We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Uganda quite a lot of instances and had some wonderful experiences together with gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. Nevertheless, there may be heaps 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 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 also be value visiting. Nevertheless, we expect 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’re prone to see metropolis life. It’s a spot many Ugandans come for enterprise, education, coaching, buying, and spiritual gatherings. It additionally has quite a lot of vacationer sights!
Most worldwide vacationers to Uganda spend little or no, if any, time within the nation’s capital, and we expect 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 have the time, we suggest no less than a day right here earlier than zipping off to go to the nationwide parks and to go trekking for chimps and gorillas.
Jess and I’ve been in Kampala 4 instances, most instances only a day or two, however on one journey we spent a number of days exploring the town. So, we’re fortunate to have visited a lot of the locations that may be of curiosity to worldwide vacationers and need 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 among the highlights as a part of an extended tour in Uganda or are on the town for an extended time period, we hope this information evokes you to see as a lot as you possibly can.
We’ll additionally share some 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. You need to be capable to do all these actions throughout just a few 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 at this time was comprised of a collection of smaller kingdoms.
The most important of those kingdoms was the Buganda kingdom, dwelling to the Baganda individuals. The Baganda are dominated over by Kings, referred to as 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 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 essential 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 resembling picket poles, spear grass, reeds, and wattle.
Additionally on website are a gatehouse, a drum home, and cemeteries the place the youngsters, wives, and different kin of the kings are buried. The world additionally has quite a lot of historically constructed properties the place the widows of the previous Kings reside and have a tendency the graves.
The Kasubi tombs had been really virtually completely destroyed by fireplace in 2010, nonetheless a significant renovation undertaking was launched and so they reopened in 2025. We visited as they had been within the technique of rebuilding and there was quite a lot of craftsman from varied components 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 you should definitely gown conservatively. Ladies might want to cowl their legs with an extended skirt or tie a big scarf round their waist to go to. Jess had on pants however was nonetheless requested to tie an extended skirt round her waist to enter.
There may be an entry payment to go to, payable on website. You’ll be accompanied by an on-site information in your go to. It will 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 enthusiastic about tombs and Baganda tradition, you may additionally need 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 virtually all his brothers executed!
This can be a smaller and fewer well-known website in comparison with Kasubi. The tomb is inisde a conventional thatched constructing like that in Kasubi. There may be additionally the stays of the previous palace, tomb of Suuna’s mom, and a 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 may contemplate this tour which additionally contains visits to Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Palace, and the central markets.
Kabaka’s Palace (Mengo Palace)
The Kabaka’s Palace, or King’s Palace, is the standard dwelling of the Buganda King. The palace, which is also referred to as Lubiri and Mengo Palace, will be discovered on the highest of Mengo Hill, and the situation provides glorious views of the encompassing metropolis.
At present the palace grounds are open to the general public to go to, though you possibly can’t go contained in the precise palace residence (Twekobe Palace). The Twekobe Palace is not used as a residence however continues to be used for official visits and ceremonies The primary place of work for the Kabaka is on the Bulange which is related by a straight highway referred to as the Kabaka Anjagala or “Royal Mile”.
So the go to takes place primarily outdoor. Visits are guided, you mainly flip up on the entry gate. pay the entry payment, and a information will probably be allotted to you.
Once 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 dwelling to the spectacular palace constructing, the grounds are additionally dwelling to the torture chambers of Idi Amin.
These underground concrete cells had been the ultimate holding location of anybody deemed a menace to Amin’s regime, and it’s estimated that over 200,000 individuals had been murdered right here, their our bodies dumped in a close-by lake.
This darkish interval of Ugandan historical past is included on the tour, and is in stark distinction to the beautiful palace on the hill. Determined messages written in charcoal and blood and damp stained concrete are all that is still of those 1000’s of misplaced lives.
In addition to the above, the tour contains different attention-grabbing info on Ugandan historical past. Our information was additionally educated in regards to the timber, fruits, and vegetation we noticed alongside the stroll.
