may be actually overwhelming for a first-time customer. A neighborhood information may also make it easier to talk with stall house owners and be sure to get a good worth.
Whereas we felt secure 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 suggest that you simply depart any costly jewellery, cameras, and different gear at your lodge.
Images is commonly 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 house owners to permit us to take some photographs from sure areas at Nakasero Market and even then we have 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 getting in organized chaos.
That is not at all a must-see place however it’s included in lots of strolling excursions as a cease, and it’s a good place to cease to study transportation in Kampala.
Ndere Cultural Middle
Certainly one of our favourite actions in Kampala was our go to to the Ndere Cultural Middle. The cultural heart 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 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 suggest and did, is to go to for one of many night performances. These fluctuate however sometimes embrace a mixture of dance, theater, and music and infrequently even have the choice to have a buffet dinner throughout the present.
These performances happen a number of occasions per week, and usually run from 7pm – 10pm. Exhibits are held outdoors 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 very enjoyable night with nice performers and a beautiful setting. The present tells the tales from the totally different Ugandan tribes with conventional dance. There’s additionally a wonderful and entertaining most important 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 are able to extremely really useful reserving a ticket for a efficiency right here if one is going on throughout your go to to Kampala. Its an ideal night out and supporting a superb native group.
It’s simple sufficient to go to the Ndere Cultural Middle your self, or you’ll be able to e-book a tour which incorporates numerous sights in addition to the present and dinner like this one.
Nommo Artwork Gallery
In the event you’re inquisitive 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 one among few in Uganda.
The Nommo Gallery was established by the Uganda Nationwide Cultural Middle in 1964, and may be discovered within the coronary heart of town close to to State Lodge. It serves as Uganda’s Nationwide Artwork Gallery.
After we visited the primary artwork exhibited was a black-and-white pictures exhibition about incapacity. There was additionally numerous different artwork on the market, largely work, but in addition statues, wooden carvings, paper artwork, and so forth. made by native artists.
Be aware that attending to the gallery may be difficult. We had a taxi, however he needed to drop us off a few 10-minute stroll from the gallery due to highway closures and safety checkpoints. The gallery is positioned close to the State Home which frequently results in elevated safety within the space. So we needed to go on foot by a few totally 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 make sure you be ready and take alongside an official photograph ID with you and put on snug sneakers.
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 one among our visits to Kampala we took this three-hour meals tour.
This was a wonderful method to attempt a variety of Ugandan meals, and included Rolex, deep-fried grasshoppers, fritters, fried fish, recent fruit, sugar cane juice, and samosas from a wide range of road distributors. It then completed with a full buffet at a restaurant specializing in Ugandan meals. One of the crucial frequent meals eaten in Uganda is matooke (a boiled and mashed inexperienced bananas) so I might make sure you attempt that.
The actual spotlight of the tour although, past the wonderful 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 have been fortunate sufficient to be the one folks on the tour, so we bought to speak with our tour information about all types 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.
In order for you an immersive native expertise and to attempt lots of native produce and dishes, this meals tour is a superb method to do exactly that. This will provide you with an ideal introduction to Ugandan meals.
Go to AFFCAD
Like many international locations all over the world, poverty is an actual subject in Uganda, particularly affecting kids. They typically have restricted entry to every little thing from clear water to schooling to healthcare, which doesn’t lead to optimistic life outcomes.
One group that’s working to empower these in poverty is AFFCAD, which stands for Motion for Basic Change
and Improvement. This nonprofit was arrange by 4 younger males from Bwaise in Kampala, one of many poorest neighborhoods within the metropolis.
This township suffers from a scarcity of city planning, fast inhabitants development, and a location on a former wetland, which all conspire to create residing circumstances tormented by floods and unsanitary circumstances.
We suggest 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 study in regards to the superb real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, who grew up in Katwe, and her mentor Robert Katende.
AFFCAD are working to enhance alternatives obtainable to the folks in Kampala’s poorest areas, together with the Bwaise neighborhood, by a variety of academic, healthcare, and financial packages. That is achieved by vocational coaching, faculties, and entry to healthcare.
