We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Uganda various occasions and had some superb experiences together with gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. Nonetheless, there may be tons extra to do in Uganda past these iconic actions!
Once we go to Uganda, we at all times 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 plenty 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 also be value visiting. Nonetheless, we predict no go to to Uganda is full with out spending somewhat 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 might be prone to see metropolis life. It’s a spot many Ugandans come for enterprise, education, coaching, purchasing, and non secular gatherings. It additionally has various 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 individuals. So, when you’ve got the time, we suggest at the 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 occasions, most occasions 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 individuals 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 few 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’ll be able to.
We’ll additionally share some recommendations on 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, based mostly on our private expertise visiting. It is best to have the ability 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 immediately was comprised of a collection of smaller kingdoms.
The biggest of those kingdoms was the Buganda kingdom, residence to the Baganda individuals. The Baganda are dominated over by Kings, generally known as the Kabaka, in a convention that dates to the early fourteenth century, and which continues to today.
The Kabaka are clearly crucial to the Baganda individuals, 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 website in Uganda. It’s additionally the one UNESCO world heritage website in Kampala and stays an necessary non secular place for the Baganda.
The location, 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 measurement 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 website are a gatehouse, a drum home, and cemeteries the place the youngsters, wives, and different relations of the kings are buried. The world additionally has various historically constructed properties the place the widows of the previous Kings stay and have a tendency the graves.
The Kasubi tombs have been really nearly completely destroyed by hearth in 2010, nonetheless a serious renovation venture was launched they usually reopened in 2025. We visited as they have been within the technique of rebuilding and there was various craftsman from numerous elements of Uganda working.
We actually loved our go to to the Kasubi tombs and might extremely suggest inserting this in your to-do record in Kampala. This is a crucial non secular website so remember to costume conservatively. Girls 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’s an entry price to go to, payable on website. You can be accompanied by an on-site information to 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
If you’re concerned about tombs and Baganda tradition, you may additionally 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 website 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.
Word that the Wamala Tombs are a few 30 minute drive north of central Kampala. If you’re wanting to go to Wamala Tombs, you may take into account 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 provides glorious views of the encircling metropolis.
At this time 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 now not used as a residence however continues to be used for official visits and ceremonies The primary office for the Kabaka is on the Bulange which is linked by a straight highway generally known as the Kabaka Anjagala or “Royal Mile”.
So the go to takes place primarily outside. Visits are guided, you principally flip up on the entry gate. pay the entry price, and a information might be allotted to you.
Once we visited we had a superb 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 risk to Amin’s regime, and it’s estimated that over 200,000 individuals 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 continues to be of those 1000’s of misplaced lives.
In addition to the above, the tour consists of different attention-grabbing info on Ugandan historical past. Our information was additionally educated concerning the timber, fruits, and crops we noticed alongside the stroll.
We learnt about bark material, a standard cloth comprised of 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 gadgets which make for good Ugandan souvenirs.
General, a go to to the Kabaka’s Palace grounds is an effective option to study Ugandan historical past, together with it’s darker occasions. The on-site guides we visited with have been actually glorious, and this was a really worthy expertise.
There’s after all a price to go to. You possibly can go to your self, as we did, or as half of a bigger day tour. The vast majority 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 finest 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 a wide range of displays, masking the historical past and tradition of the Ugandan individuals, 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 includes a vary of various conventional buildings and gadgets that have been used throughout totally different durations in historical past. This was our favorite a part of the museum, and it was so attention-grabbing to see the totally different kinds of home in addition to the gadgets utilized by the totally different tribes throughout Uganda.
The museum shouldn’t be enormous, and might positively be visited in 2 to three hours. There’s an admission price. You possibly can go to by yourself or you will get a information when you desire a guided go to. You possibly can see extra about opening occasions and what you’ll be able to see on the official museum web site.