We learnt about bark fabric, a conventional cloth created from tree bark which lengthy predates woven textiles. Many Ugandan artists use it as a conventional medium upon which to color. There’s a small store which sells painted barkcloth and different historically made gadgets which make for good Ugandan souvenirs.
Total, a go to to the Kabaka’s Palace grounds is an effective option to study Ugandan historical past, together with it’s darker instances. The on-site guides we visited with had been actually glorious, and this was a really worthy expertise.
There may be after all a payment to go to. You possibly can go to your self, as we did, or as half of a bigger day tour. Nearly all of excursions of Kampala will embrace Kabaka’s Palace, resembling this one or this one.
Uganda Museum
Based in 1908, the Uganda Museum is among 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 individuals, with objects together with musical devices, weapons of battle, barkcloth work, conventional medical provides, garments, and much extra. There’s are additionally displays from pre-historical instances, that includes fossils and different relics that time to the historical past of human evolution within the area.
Outdoors, you’ll discover the cultural village, which contains a vary of various conventional buildings and gadgets that had been used throughout completely different intervals in historical past. This was our favorite a part of the museum, and it was so attention-grabbing to see the completely different types of home in addition to the gadgets utilized by the completely different tribes throughout Uganda.
The museum shouldn’t be big, and might undoubtedly be visited in 2 to three hours. There may be an admission payment. You possibly can go to by yourself or you will get a information when you choose a guided go to. You possibly can see extra about opening instances and what you possibly can see on the official museum web site.
Be aware: the Uganda Museum closed for renovations in August 2024 and is because of reopen in mid-2025. Test the official web site for the newest standing.
Independence Monument
Uganda gained independence from the British on October 9, 1962, and this monument, which was unveiled the day earlier than the date of independence, symbolises that second.
The 29 foot excessive concrete sculpture, which will 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 foreign money, showing on paper notes between 1,000 and 50,000 UGX. So it could be acquainted to you earlier than you even see it!
It’s free to go to the Independence Monument in Kampala. It is usually usually included on excursions resembling 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 quite a lot of different monuments and statues which you could see round Kampala. These embrace:
- 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 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 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 Highway and Nile Avenue, however as a consequence of highway works it has been moved to sit down 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 the 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 transferring ahead collectively, symbolizing the unity of the Commonwealth. Discovered between the Parliamentary Gardens and the Kampala Serena Resort
- Lengthy Break up Drum Statue – The statue is of a tall drum or engalabi, a conventional 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 quite a lot of wildlife statues alongside the roads in central Kampala, significantly Previous Kira Highway. Statues embrace a lion, gorillas, cranes, giraffes, impala and plenty of different native wildlife species
Be aware that there’s usually safety round public memorials and monuments and round authorities buildings in Uganda. So it’s possible you’ll be requested why you’re there and requested to not take images. For instance, we had been stopped on the battle memorial by police and we had been solely allowed to method and take a photograph as a result of we had been with a neighborhood information.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe
The following few entries in our 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 attention-grabbing and value visiting in its personal proper. It simply is determined by 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 (relationship from 1890) all having been deserted or destroyed for varied causes.
The current-day church is a formidable giant crimson constructing with a domed roof, constructed from earthen bricks and earthen roof tiles.
The church will be discovered on the highest of Namirembe hill, simply to the west of the town’s central enterprise district. As with a lot of the hills within the space, the hilltop location provides glorious views of the encompassing metropolis.
Be aware that it’s free to go to the surface of the cathedral however when you want to go inside as a customer there’s a payment which features a guided tour. The church is after all a working church so visits should not at all times allowed if worship companies or different occasions are happening.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, additionally generally referred to as Rubaga Cathedral, is discovered on the prime of Lubaga Hill, which is simply east of the town middle. This commanding hilltop location provides glorious views of the encompassing 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 present, most Ugandans establish as Christians (over 80%) and Roman Catholicism is the most important denomination, adopted by Anglicism.
The church is free to go to though donations are inspired. The church is after all a working church so visits should not at all times allowed if worship companies or different occasions are happening.