AFFCAD additionally presents a slum consciousness tour to guests to Kampala, the place you’ll be able to study in regards to the challenges dealing with neighborhoods like Bwaise, and perceive what AFFCAD are doing to assist. We’ve written prior to now about moral slum tourism so we undoubtedly suggest studying that earlier than reserving any slum excursions. Based mostly on our expertise, we really feel that visiting Bwaise with AFFCAD undoubtedly leads to general optimistic outcomes.
We took our strolling tour with Jaffar, one of many 4 founders of AFFCAD. We visited the assorted AFFCAD buildings the place they provide vocational coaching. It was not a “faculty” day, so it was a comparatively quiet day, however we noticed the assorted instruments used for educating abilities 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 have been served a standard meal of kikkomondo, which is principally beans and chapati, and is scrumptious. A pleasant method to finish the tour.
Our tour lasted about 2.5 hours and included transport from our lodge in Kampala. We did it in 2023 and the price was $35 per particular person. We paid in money at the beginning 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 may make an actual distinction. It’s additionally an excellent method to get insights from an area about life on this a part of Kampala.
Yow will discover out extra about visiting AFFCAD at their web site right here. These excursions do should be booked upfront. One of the simplest ways to arrange a tour is to e-mail them straight, which you are able to do at information@affcad.org.
E-book a Strolling Tour of Central Kampala
We are able to extremely suggest reserving a guided strolling tour for a minimum of a few of your time in Kampala, particularly if you wish to navigate the native markets and monuments, or if you’d like another person to deal with transportation.
Kampala generally is a bit chaotic, particularly for a primary time customer, and letting another person cope with logistics and route planning will allow you to concentrate on the sights. It could possibly additionally make it easier to navigate among the language obstacles and safety points that you could be come throughout.
We took this wonderful 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 are able to personally suggest for strolling excursions as we now have taken a number of strolling and meals excursions from them throughout our visits to Uganda.
This firm was setup by a bunch of younger native Ugandans eager to showcase one of the best 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’ll be able to see extra of their excursions right here.
The tour we did with Arthur lined among the most important 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, an area espresso on the 1000 Cups Cafe, and time at among the monuments in Kampala together with the Independence Monument. We additionally took the choice to go to the Uganda Nationwide Mosque.
General, we are able to extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of Kampala as a part of your go to to town. Ideally we suggest doing one thing like this originally of your time in Uganda because it helps offer you a superb introduction and an opportunity to ask lots of questions.
Day Journeys and 2-Day Journeys from Kampala
Clearly, there’s tons to do in Kampala itself, however in case you are within the metropolis for a number 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 may be completed as a part of a day tour. Listed below 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 efficient method to see the sights of town in a day.
- Entebbe day journey – Most guests to Uganda will cross by Entebbe as that is the place the worldwide airport is positioned. It’s solely about half an hours drive from Kampala and may be simply reached with a ride-share or shuttle bus service. There’s tons 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 consists of round-trip transport from Kampala with a boat-cruise, in addition to a guided chimpanzee trek, snacks, and lunch. Be aware that’s can be one of the best place to see chimps in Uganda when you have kids as all different websites have minimal age restrictions.
- See the shoebill storks at Mabamba Swamp. Certainly one of 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 number of places in Uganda. The boat tour additionally consists of the chance to see many different birds, however the shoebill stork is the spotlight.
- A day journey to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is at the moment 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 gotten to see rhino, a extra outstanding expertise since you truly trek and discover the rhino on foot. Additionally, you will probably see lots of birds and different wildlife as effectively right here. Extremely really useful.
- In the event you actually wish to go on safari in Uganda however don’t have lots 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 means, however you’ll nonetheless have time to see the spectacular Murchison Falls, take a ship trip, and do a morning recreation drive. There’s additionally the choice to incorporate a cease at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- There are additionally many multi-day safari centered excursions from Uganda, together with excursions which function chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. You’ll be able to see among the greatest choices on GetYourGuide right here and Viator right here.