Word: the Uganda Museum closed for renovations in August 2024 and is because of reopen in mid-2025. Test 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 little one 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 also be depicted on Ugandan forex, showing on paper notes between 1,000 and 50,000 UGX. So it is likely to 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 Monument and Statues in Kampala
Along with the Independence Monument, there are additionally various different monuments and statues that you may see round Kampala. These embody:
- World Battle 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 reveals him in British navy 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 situated on the intersection of Speke Street and Nile Avenue, however because of highway works it has been moved to take a seat between the Serena Lodge and Imperial Royale Lodge
- The Cenetary Monument – Commemorating the centenary of the Kampala Metropolis Council, this monument symbolizes the identification 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 includes a household shifting ahead collectively, symbolizing the unity of the Commonwealth. Discovered between the Parliamentary Gardens and the Kampala Serena Lodge
- Lengthy Break up Drum Statue – The statue is of a tall drum or engalabi, a standard lengthy, cylindrical drum lined with pores and skin. It’s situated on the Nantawete roundabout alongside the Kabaka Anjagala, or highway between the Kabaka’s Palace and the Bulange.
- Wildlife Statues – You’ll discover various wildlife statues alongside the roads in central Kampala, significantly Previous Kira Street. Statues embody a lion, gorillas, cranes, giraffes, impala and lots of different native wildlife species
Word that there’s typically safety round public memorials and monuments and round authorities buildings in Uganda. So you might be requested why you might be 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 a neighborhood information.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe
The subsequent few entries in our record of issues to do in Kampala are locations of worship for a few 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 relies on 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 buildings (relationship from 1890) all having been deserted or destroyed for numerous causes.
The current-day church is a formidable massive purple 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 the town’s central enterprise district. As with many of the hills within the space, the hilltop location provides glorious views of the encircling metropolis.
Word that it’s free to go to the skin of the cathedral however when 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 usually are not at all times allowed if worship providers or different occasions are happening.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, additionally generally known as Rubaga Cathedral, is discovered on the high of Lubaga Hill, which is simply east of the town middle. This commanding hilltop location provides glorious 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 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.
At this time, 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 usually are not at all times allowed if worship providers 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 it’s principal home of worship and site continues to be nonetheless value a go to. Discovered on Kikaya Hill on the perimeters of the town, this imposing octagonal constructing towers 127 toes 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 pretty, landscaped gardens in addition to various different buildings. It has a surprising location.
Actually, 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, displaying 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 somewhat bit totally 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 beautiful information named Esther. She instructed us lots concerning the historical past of the religion and of the Kampala temple. No providers have been taking place once 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 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 generally known 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!
Building of the mosque really began in 1972 through the regime of Idi Amin, nonetheless the instability of the regime meant that development halted in 1976. It wasn’t till 2001 that development 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 will get nice views over the town. This minaret was really featured in a Season 31 episode of The Wonderful Race (2019), the place they needed to climb and rely all of the steps (272 of them!). For those who plan on climbing, simply notice that you just 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 notice that in Fridays and different holy days, you is probably not allowed to go inside the principle elements of the mosque. However it is 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 de facto architecturally spectacular, however for us the spotlight was going up the tower for the views throughout the town.
As with every non secular constructing it would be best to observe the costume code. All guests ought to costume modestly. Girls ought to put on unfastened becoming garments masking 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 price).
Once we visited Jess felt a bit suffocated because it was sizzling 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 sneakers on and off a couple of occasions and she or he 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 novel design, consisting of an enormous round constructing, which was designed to copy a standard African hut. It’s additionally one of the crucial 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 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 immediately 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 point of interest for the annual Martyrs Day Celebration. That is held on the third June, which is the Feast of the Uganda Martyrs. On today a whole lot 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’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, somewhat 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 a terrific 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 skin space primarily sells recent produce, whereas the within space has extra of a give attention to 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 part, it’s significantly identified for distributors promoting secondhand clothes, sneakers, and style equipment.
There are after all dozens of different smaller markets in Kampala, and every space or neighboorhood could have some form of market.
If you’re particularly in search of souvenirs, then you definately also needs to take into account a go to to Publicity Africa. Situated 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 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 massive, busy, and may be actually overwhelming for a first-time customer. A neighborhood information may also aid you 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 suggest that you just go away 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 homeowners 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 a whole lot of minibuses coming and moving into organized chaos.