Baha’i Home of Worship
The Baha’i religion is among the smaller and newer faiths in Uganda, however it’s essential home of worship and site continues to be nonetheless value a go to. Discovered on Kikaya Hill on the sides of the town, this imposing octagonal constructing towers 127 ft above the bottom, topped by a big inexperienced dome. It may be seen for miles round.
The constructing, which dates from 1958, is discovered on a fifty-acre property which incorporates beautiful, landscaped gardens in addition to quite a lot of different buildings. It has a surprising location.
Actually, 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 glorious, 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 somewhat bit completely different and well 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 informed us loads in regards to the historical past of the religion and of the Kampala temple. No companies had been occurring once we visited so we had been allowed to go inside, no speaking or images is allowed inside.
Because it’s discovered to the north of the town middle it’s a good location to cease if you’re heading north out of the town, maybe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or additional north to Murchison Nationwide Park.
Uganda Nationwide Mosque
The Uganda Nationwide Mosque, beforehand referred to as the Gaddafi Nationwide Mosque, is the most important mosque in East Africa. Round 15% of the inhabitants of Uganda is Muslim, and this mosque has room for nearly 20,000 worshippers!
Development of the mosque really began in 1972 in the course of 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 loss of life of Gaddafi.
The mosque has one minaret, and it’s open to guests to climb to the highest. From the highest you will get nice views over the town. This minaret was really featured in a Season 31 episode of The 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 be aware that you simply want to have the ability to climb up and down all these steps to get to the highest as there’s no elevator. We had been the one ones contained in the tower throughout our go to.
The mosque will be visited by non-Muslims as a part of a tour. Simply be aware that in Fridays and different holy days, you might not be allowed to go inside the primary components of the mosque. However you need to nonetheless be capable to go to the outside and climb the minaret.
There may be an entrance payment to go to as a foreigner. We visited as a part of this guided strolling tour and had been assigned to a mosque information for this a part of the go to. The inside of the mosque is de facto architecturally spectacular, however for us the spotlight was going up the tower for the views throughout the town.
As with every spiritual constructing you’ll want to observe the gown code. All guests ought to gown modestly. Ladies ought to put on unfastened becoming garments protecting to the wrist, ankle (ideally an extended skirt), and canopy their heads. Males ought to put on trousers and shirts with sleeves. Coverings can be found at reception to borrow (as a part of entrance payment).
Once 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 laws on the time). We additionally needed to take our footwear on and off just a few instances and he or she spent lots of time fumbling with the coverings and footwear. Total she loved it however it’s one thing to remember.
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 duplicate a conventional 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 had been a gaggle of twenty-two Catholic and 23 Anglican Christians, who had been killed between 1885 and 1887. Most of the martyrs had been members of the King’s Royal Court docket who had adopted Christianity towards the King’s needs, and whom he ordered to be executed. Nearly all of the martyrs (twenty-two males) had been burned alive at Namugongo in 1886.
The loss of life of the Uganda martyrs had a significant influence on the political and spiritual panorama in Uganda. It resulted in widespread in style 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 at this time being part of the Christian religion.
The 22 Catholic Ugandan martyrs had been beatified in 1920, and canonized as saints in 1964. Since its completion in 1968 the Basilica has served as the 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 at the present time tons 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.
Nevertheless, you possibly can go to the shrine at any time of 12 months and discover the grounds and basilica throughout visiting hours. There was a small payment to go to for worldwide guests.
There may be the bascilica, somewhat museum space, shrines to the martyrs, a small lake, an amphitheater, a small cafe, and a present store. It’s a peaceful and peaceable place and effectively value a go to.
Kampala Markets
Markets are an excellent 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 contemporary produce, whereas the within space has extra of a deal with 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 significantly identified for distributors promoting secondhand clothes, footwear, and vogue 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 on the lookout for souvenirs, then you definately must also contemplate 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 probably the most of your go to to the markets. They’re giant, busy, and will be actually overwhelming for a first-time customer. An area information also can show you how to talk with stall homeowners and ensure you get a good worth.