There are after all many extra choices for journeys from Kampala, particularly when you have extra time. You’ll be able to see a vary of choices right here. The one factor we’d all the time suggest 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
Learn how to Get to Kampala
As the primary metropolis in Uganda, Kampala is effectively linked to the remainder of the nation by highway. The principle airport in Uganda is in close by Entebbe, with an categorical freeway between the 2, which solely takes round half-hour to journey by automotive. Be aware it is a toll highway, however the price is effectively value paying because the previous Entebbe-Kampala highway can take over 2 hours to traverse because of visitors.
In case you are arriving into Entebbe airport and staying in Entebbe or Kampala, your lodge would possibly have the ability to organize an airport switch for you. You too can e-book this your self utilizing a service like this.
There’s additionally a shared shuttle bus service from Entebbe to Kampala and Jinja often called the Pineapple Specific. This presents an inexpensive scheduled service from numerous Entebbe places together with the airport, and you may e-book this on-line right here.
Learn how to Get Round Kampala
There are a selection of various methods of getting round Kampala. The town and its sights are fairly unfold out, so while you’ll be able to stroll to see some sights, it’s probably you will have some type of transport throughout your go to.
There are a selection of choices, together with bike taxis (boda boda), minivan taxis (matatu), trip sharing apps like Secure Boda and Uber, in addition to non-public drivers and tour firms. You may additionally lease a automotive and drive your self, though given the visitors and among the highway conditons we’d most likely advise in opposition to that.
As a world traveler, your two most important choices for fast journey are to both use a automotive (both a non-public taxi or through trip sharing app) or to get a boda boda. The boda boda is unquestionably the quickest and most cost-effective possibility of the 2 and if you could get someplace fast, these are sometimes the one possibility. They are often hailed from nearly any road. However we caught to vehicles as a result of there was the 2 of us and we felt extra secure 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 may pay through the app. Nonetheless, we did have points with drivers not likely realizing how you can use the app appropriately or nonetheless asking us to pay in money (we might refuse and nonetheless pay through app). So simply know many drivers are new to Uber so there can nonetheless be points.
One other standard possibility is SafeBoda, which lets you specify if you’d like a automotive or a boda boda (bike). In the event you do wish to take bike taxis, we do suggest reserving by them as you’ll be able to pay through the app and so they embrace a helmet and security vest.
For among the sights we visited they have been shut sufficient to our lodge that we visited them on foot. So strolling is an possibility, simply make sure you put on snug sneakers you don’t thoughts getting soiled (our sneakers bought a pleasant layer of reddish brown mud from our walks).
On one among 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 finally stopped asking if we needed them to name us a taxi. Whereas we felt secure wandering round on foot, it could not really feel snug or be a superb possibility for some folks as you’ll probably draw consideration. We solely walked throughout daytime, and wouldn’t suggest 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 larger Uganda tour), then that can be a preferred means 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 isn’t that arduous to get round Kampala by yourself. When you have any questions or need assistance getting a taxi or boda boda, your lodge can simply make it easier to organize this.
The place to Keep in Kampala
There’s a variety of accommodations to remain at in Kampala, throughout varied worth factors. Listed below are some choices to contemplate, together with the accommodations we’ve stayed at throughout our time within the metropolis.
- Bushpig Backpackers – in the event you’re in search of a hostel in Kampala (or only a finances pleasant lodging possibility), then this is a superb selection. Each non-public 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 Resort Kampala – we’ve stayed right here twice and had a snug keep every time. This is likely one of the newer and extra fashionable accommodations in Kampala. There’s free WiFi, snug air-conditioned rooms, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and wonderful buffet breakfast.
- Humura Resorts – we stayed on this beautiful stress-free boutique lodge on our first go to to Kampala. Rooms are very snug and provide 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 town.
- Kampala Serena – we now have stayed in numerous Serena properties and all the time had a superb keep, so we’re pleased to suggest this 4* lodge. That includes a big swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, and on-site eating places, this lodge would make an ideal base for exploring town
- Sheraton Kampala – This 5-star Sheraton lodge is one other luxurious possibility discovered within the metropolis heart proper subsequent to the Independence Monument. It has a pool, numerous eating places, snug air-conditioned rooms, a health heart, a sauna, and a magnificence salon.
After all there are numerous extra choices throughout Kampala, you’ll be able to see a whole vary of properties at various worth factors on reserving.com right here.
