Uganda’s capital city, Kampala, has a mind-boggling list of restaurants, café’s, bars, nightclubs, hotels and more, but if you’re coming to the Pearl of Africa to track gorillas or chimps or go on safari, it’s likely you will be swiftly taken upcountry. That’s usually for good reason: if you’re a nature lover, you won’t want to get stuck in traffic gridlock during your precious few days in the country. However! If you really want a feel for what makes the country buzz, bypass Kampala and you’ll miss a big chunk of “the Uganda experience.”
Kampala’s seven historic hills now spread to twenty-one hills. The resident population of two million doubles daily with commuters. Despite the fast pace of development, climb to the top of any hill and you will be rewarded by refreshing views of Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest freshwater lake. It’s no surprise that houses with good views of the lake command higher rent.
Despite the rush to modernise, Kampala preserves its rich Buganda kingdom heritage. The British colonial influence is reflected in the city’s architecture, street names and historical sites.
Kampala’s concentration of government, banking and commercial institutions draws investors and jobseekers from across the world. This cosmopolitan hub’s languages and cuisines reflect the country’s 50+ tribes, its regional neighbours, refugee communities, international tourists and expats.
These Are Some Of The Top Attractions That Visitors To Kampala Always Love:
Ndere Cultural Centre: The Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala, Uganda, is a vibrant hub for celebrating and preserving African culture. Spanning over 9 acres of beautifully maintained African flora and fauna, the center is characterized by indigenous architecture with a modern twist. This centre serves as the home of the Ndere Troupe, a renowned performing arts group that showcases traditional Ugandan music, dance, and storytelling.
Uganda Museum: You’ll be amazed at Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage illustrated through artifacts, exhibits and informative guides at this small museum on Kira Road, next door to the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the British High Commission. (NOTE: the Uganda Museum is temporarily closed for refurbishment).
Local food: Ugandans can EAT! The famous buffet lunch is centred around matooke (steamed banana), a meat stew, beans and groundnut sauce. Pile your plate high with rice, sweet potato, cassava and yam. Sample street food favourites like rolex (omelette rolled in a chapati), muchomo roasted meat and luwombo (usually chicken or meat, slow steamed in smoked banana leaves).
Uganda is famous for her tropical fruits: Sweet pineapples, plentiful bananas, mangos, passion fruit, guava, papaya, watermelon and sugarcane. Less common in central Uganda but found in the downtown markets are tree tomatoes, tamarind, oranges and soursop.
Nightlife: Kampala’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. From lively nightclubs and bars in areas like Kabalagala and Kololo to cultural performances at Ndere Cultural Centre, the city comes alive after dark. Enjoy live music, dance the night away, or relax at rooftop lounges with stunning city views. Kampala’s nightlife scene is a must-experience for visitors looking to enjoy the city’s energetic and welcoming atmosphere.
Kasubi Tombs: Explore the splendid traditional hut and meet the ancestors of long-gone Kabakas (kings) of Buganda Kingdom. Did you know you can make cloth from a tree? On the Experiential Trail of Buganda, watch the age-old skill of barkcloth making, take part in a cultural dance, and learn how to play a game of _omweso_. Site guides are ready to welcome you.
Royal Mile: Walk along the tree-lined Royal Mile (Kabaka Anjagala) between the Bulange (seat of the Buganda Parliament) and the Mengo (Kabaka’s) Palace in the Lubiri as you trace the footsteps of Ugandan royalty. Clans and totems are an intrinsic part of Buganda culture. See the statues of animal totems that decorate the Royal Mile (Kabaka Anjagala). Interpretative guides can be organised through the Buganda Tourism and Heritage Board or at the Bulange booking office.
Also in Mengo are Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals.
Namugongo and the Uganda Martyrs: Did you know that in June every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims congregate in Namugongo? Many walk from remote corners of East Africa to pay homage to the 22 Ugandan Christians who were executed for their faith in 1886 at Namugongo, a modern day site of pilgrimage and remembrance. June 3rd marks the Uganda Martyrs’ public holiday. Visit the Uganda Martyrs’ Museum and learn the heart-wrenching yet inspiring stories of these brave individuals. Read excerpts from letters recounting the events of 1886.
The Gaddafi Mosque: Climb the minaret for undoubtedly the best views of Kampala and admire the architectural grandeur of East Africa’s largest mosque. Female visitors will be asked to cover their heads (headscarves are provided).
The Baha’i Temple: this architectural landmark can be seen from all over Kampala. It’s a serene tree-covered hill, and the first Baha’i House of Worship in Africa. A multidenominational Sunday service is open to all.
WANT TO EXPLORE UGANDA FROM KAMPALA FOR A FEW DAYS OR MORE?
Book a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria or half day sports fishing in search of Nile Perch.
Organise a day trip from Entebbe to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary.
Laze on the sandy beach on one of Lake Victoria’s Ssese Islands.
Go birdwatching for Shoebill in Mabamba Bay.
VISITING KAMPALA FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Stay in Kampala for a while and your new friends will want to show you the markets and happening nightspots. But the best way to see the city’s landmarks is on a guided tour. Whether you have two hours to spare, or a whole day, there’s a long list of guides and tour companies who are ready to show you the best the city has to offer. A cautionary note: Be sure to book with us at Responsible Tourism Company for an unforgettable experience.
HOW TO TOUR KAMPALA?
Ground Transportation throughout the Kampala city tour trip in a private 4WD safari vehicle provided by Responsible Tourism Company.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Share with us at Responsible Tourism Company the attractions and activities that you are interested in so that we craft a package that is favorable to you, our client.
Kampala Hotels and Places to Stay
Hotels and accommodation you may like in Kampala. Check out for these traveller-favourite Kampala hotels for your upcoming Kampala trip and book now – From budget to boutique, book a stay in Kampala that best suits you.
Call us or WhatsApp now at +256 704-023-485 for safari bookings Uganda.