Whereas we felt protected strolling round Kampala, thieves, pickpockets, and scammers will goal vacationers. You additionally need 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 it’s possible you’ll be requested to cease taking images 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 images from sure areas at Nakasero Market and even then we had been watched and requested solely to take images 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 tons of of minibuses coming and moving into 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 Heart
Considered one of our favourite actions in Kampala was our go to to the Ndere Cultural Heart. The cultural middle showcases the cultural heritage of Uganda, with dance performances, artwork displays, and meals.
The Ndere troupe was based in 1984 by Rwangezi Stephen in 1984 as a cultural group “for common unity by way of music, dance and drama”. They’ve now additionally unfold that message round Uganda with touring teams.
The 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 fluctuate however sometimes embrace a mixture of dance, theater, and music and sometimes even have the choice to have a buffet dinner in the course of the present.
These performances happen just a few instances every 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 extremely enjoyable night with nice performers and a beautiful setting. The present tells the tales from the completely different Ugandan tribes with conventional dance. There’s additionally a wonderful and entertaining essential 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 occurring throughout your go to to Kampala. Its an excellent night out and supporting an excellent native group.
It’s simple sufficient to go to the Ndere Cultural Heart your self, or you possibly can e book a tour which incorporates quite a lot of sights in addition to the present and dinner like this one.
Nommo Artwork Gallery
In the event you’re enthusiastic about seeing and even shopping for up some native artwork throughout your time in Kampala, then a go to to Nommo Gallery is value your time. It’s a small gallery however it’s considered one of few in Uganda.
The Nommo Gallery was established by the Uganda Nationwide Cultural Heart in 1964, and will 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 primary artwork exhibited was a black-and-white images exhibition about incapacity. There was additionally quite a lot of different artwork on the market, principally work, but in addition statues, wooden carvings, paper artwork, and so forth. made by native artists.
Be aware that attending to the gallery will 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 way of a few completely 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 determination has but been reached. Within the meantime, if you wish to go to you should definitely be ready and take alongside an official picture ID with you and put on snug footwear.
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 considered one of our visits to Kampala we took this three-hour meals tour.
This was a wonderful option to attempt a variety of Ugandan meals, and included Rolex, deep-fried grasshoppers, fritters, fried fish, contemporary 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 crucial frequent meals eaten in Uganda is matooke (a boiled and mashed inexperienced bananas) so I’d you should definitely attempt that.
The actual spotlight of the tour although, past the superb meals, was our tour information Andrew. The excursions are led by extremely passionate and enthusiastic Ugandans who like to share their ardour for Ugandan meals and their information of Kampala. We had been fortunate sufficient to be the one individuals on the tour, so we obtained to talk with our tour information about all types of matters, from the political historical past of the nation, to his favourite meals, sports activities, and what it’s wish to reside in Kampala.
If you need an immersive native expertise and to attempt lots of native produce and dishes, this meals tour is a wonderful option to just do that. This will provide you with an excellent introduction to Ugandan meals.
Go to AFFCAD
Like many nations world wide, poverty is an actual concern in Uganda, particularly affecting kids. They usually have restricted entry to every little thing from clear water to schooling to healthcare, which doesn’t lead to constructive life outcomes.
One group that’s working to empower these in poverty is AFFCAD, which stands for Motion for 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 an absence of city planning, fast inhabitants progress, and a location on a former wetland, which all conspire to create residing circumstances affected 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 wonderful 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 way of a variety of academic, healthcare, and financial applications. That is achieved by way of vocational coaching, faculties, and entry to healthcare.
AFFCAD additionally provides a slum consciousness tour to guests to Kampala, the place you possibly can study in regards to the challenges dealing with neighborhoods like Bwaise, and perceive what AFFCAD are doing to assist. Now we have written previously 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 ends in total constructive 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 had been served a conventional meal of kikkomondo, which is mainly 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 price was $35 per particular person. We paid in money firstly 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.
You will discover out extra about visiting AFFCAD at their web site right here. These excursions do must be booked upfront. The easiest way to prepare a tour is to e-mail them instantly, which you are able to do at data@affcad.org.