Security in Kampala
Lots of people ask is Kampala secure? That is not possible to essentially 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 now have personally felt fairly secure in Kampala as overseas guests on our 4 visits to town. However you do must take regular precautions for touring in a big metropolis.
The principle dangers most vacationers will face in Kampala might be pickpockets and thieves. Remember the fact that a $1,000 digital camera or smartphone could also be regular to you however could imply a complete lot to somebody residing on a number of {dollars} a day. So, you’ll want to be vigilant together with your valuables and carry a minimal amount of cash on you.
The chance will probably be greater 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 clever concept. In the event you don’t want them, I’d maintain them within the lodge. You’ll most likely discover in among the photographs that at the same time as a photographer I left my huge digital camera at residence most days and simply carried slightly compact digital camera with a thick neck strap.
A cash belt, equivalent to this Eagle Creek one (which is the one we personal), is an efficient method to retailer cash, bank cards, lodge key, passports, and so forth. You’ll want to guarantee something that may be snatched is secured, so for instance a cross-body purse or digital camera 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 the event you select to put on a backpack, be certain the closures/zippers may be secured.
Having a information or becoming a member of a tour will assist cut back your threat; nonetheless, observe you continue to should be vigilant even with a information as they will’t all the time be watching you and your valuables.
In the event you select to lease a automotive (not really useful for most individuals), keep away from leaving valuables in your automotive and park it in a safe spot at night time.
As with wherever on the earth, the chance will increase at night time, and it’s usually greatest to keep away from strolling alone at night time in most areas. Taking a ride-share as a part of a bunch, or simply touring with a non-public information, is probably going going to be safer.
A particular consideration for journey to Uganda must be made for LGBTQ+ vacationers after the passing of the Might 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. In line with 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 may even face the dying penalty.
Language in Kampala
The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili; nonetheless, there are lots of native languages spoken in Uganda.
Essentially the most broadly 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 normal 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 converse 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 may get by fairly effectively with English as most individuals within the tourism trade right here converse a minimum of some English. At sights and museums, the knowledge is commonly written in English.
In the event you don’t converse English, Swahili, or an area language equivalent to Luganda, it’s best to contemplate hiring a information or translator to get essentially the most of your time in Kampala. Or a minimum of convey 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 all places.
The US greenback can be usually accepted, however you have to be conscious that they should be current payments in excellent form. Any sort of marking or injury to the invoice means it’s unlikely to be accepted because of a worry of the financial institution not accepting it. We had this occur numerous occasions in Uganda (and different African nations). So it’s usually simpler to simply discover an ATM and withdraw UGX.
Bank cards are additionally accepted at most accommodations 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 international locations all over the world, 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 also needs to focus on any present suggestions for journey to Uganda, which is able to probably embrace anti-malarial medicine.
You may get malaria in Kampala though the chance is decrease than in most different elements of Uganda. Be aware that along with malaria, mosquitoes can carry and transmit numerous different illnesses so prevention is essential (insect repellent, carrying lengthy sleeves and pants, and so forth.)
We additionally extremely suggest studying the well being recommendation given by your native authorities for vacationers to Uganda. You’ll be able to 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 generally is a bit scary as there have been outbreaks of some fairly severe issues like ebola, mpox (monkeypox), cholera, and yellow fever in Uganda. However simply know that these are usually small outbreaks and you aren’t more likely to come into contact with them as a vacationer. However it’s best to nonetheless be educated and take essential precautions.
The principle well being subject most travellers are more likely to face goes to be an upset abdomen. This may be brought on by a wide range of issues, however is most frequently brought on by consuming or ingesting one thing with contaminated water.
With regards to water, you’ll want to stick with filtered, handled, or bottled water. You’ll additionally wish to keep away from recent salads, raw greens and fruits (except you’ll be able to peel it), unpasteurized milk, cooked meals that aren’t served scorching, and so forth. except you already know they’re from a good and licensed meals vendor (equivalent to your lodge restaurant).
In the event you’d choose to keep away from shopping for bottled water in Kampala, you’ll be able to learn this text on secure ingesting water when touring for methods you could deal with water when touring. We used a Grayl water filter bottle for filtering faucet water for ingesting, 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 attempt to eat at respected institutions the place doable. 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 secure dishes and take you to locations which have good hygiene requirements.
