Kampala is the capital city of Uganda where most economic, business, political and social activities happen. The main means to get in and around Kampala is by road where both public and private transport is available. Kampala is full of life during both day and night but you have to be careful with security of your belongings all the time because of petty theft just like any other busy city.
The easiest means and quickest to get around Kampala city is motorbike transport called Boda boda but do not forget to wear your helmet. Even amidst traffic jam, the motorbikes get you to your destination faster. Railway transport is slowly recovering in Kampala although there are shorter destinations the rail ends. Request A Quotation
Kampala originally had seven hill some hills include Rubaga, Namirembe, Kibuli, Kololo and more though this has been changed overtime because of the boundaries of the city have been extending over the year. A number of business centers have been constructed and more still under construction to improve the look of Uganda’s capital. As a busy city some of the leisure activities to do on a day Kampala city tour include
Some of the Kampala city tour activities
Visit The Uganda Museum
The Uganda museum in Bukoto is where the historical facts about the Pearl of Africa Uganda are preserved.
Within the Uganda Museums are antiques including some of the items used by the people in the past. Information about the colonial days in Uganda can be accessed in the museum. A visit to the different huts constructed to represent the regions that form Uganda walks you into the unique but beautiful history that Ugandan have.
Tour to the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo.
The Uganda Martyrs’ shrine in Namugongo is a significant religious ground where over 30 young men were burnt to ashes other butchered for the sake of their religions beliefs under the leadership of an autocratic king called Mwanga who ordered for this.
There is the catholic, protestant and Muslim Uganda martyrs’ center in Namugongo. The catholic basilica in Namugongo is still the face of the Uganda martyrs’ shrine which is cone shaped. The manmade lake where prayers are conducted is amazing to visit, the amazing trees and well kept environment of this place is relaxing especially if you wish to have some meditation.
Visit the Aqua Center in Kampala
If you wish to swim and relax there different swimming pools around Kampala where you can enjoy this. One of them is at the Aqua center where you can enjoy the presence of other water lovers. Alternatively, these several beaches especially close to lake Victoria like the Gabba beach, Entebbe beaches and more.
Visit Uganda Wildlife Education Center In Entebbe
On the outskirts of Kampala is the Uganda Wildlife center which is in Entebbe. This is the former Entebbe zoo but currently, the wild animals are kept in exhibits with environment similar to that where they are common seen in the wilderness. The Entebbe zoo has almost 98% of the wild animals that you find in the different Uganda National Parks. It is the summary of Uganda safari destinations and before departing Uganda, you may take an excursion in Entebbe zoo.
At the Uganda Wildlife Education center are animals like lions, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, waterbuck, bush bucks, giraffes, ostriches, warthogs, leopards and more.
You can choose to do a guided walk in the center or self guided walk using the trails network with directions around the center.
Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Entebbe botanical gardens have an amazing environment where you can rest way from the chaotic city. You can choose to camp in these botanical gardens, take a walk in the forest where you may get the chance to spot several monkey species including vervet monkeys, black and white colobus and more. Keen birders have an opportunity to identify several resident birds during Uganda birding too that flock the trees in these gardens.
Excursion To The Leisure Park
Get on a boat to the leisure park where you can spend time on some challenging games. This needs advance booking so that all necessary arrangements can be made. Even those companies that wish to do retreats for workers may find the leisure Park a comfortable spot.
Visit Kampala City Center
Kampala town center is where the heart of Uganda beats but still quite chaotic. Some streets are not demarcated but you need to be in company of a local guide to get to different parts of the city. A visit to the market centers of Kampala gives you insight into the business life of the locals. Some of the Kampala local markets include Balikuddembe Market (Owino), Nakasero Market, Kalelwe Market and more.
These are mainly farmer’s markets where produce from the local gardens is sold and then those from uptown also shop in these markets too.
Different boutiques are situated in the malls around Kampala and you can take a walk around to see what they sell. Visit the supermarkets around Kampala which are mainly the one stop shopping centers in the city.
A taste of Uganda from the local restaurants drives you on the food trip of this country. One of the favorite cuisines of Uganda include “Oluwombo” where soup is prepared in a smoked banana leaf.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a second home to rescued, orphaned, abandoned chimpanzees that cannot be returned to their communities in the jungle. From the view or feeding platform, tourists are able to watch the chimpanzees as they interact and participate in feeding them.
To get to Ngamba Island, you sail on a boat that is morning or afternoon session. A walk by the beach at the Ngamba Island is amazing with great views of the forested part of the Island and clear Lake Victoria water.
You may choose to do chimpanzee up close, keeper for the day activity and more at Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary.