E-book a Strolling Tour of Central Kampala
We are able to extremely suggest reserving a guided strolling tour for no less than a few of your time in Kampala, particularly if you wish to navigate the native markets and monuments, or in order for you another person to deal with transportation.
Kampala is usually a bit chaotic, particularly for a primary time customer, and letting another person cope with logistics and route planning will allow you to deal with the sights. It might probably additionally show you how to navigate among the language obstacles and safety points that you could be come throughout.
We took this glorious strolling tour of the highlights of central Kampala with information Arthur who is part of the ImmersionUG tour firm. It’s the prime firm we are able to personally suggest for strolling excursions as we’ve got taken a number of strolling and meals excursions from them throughout our visits to Uganda.
This firm was setup by a gaggle of younger native Ugandans eager to showcase the perfect of their nation, and we additionally took excursions with them in Entebbe and Jinja. Additionally they ran the meals strolling tour we did in Kampala. You possibly can see extra of their excursions right here.
The tour we did with Arthur lined among the essential 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 among the monuments in Kampala together with the Independence Monument. We additionally took the choice to go to the Uganda Nationwide Mosque.
Total, we are able to 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 the start of your time in Uganda because it helps provide you with an excellent introduction and an opportunity to ask lots of questions.
Day Journeys and 2-Day Journeys from Kampala
Clearly, there may be heaps to do in Kampala itself, however if you’re within the metropolis for just a few days (maybe as a part of a convention or one thing), you could 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 will be accomplished 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 cross by way of Entebbe as that is the place the worldwide airport is situated. It’s solely about half an hours drive from Kampala and will be simply reached with a ride-share or shuttle bus service. There’s heaps 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. Nevertheless, there’s a inhabitants of chimps on Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria. This tour contains round-trip transport from Kampala with a boat-cruise, in addition to a guided chimpanzee trek, snacks, and lunch. Be aware that’s can also be the perfect 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. Considered 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 unbelievable shovel formed beak, and are solely present in just a few areas in Uganda. The boat tour additionally contains the chance to see many different birds, however the shoebill stork is the spotlight.
- A day journey to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is at the moment the one place to see rhino in Uganda. Consists of round-trip transfers and admission to the park. We’ve visited Ziwa twice and have at all times gotten to see rhino, a extra outstanding expertise since you really trek and discover the rhino on foot. Additionally, you will doubtless see lots of birds and different wildlife as effectively right here. Extremely really useful.
- In the event you actually need 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 sport drive. There’s additionally the choice to incorporate a cease at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- There are additionally many multi-day safari targeted excursions from Uganda, together with excursions which characteristic chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. You possibly can 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 possibly can see a variety of choices right here. The one factor we’d at all times suggest is to examine driving distances. Uganda is pretty giant, and also you don’t need to spend all of your time simply sitting in a automobile getting from Level A to B.
Practicalities for Visiting Kampala
The way to Get to Kampala
As the primary metropolis in Uganda, Kampala is effectively related to the remainder of the nation by highway. The primary airport in Uganda is in close by Entebbe, with an categorical freeway between the 2, which solely takes round half-hour to journey by automobile. Be aware it is a toll highway, however the payment is effectively value paying because the outdated Entebbe-Kampala highway can take over 2 hours to traverse as a consequence of visitors.
In case you are arriving into Entebbe airport and staying in Entebbe or Kampala, your lodge may be capable to organize an airport switch for you. You can too e book this your self utilizing a service like this.
There may be additionally a shared shuttle bus service from Entebbe to Kampala and Jinja referred to as the Pineapple Specific. This provides an reasonably priced scheduled service from quite a lot of Entebbe areas together with the airport, and you may e book this on-line right here.
The way to Get Round Kampala
There are a variety of various methods of getting round Kampala. The town and its sights are fairly unfold out, so while you possibly can stroll to see some sights, it’s doubtless you will want some type of transport throughout your go to.