That is certainly not 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
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 means of music, dance and drama”. They’ve now additionally unfold that message round Uganda with touring teams.
The primary expertise for guests in Kampala, which is what we’d suggest and did, is to go to for one of many night performances. These differ however sometimes embody a mixture of dance, theater, and music and sometimes even have the choice to have a buffet dinner through the present.
These performances happen a couple of occasions every week, and usually run from 7pm – 10pm. Exhibits are held exterior below 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 beautiful setting. The present tells the tales from the totally different Ugandan tribes with conventional dance. There’s additionally a superb and entertaining principal host who explains what you might be 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 advisable reserving a ticket for a efficiency right here if one is going on throughout your go to to Kampala. Its a terrific night out and supporting a great native group.
It’s straightforward sufficient to go to the Ndere Cultural Middle your self, or you’ll be able to ebook a tour which incorporates various sights in addition to the present and dinner like this one.
Nommo Artwork Gallery
For those who’re concerned 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 certainly one of 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 the town close to to State Lodge. It serves as Uganda’s Nationwide Artwork Gallery.
Once we visited the principle artwork exhibited was a black-and-white pictures exhibition about incapacity. There was additionally various different artwork on the market, largely work, but additionally statues, wooden carvings, paper artwork, and so on. made by native artists.
Word 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 situated close to the State Home which frequently results in elevated safety within the space. So we needed to go on foot by means of a few totally different safety checkpoints (a photograph ID was required) to succeed in the artwork gallery (after which return).
Lately, there was speak of relocating the gallery to someplace that’s simpler for guests to succeed in however no choice has but been reached. Within the meantime, if you wish to go to remember to be ready and take alongside an official photograph ID with you and put on comfy sneakers.
Take a Meals Tour
We love exploring the native meals once we go to a rustic, and among the best methods we’ve discovered to do this is to take a meals tour. On certainly one of our visits to Kampala we took this three-hour meals tour.
This was a superb option 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 avenue distributors. It then completed with a full buffet at a restaurant specializing in Ugandan meals. One of the frequent meals eaten in Uganda is matooke (a boiled and mashed inexperienced bananas) so I’d remember to attempt that.
The true 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 information of Kampala. We have been fortunate sufficient to be the one individuals on the tour, so we obtained to talk 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 attempt lots of native produce and dishes, this meals tour is a superb option to just do that. This gives you a terrific introduction to Ugandan meals.
Go to AFFCAD
Like many international locations around the globe, poverty is an actual situation in Uganda, particularly affecting kids. They typically have restricted entry to every part from clear water to training 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 Elementary 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 a scarcity of city planning, speedy inhabitants development, and a location on a former wetland, which all conspire to create dwelling situations affected by floods and unsanitary situations.
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 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 accessible to the individuals in Kampala’s poorest areas, together with the Bwaise neighborhood, by means of a variety of academic, healthcare, and financial applications. That is achieved by means of vocational coaching, faculties, and entry to healthcare.
AFFCAD additionally provides a slum consciousness tour to guests to Kampala, the place you’ll be able to be taught concerning the challenges dealing with neighborhoods like Bwaise, and perceive what AFFCAD are doing to assist. We’ve written up to now about moral slum tourism so we positively suggest studying that earlier than reserving any slum excursions. Based mostly on our expertise, we really feel that visiting Bwaise with AFFCAD positively leads to total 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 “college” day, so it was a comparatively quiet day, however we noticed the assorted instruments used for educating 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 have been served a standard meal of kikkomondo, which is principally beans and chapati, and is scrumptious. A pleasant option 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 associated fee was $35 per individual. 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 option to get insights from a neighborhood 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 must be booked prematurely. The easiest way to arrange a tour is to e-mail them instantly, which you are able to do at information@affcad.org.