As individuals who have been sick in Uganda (most definitely from consuming recent greens on a sandwich), we extremely recommending being cautious and following the really useful pointers. We had been in Uganda for a number 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 selection of excursions of Kampala you could take, which is able to give you a secure, guided expertise in Uganda’s capital metropolis. We’ve taken numerous strolling excursions in Kampala and so they have been all wonderful, with pleasant, educated guides who helped us actually perceive what we have been seeing. Listed below are some excursions we suggest.
- This meals tour, which incorporates a variety of tasty meals, from road meals classics by to a sit-down buffet meal. We’ve taken this tour.
- This strolling tour, which incorporates most of the highlights of Kampala that we point out on this information. We’ve taken this tour as effectively.
- That is one other tour of Kampala, which additionally visits numerous highlights within the metropolis. We haven’t personally taken this one however it’s extremely reviewed.
Getting On-line in Uganda
You will have a number of choices for getting on-line once you go to Uganda. First, many locations together with the vast majority of accommodations have free WiFi, so it is possible for you to to attach a smartphone, pill, or laptop computer to WiFi. There’s additionally typically free WiFi at espresso retailers and eating places, particularly these catering to vacationers.
Nonetheless, you’re probably 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 knowledge connectivty. We’ve used Airtel, and we purchased a SIM card from the Airtel kiosk on the arrivals corridor within the airport. There are a number of totally different carriers, however Airtel labored effectively for us and was a superb worth. It additionally had the benefit that as we have been visiting a number of totally different East African international locations we have been capable of buy a roaming knowledge bundle which lined us in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania as effectively.
An alternative choice could be to make use of an eSIM service in case your telephone helps it. We’ve used Airalo in Uganda. We regularly use Airalo after we journey (see our full Airalo overview right here). It’s usually barely costlier than shopping for an area 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 strategy of registering it.
In order for you extra recommendation on web entry when touring, see our information to getting on-line when touring for some ideas and recommendation.
Energy Retailers / Journey Adapters for Uganda
Uganda makes use of a three-pin plug (Sort G plug), as you can see within the UK and numerous different international locations in East Africa. In case you are coming from the UK or different nation that makes use of the British plug, then your gear might be tremendous and also you shouldn’t want a journey adapter.
In case you are visiting from a unique nation, equivalent to from the USA, Canada, or most of Europe, then you will have a journey adaptor like this.
Moreover, Uganda makes use of a 220v-240v system. That is just like a lot of the world apart from elements of the Americas, together with Canada and the USA, the place 110v is the norm. In case you are travelling from one among these international locations, you will have to verify in case your gear helps the upper voltage. It must be written on the plug.
Typically, decrease powered units like cameras, laptops, and telephone chargers assist 110v – 240v, while greater 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 would possibly discover helpful in planning your journey to Uganda and the broader area.
- We’ve an in depth information to issues to do in Entebbe, that will help you plan extra of your journey.
- We’ve an in depth information to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in addition to gorilla trekking in Uganda. These are each standard actions for guests to Uganda and effectively value doing in our opinion
- We’ve a information to picking the greatest safari digital camera, and a information to getting higher photographs on safari, so you’ll be able to make sure you get nice recollections of your journey.
- We even have an in depth safari packing record that will help you resolve what to convey with you
- In case you are planning on visiting Kenya, take a look at our information to issues to do in Nairobi and our steered 1 day Nairobi itinerary, which has a lot of concepts for town
- We’ve a information to getting on-line when travelling, that will help you keep linked in Uganda
- You’re going to want to energy all of your units once you journey – see our information to the greatest journey adapters so you’ll be able to select the appropriate one for Uganda
- In the event you’d like a journey information, contemplate the Uganda Bradt Journey Information, which is usually considered the best choice for Uganda. We’ve used the previous version and may extremely suggest this e-book because it has every little thing from the historical past of the nation and it’s folks, by to packing ideas, planning recommendation and extra. It additionally consists of detailed info on chimp and gorilla trekking.
- E-book clever, 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 determine lots 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. When you have any questions or feedback, simply pop them within the feedback part beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we are able to.