There are a variety of choices, together with bike taxis (boda boda), minivan taxis (matatu), trip sharing apps like Protected Boda and Uber, in addition to non-public drivers and tour firms. You would additionally lease a automobile and drive your self, though given the visitors and among the highway conditons we’d most likely advise towards that.
As a global traveler, your two essential choices for fast journey are to both use a automobile (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’ll want to get someplace fast, these are sometimes the one possibility. They are often hailed from virtually any avenue. However we caught to vehicles as a result of there was the 2 of us and we felt extra protected in vehicles.
For almost all of our Kampala sightseeing we used a ride-sharing app (Uber) to get across the metropolis. This made issues simple as we might pay through the app. Nevertheless, we did have points with drivers probably not figuring out the way to 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 in style possibility is SafeBoda, which lets you specify in order for you a automobile or a boda boda (motorcycle). In the event you do need to take motorcycle taxis, we do suggest reserving by way of them as you possibly can pay through the app and so they embrace a helmet and security vest.
For among the sights we visited they had been shut sufficient to our lodge that we visited them on foot. So strolling is an possibility, simply you should definitely put on snug footwear you don’t thoughts getting soiled (our footwear obtained a pleasant layer of reddish brown mud from our walks).
On considered one of our later visits to Kampala we walked out loads, sufficient in order that the native safety individuals within the space would say hiya to us and ultimately stopped asking if we wished them to name us a taxi. Whereas we felt protected wandering round on foot, it could not really feel snug or be an excellent possibility for some individuals as you’ll doubtless draw consideration. We solely walked throughout sunlight hours, and wouldn’t suggest strolling by yourself after darkish.
After all, if you’re doing a tour that features transportation in Kampala (or a part of a a lot greater Uganda tour), then that can also be a well-liked 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 no tour information), simply know it’s not that onerous to get round Kampala by yourself. When you have any questions or need assistance getting a taxi or boda boda, your lodge can simply show you how to organize this.
The place to Keep in Kampala
There’s a variety of motels to remain at in Kampala, throughout varied worth factors. Listed here are some choices to think about, together with the motels we’ve stayed at throughout our time within the metropolis.
- Bushpig Backpackers – when you’re on the lookout for a hostel in Kampala (or only a price range pleasant lodging possibility), then this is a wonderful 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 among the newer and extra trendy motels in Kampala. There’s free WiFi, snug air-conditioned rooms, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and glorious buffet breakfast.
- Humura Resorts – we stayed on this beautiful enjoyable boutique lodge on our first go to to Kampala. Rooms are very snug and supply air-conditioning, and there’s an on-site restaurant and pool. It’s a really peaceable place that provides an oasis of calm away from the bustle of the town.
- Kampala Serena – we’ve got stayed in quite a lot of Serena properties and at all times had an excellent keep, so we’re comfortable to suggest this 4* lodge. That includes a big swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, and on-site eating places, this lodge would make an excellent base for exploring the town
- Sheraton Kampala – This 5-star Sheraton lodge is one other luxurious possibility discovered within the metropolis middle proper subsequent to the Independence Monument. It has a pool, quite a lot of eating places, snug air-conditioned rooms, a health middle, a sauna, and a magnificence salon.
After all there are various extra choices throughout Kampala, you possibly can see a whole vary of properties at various worth factors on reserving.com right here.
Security in Kampala
Lots of people ask is Kampala protected? That is unimaginable 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 stated, we’ve got personally felt fairly protected in Kampala as international guests on our 4 visits to the town. However you do have to take regular precautions for touring in a big metropolis.
The primary dangers most vacationers will face in Kampala will probably be pickpockets and thieves. Remember the fact that a $1,000 digicam or smartphone could also be regular to you however could imply an entire lot to somebody residing on just a few {dollars} a day. So, you’ll want to be vigilant together with your valuables and carry a minimal sum of money on you.
The chance will doubtless be larger in busier areas like crowded markets, or on a public bus. Protecting any valuables like costly jewellery, watches, smartphones, or cameras out of sight is a smart concept. In the event you don’t want them, I’d preserve them within the lodge. You’ll most likely discover in among the images that at the same time as a photographer I left my massive digicam at dwelling most days and simply carried somewhat compact digicam with a thick neck strap.