E book a Strolling Tour of Central Kampala
We will extremely suggest reserving a guided strolling tour for at the least 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 could be a bit chaotic, particularly for a primary time customer, and letting another person cope with logistics and route planning will allow you to give attention to the sights. It might probably additionally aid you navigate a few 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 high firm we will personally suggest for strolling excursions as we have now 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 the most effective 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 lined a few of the principal 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 few 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 suggest reserving a strolling tour of Kampala as a part of your go to to the town. Ideally we suggest doing one thing like this at first of your time in Uganda because it helps provide you with a great introduction and an opportunity to ask lots of questions.
Day Journeys and 2-Day Journeys from Kampala
Clearly, there may be tons 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 is likely to 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 finished as a part of a day tour. Listed here are some to think about:
- 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 thought to be 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 option to see the sights of the town in a day.
- Entebbe day journey – Most guests to Uganda will go by means of Entebbe as that is the place the worldwide airport is situated. 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 far-off 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. Word that’s can also be the most effective place to see chimps in Uganda when you’ve got kids 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 trying shoebill stork. These birds have an unimaginable shovel formed beak, and are solely present in a couple of areas 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 present the one place to see rhino in Uganda. Contains round-trip transfers and admission to the park. We’ve visited Ziwa twice and have at all times gotten to see rhino, a extra exceptional expertise since you really trek and discover the rhino on foot. Additionally, you will seemingly see lots of birds and different wildlife as effectively right here. Extremely advisable.
- For those who actually wish to go on safari in Uganda however don’t have lots of time to spare, then take into account 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 journey, 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 possibly can see a few of the finest choices on GetYourGuide right here and Viator right here.
There are after all many extra choices for journeys from Kampala, particularly when you’ve got extra time. You possibly can see a vary of choices right here. The one factor we’d at all times suggest is to verify driving distances. Uganda is pretty massive, 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
Easy methods to Get to Kampala
As the principle metropolis in Uganda, Kampala is effectively linked to the remainder of the nation by highway. The primary airport in Uganda is in close by Entebbe, with an specific freeway between the 2, which solely takes round half-hour to journey by automotive. Word this can be a toll highway, however the price is effectively value paying because the outdated Entebbe-Kampala highway can take over 2 hours to traverse because of visitors.
If you’re arriving into Entebbe airport and staying in Entebbe or Kampala, your lodge may have the ability to organize an airport switch for you. You too can ebook this your self utilizing a service like this.
There’s additionally a shared shuttle bus service from Entebbe to Kampala and Jinja generally known as the Pineapple Specific. This provides an inexpensive scheduled service from various Entebbe areas together with the airport, and you may ebook this on-line right here.
Easy methods to 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’ll be able to stroll to see some points of interest, it’s seemingly you’ll need some type of transport throughout your go to.
There are a variety of choices, together with bike taxis (boda boda), minivan taxis (matatu), journey sharing apps like Secure Boda and Uber, in addition to non-public drivers and tour corporations. You possibly can additionally lease a automotive and drive your self, though given the visitors and a few of the highway conditons we’d in all probability advise in opposition to that.
As a world traveler, your two principal choices for fast journey are to both use a automotive (both a personal taxi or by way of journey sharing app) or to get a boda boda. The boda boda is certainly the quickest and most cost-effective choice of the 2 and if you should get someplace fast, these are sometimes the one choice. They are often hailed from nearly any avenue. However we caught to automobiles as a result of there was the 2 of us and we felt extra protected in automobiles.
For almost all of our Kampala sightseeing we used a ride-sharing app (Uber) to get across the metropolis. This made issues straightforward as we may pay by way of the app. Nonetheless, we did have points with drivers not likely figuring out how you can 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 choice is SafeBoda, which lets you specify if you’d like a automotive or a boda boda (motorcycle). For those who do wish to take motorcycle taxis, we do suggest reserving by means of them as you’ll be able to pay by way of the app they usually embody a helmet and security vest.
For a few of the sights we visited they have been shut sufficient to our lodge that we visited them on foot. So strolling is an choice, simply remember to put on comfy sneakers you don’t thoughts getting soiled (our sneakers obtained a pleasant layer of reddish brown mud from our walks).