A cash belt, resembling this Eagle Creek one (which is the one we personal), is an effective option 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 digicam strap that goes round your neck goes to be higher than having one thing slung over a shoulder that may be extra simply taken. In the event you select to put on a backpack, make certain the closures/zippers will be secured.
Having a information or becoming a member of a tour will assist scale back your danger; nonetheless, be aware you continue to must be vigilant even with a information as they will’t at all times be watching you and your valuables.
In the event you select to lease a automobile (not really useful for most individuals), keep away from leaving valuables in your automobile and park it in a safe spot at night time.
As with wherever on this planet, the danger will increase at night time, and it’s typically greatest to keep away from strolling alone at night time in most areas. Taking a ride-share as a part of a gaggle, or simply touring with a non-public information, is probably going going to be safer.
A particular consideration for journey to Uganda ought to be made for LGBTQ+ vacationers after the passing of the Could 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. In keeping with the U.S. Division of State, LGBT individuals (or individuals perceived as such and people selling LGBT points) are at elevated danger for fines, violence, harassment, imprisonment, and might even face the loss of life penalty.
Language in Kampala
The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili; nonetheless, there are lots of native languages spoken in Uganda.
Probably the most extensively 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 standard kingdoms in Uganda).
Though Swahili has been made an official language, we not often heard locals talking it until talking to guests from different East African nations. Some informed us they like to not communicate the language because it reminds them of the time of Amin and navy violence. Nevertheless, it’s the language they share with a lot 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 communicate no less than some English. At sights and museums, the knowledge is commonly written in English.
In the event you don’t communicate English, Swahili, or a neighborhood language resembling Luganda, you need to contemplate hiring a information or translator to get probably the most of your time in Kampala. Or no less than deliver an excellent written guidebook with you.
Forex in Kampala
The primary foreign money in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, or UGX. That is accepted in every single place.
The US greenback can also be typically accepted, however try to be conscious that they must be latest payments in superb form. Any sort of marking or injury to the invoice means it’s unlikely to be accepted as a consequence of a concern of the financial institution not accepting it. We had this occur quite a lot of instances in Uganda (and different African nations). So it’s typically simpler to simply discover an ATM and withdraw UGX.
Bank cards are additionally accepted at most motels and bigger eating places, however this isn’t common, so it’s greatest to at all times carry some foreign money with you.
Well being in Kampala
As with many nations world wide, you’ll want to take some precautions to make sure you keep wholesome as a customer to Uganda.
Earlier than you go to you’ll want to guarantee you’re updated on any vaccinations you want. You must also focus on any present suggestions for journey to Uganda, which can doubtless embrace anti-malarial remedy.
You may get malaria in Kampala though the danger is decrease than in most different components of Uganda. Be aware that along with malaria, mosquitoes can carry and transmit quite a lot of different ailments so prevention is essential (insect repellent, sporting 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 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 is usually a bit scary as there have been outbreaks of some fairly critical issues like ebola, mpox (monkeypox), cholera, and yellow fever in Uganda. However simply know that these are typically small outbreaks and you aren’t prone to come into contact with them as a vacationer. However you need to nonetheless be educated and take mandatory precautions.
The primary well being concern 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 consuming one thing with contaminated water.
In terms of water, you’ll want to persist with filtered, handled, or bottled water. You’ll additionally need to keep away from contemporary salads, raw greens and fruits (until you possibly can peel it), unpasteurized milk, cooked meals that aren’t served scorching, and so forth. until you understand they’re from a good and licensed meals vendor (resembling your lodge restaurant).
In the event you’d choose to keep away from shopping for bottled water in Kampala, you possibly can learn this text on protected consuming water when touring for methods which you could deal with water when touring. We used a Grayl water filter bottle for filtering faucet water for consuming, cooking (e.g, washing fruits), and brushing our tooth 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 potential. If you wish to be extra adventurous, a good suggestion is to take a meals tour like this one which we did, the place the tour information will steer you in the 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 contemporary greens on a sandwich), we extremely recommending being cautious and following the really useful pointers. We had been in Uganda for just a few weeks at that time and let our guard down for a day which was a mistake that left us sick for a number of days.
Excursions of Kampala
There are a variety of excursions of Kampala which you could take, which can give you a protected, guided expertise in Uganda’s capital metropolis. We’ve taken quite a lot of strolling excursions in Kampala and so they had been all glorious, with pleasant, educated guides who helped us actually perceive what we had been seeing. Listed here are some excursions we suggest.
- This meals tour, which incorporates a variety of tasty meals, from avenue meals classics by way of to a sit-down buffet meal. We’ve taken this tour.
- This strolling tour, which incorporates lots of the highlights of Kampala that we point out on this information. We’ve taken this tour as effectively.
- That is one other tour of Kampala, which additionally visits quite a lot of highlights within the metropolis. We haven’t personally taken this one however it’s extremely reviewed.
Getting On-line in Uganda
You will have just a few choices for getting on-line if you go to Uganda. First, many locations together with nearly all of motels have free WiFi, so it is possible for you to to attach a smartphone, pill, or laptop computer to WiFi. There may be additionally usually free WiFi at espresso outlets and eating places, particularly these catering to vacationers.
Nevertheless, you’re doubtless additionally going to need 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 knowledge connectivty. Now we have used Airtel, and we purchased a SIM card from the Airtel kiosk on the arrivals corridor within the airport. There are just a few completely different carriers, however Airtel labored effectively for us and was an excellent worth. It additionally had the benefit that as we had been visiting just a few completely different East African nations we had 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 frequently use Airalo once we journey (see our full Airalo overview 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 suggestions and recommendation.
Energy Shops / Journey Adapters for Uganda
Uganda makes use of a three-pin plug (Kind G plug), as one can find within the UK and quite a lot of different nations in East Africa. In case you are coming from the UK or different nation that makes use of the British plug, then your tools will probably be fantastic and also you shouldn’t want a journey adapter.
In case you are visiting from a special nation, resembling from the USA, Canada, or most of Europe, then you will want a journey adaptor like this.
Moreover, Uganda makes use of a 220v-240v system. That is much like a lot of the world excluding components of the Americas, together with Canada and the USA, the place 110v is the norm. In case you are travelling from considered one of these nations, you will want to examine in case your tools helps the upper voltage. It ought to be written on the plug.
Usually, decrease powered units like cameras, laptops, and telephone chargers assist 110v – 240v, while larger energy units like hairdryers don’t. See our information to journey adapters for extra on this matter.
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 wished to share some hyperlinks to different content material we expect you may discover helpful in planning your journey to Uganda and the broader area.
- Now we have an in depth information to issues to do in Entebbe, that will help you plan extra of your journey.
- Now we have an in depth information to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in addition to gorilla trekking in Uganda. These are each in style actions for guests to Uganda and effectively value doing in our opinion
- Now we have a information to selecting the greatest safari digicam, and a information to getting higher images on safari, so you possibly can 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 deliver with you
- In case you are planning on visiting Kenya, try our information to issues to do in Nairobi and our steered 1 day Nairobi itinerary, which has a lot of concepts for the town
- Now we have a information to getting on-line when travelling, that will help you keep related in Uganda
- You’re going to wish to energy all of your units if you journey – see our information to the greatest journey adapters so you possibly can select the appropriate one for Uganda
- In the event you’d like a journey information, contemplate the Uganda Bradt Journey Information, which is mostly thought to be the best choice for Uganda. We’ve used the previous version and might extremely suggest this e book because it has every little thing from the historical past of the nation and it’s individuals, by way of to packing suggestions, planning recommendation and extra. It additionally contains detailed info on chimp and gorilla trekking.
- E-book smart, we additionally pack and journey with each the Pocket Information: Birds of East Africa and the Pocket Information to the Mammals of East Africa. These are each very conveniently sized and can allow you to establish 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 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.