On certainly one of our later visits to Kampala we walked out lots, sufficient in order that the native safety individuals within the space would say howdy to us and finally stopped asking if we needed them to name us a taxi. Whereas we felt protected wandering round on foot, it might not really feel comfy or be a great choice for some individuals as you’ll seemingly draw consideration. We solely walked throughout sunlight hours, and wouldn’t suggest strolling by yourself after darkish.
In fact, 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 also 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 straightforward.
If you’re visiting by yourself (and not using a tour information), simply know it isn’t that onerous to get round Kampala by yourself. When you’ve got any questions or need assistance getting a taxi or boda boda, your lodge can simply aid you organize this.
The place to Keep in Kampala
There’s a variety of resorts to remain at in Kampala, throughout numerous value factors. Listed here are some choices to think about, together with the resorts we’ve stayed at throughout our time within the metropolis.
- Bushpig Backpackers – when you’re in search of a hostel in Kampala (or only a price range pleasant lodging choice), 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 Lodge Kampala – we’ve stayed right here twice and had a cushty keep every time. This is without doubt one of the newer and extra trendy resorts in Kampala. There’s free WiFi, comfy air-conditioned rooms, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and glorious buffet breakfast.
- Humura Resorts – we stayed on this pretty stress-free boutique lodge on our first go to to Kampala. Rooms are very comfy and provide air-conditioning, and there’s an on-site restaurant and pool. It’s a really peaceable place that gives an oasis of calm away from the bustle of the town.
- Kampala Serena – we have now stayed in various Serena properties and at all times had a great keep, so we’re glad to suggest this 4* lodge. That includes a big swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, and on-site eating places, this lodge would make a terrific base for exploring the town
- Sheraton Kampala – This 5-star Sheraton lodge is one other luxurious choice discovered within the metropolis middle proper subsequent to the Independence Monument. It has a pool, various eating places, comfy air-conditioned rooms, a health middle, a sauna, and a magnificence salon.
In fact there are lots of extra choices throughout Kampala, you’ll be able to 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 have now personally felt fairly protected in Kampala as overseas guests on our 4 visits to the town. However you do must take regular precautions for touring in a big metropolis.
The primary dangers most vacationers will face in Kampala might be pickpockets and thieves. Remember that a $1,000 digital camera or smartphone could also be regular to you however might imply an entire lot to somebody dwelling on a couple of {dollars} a day. So, it would be best to be vigilant along with your valuables and carry a minimal sum of money on you.
The danger will seemingly be greater in busier areas like crowded markets, or on a public bus. Holding any valuables like costly jewellery, watches, smartphones, or cameras out of sight is a sensible concept. For those who don’t want them, I’d maintain them within the lodge. You’ll in all probability discover in a few of the photographs that at the same time as a photographer I left my massive digital camera at residence most days and simply carried somewhat compact digital camera with a thick neck strap.
A cash belt, corresponding to this Eagle Creek one (which is the one we personal), is an effective option to retailer cash, bank cards, lodge key, passports, and so on. It would be best 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. For those who select to put on a backpack, make certain the closures/zippers may be secured.
Having a information or becoming a member of a tour will assist scale back your threat; nonetheless, notice you continue to must be vigilant even with a information as they will’t at all times be watching you and your valuables.
For those who select to lease a automotive (not advisable for most individuals), keep away from leaving valuables in your automotive and park it in a safe spot at evening.
As with wherever on the planet, the danger will increase at evening, and it’s typically finest to keep away from strolling alone at evening in most areas. Taking a ride-share as a part of a bunch, or simply touring with a personal 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 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 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 individuals (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 until talking to guests from different East African nations. Some instructed us they like to not converse the language because it reminds them of the time of Amin and navy 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 effectively with English as most individuals within the tourism trade right here converse at the least some English. At points of interest and museums, the knowledge is commonly written in English.
For those who don’t converse English, Swahili, or a neighborhood language corresponding to Luganda, it is best to take into account hiring a information or translator to get essentially the most of your time in Kampala. Or at the least carry a great written guidebook with you.
Forex in Kampala
The primary forex in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, or UGX. That is accepted all over the place.
The US greenback can also be typically accepted, however you ought to be conscious that they must be latest payments in superb form. Any form of marking or harm 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 various occasions 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 resorts and bigger eating places, however this isn’t common, so it’s finest to at all times carry some forex with you.
Well being in Kampala
As with many international locations around the globe, it would be best to take some precautions to make sure you keep wholesome as a customer to Uganda.
Earlier than you go to it would be best to guarantee you might be updated on any vaccinations you want. You also needs to focus on any present suggestions for journey to Uganda, which can seemingly embody anti-malarial treatment.
You will get malaria in Kampala though the danger is decrease than in most different elements of Uganda. Word that along with malaria, mosquitoes can carry and transmit various different illnesses so prevention is essential (insect repellent, sporting lengthy sleeves and pants, and so on.)
We additionally extremely suggest 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 severe 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 primary well being situation most travellers are prone to face goes to be an upset abdomen. This may be attributable to a wide range of issues, however is most frequently attributable to consuming or ingesting one thing with contaminated water.
With regards to water, it would be best to follow filtered, handled, or bottled water. You’ll additionally wish to keep away from recent salads, raw greens and fruits (until you’ll be able to peel it), unpasteurized milk, cooked meals that aren’t served sizzling, and so on. until they’re from a good and licensed meals vendor (corresponding to your lodge restaurant).
For those who’d desire to keep away from shopping for bottled water in Kampala, you’ll be able to learn this text on protected ingesting water when touring for tactics that you may 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 finest 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 protected dishes and take you to locations which have good hygiene requirements.
As individuals who have been sick in Uganda (more than likely from consuming recent greens on a sandwich), we extremely recommending being cautious and following the advisable tips. 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 that you may take, which can give you a protected, guided expertise in Uganda’s capital metropolis. We’ve taken various strolling excursions in Kampala they usually have been all glorious, with pleasant, educated guides who helped us actually perceive what we have been seeing. Listed here are some excursions we suggest.
- This meals tour, which incorporates a variety of tasty meals, from avenue meals classics by means 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 effectively.
- That is one other tour of Kampala, which additionally visits various 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 couple of choices for getting on-line once you go to Uganda. First, many locations together with nearly all of resorts 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 outlets and eating places, particularly these catering to vacationers.
Nonetheless, you might be seemingly 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 which means you’ll want a SIM card with information 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 couple of totally different carriers, however Airtel labored effectively for us and was a great value. It additionally had the benefit that as we have been visiting a couple of totally different East African international locations we have been capable of buy a roaming information 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 once we journey (see our full Airalo evaluate 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 technique of registering it.
If you need 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 find within the UK and various different international locations in East Africa. If you’re coming from the UK or different nation that makes use of the British plug, then your tools might be fantastic and also you shouldn’t want a journey adapter.
If you’re visiting from a distinct 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 apart from elements of the Americas, together with Canada and the USA, the place 110v is the norm. If you’re travelling from certainly one of these international locations, you’ll need to verify in case your tools helps the upper voltage. It must be written on the plug.
Usually, 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 may 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 fashionable actions for guests to Uganda and effectively value doing in our opinion
- We’ve a information to picking the finest safari digital camera, and a information to getting higher photographs on safari, so you’ll be able to make sure you get nice reminiscences of your journey.
- We even have an in depth safari packing record that will help you resolve what to carry with you
- If you’re 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 plenty of concepts for the 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 finest journey adapters so you’ll be able to select the appropriate one for Uganda
- For those who’d like a journey information, take into account the Uganda Bradt Journey Information, which is usually thought to be the most suitable choice for Uganda. We’ve used the previous version and might extremely suggest this ebook because it has every part from the historical past of the nation and it’s individuals, by means of to packing ideas, planning recommendation and extra. It additionally consists of detailed info on chimp and gorilla trekking.
- E book sensible, 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 at all times, we hope you discovered this information helpful. When you’ve got any questions or feedback, simply pop them within the feedback part beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we will.