Night life in Kampala
As the sun gives way for night to rule, Kampala nightlife comes alive. There are many bars, discotheques, street food centers, sometimes musical shows and much more that operate till the late hours of the night. Do travel with someone known to the night life in Uganda to avoid falling in the hands of the wrong individuals.
Incase you take some drinks do not drive because you will be penalized for drinking and driving under influence.
Visit the source of River Nile
Step out of Kampala to visit the source of River Nile in Jinja. At the source of River Nile in Jinja, you get to see calm lake Victoria water separate from River Nile water. A long the way, enjoy the amazing riverine vegetation, several birds flock the banks of River Nile and more.
A visit to the crafts shops at the source of River Nile you can purchase some souvenirs.
White water rafting on River Nile on Uganda
Engage in a thrilling white water rafting adventure on River Nile at the Itanda falls where you sail through rough rapids peddling on a tube boat. On ground are professional instructors to helps take you through what is necessary you just need to be ready to be part of this adventure.
Engage in quad biking along River Nile where you drive in the villages close by the River by passing their gardens, homes and more.
Bungee jumping is worth trying where you are let down the high cliff while suspended on a rope to touch the River Nile surface and a rescue boat awaits you from below. From Kampala, it takes a day trip to visit jinja and engage in activities then return.
Visit Ssezibwa Falls From Kampala
The Ssezibwa Falls along the Kampala jinja road are believed to be the dwelling spot for the Buganda spirits. While at the falls, you may take a forest walk where you get to find the worshiping shrines of the believers of the spirits believed to dwell at these falls.
The areas around the Ssezibwa falls are well kept by the caregivers of this spot. You may choose to camp at the falls too.
Religious centers around Kampala
Kampala has several religious centers where you can visit including Kibuli or Gaddafi mosques for Muslims, Rubaga cathedral for Catholics, Namirembe Cathedral for protectants, Bahai temple and more.
Most of these Uganda religious centers have information centers where you get more about the history, programs and more. It is best to visit during the week days when religious activities are not in high gear.
Bulange palace in Mengo
Bulange Mengo is the main place of Buganda kingdom with so much historical information to learn. When you visit the place, you enjoy the environment of the well kept compound, the machine gun used by Kabaka Mutesa II as he defended his sovereignty against Dr. Militon Obote. The torture chambers where multitudes of Ugandans were butchered during H.E Idi Amin Dada regime.
A visit to the Kabaka’s Lake in Ndemba which is manmade is amazing. Around the Kabaka’s lake are representations of the Baganda cultures. A number of water birds flock the shores and swampy areas around the lake.
Visit to Naggalabi Coronation grounds where the coronation ceremonies of any Kabaka of Buganda happens. A number of ceremonies happen at the Naggalabi coronation ground with several huts that are significant to the culture of the people of Buganda. Respect the norms of the people of Uganda and dress decently as recommended by the local guides on ground.
Kasubi royal tombs can also be visited even though they were set on fire in 2010. This dome shaped royal tomb grass thatched structure contains some unique items that are related to the royals of Buganda kingdom. Inside the Kasubi tombs are some items used by the fallen kings of Buganda believed to disappear in the forest behind the backcloth.
Visit Mabira forest on the way to Jinja
The Mabira forest is the largest natural forest of Uganda hosting several inhabitants including birds, primates, other animals and more. You may choose a guided walk in Mabira forest where nature whispers freshness. Note that overtime Mabira forest has been encroached on by agriculturalists, local homes, lumber jacks and more.
How safe is Kampala city tour
Kampala is a busy city but expect some unlawful activities too. In the city are security agencies and street cameras but thieves still find their way. Incase you have large sums of money, do not put it out to the public which may attract wrong company.
When driving in and around Kampala, try to follow the traffic rules and use a local driver to get around the city in case you are afraid of driving in this chaotic city. Expect a motor bike to come from any direction while in Kampala in case you are on self-drive.
Try not to engage in unlawful activities while in Kampala because the authority will catch up with you and you end up in the African prisons.
Do not let into your room strangers while in Kampala because you may invite the wrong doers that may hurt you and steal your precious belongings.
Avoid staying out till the late in Kampala because you give chance to bad characters that may harm you.
Report to the nearest police station incase some of your belongings are stolen so that follow up can be made where necessary.
Why Visit And do Kampala city tour On Uganda safari
Kampala is the heart of Uganda and a tour around gives you insight into the life of the local Ugandans and how they survive. There is so much history surrounding Uganda that dates back to the colonial life and beyond that you get to know about during the Kampala city tour.
A taste of Ugandan food drives you on the culinary journey of this Pearl of Africa. Luwombo is one of the special delicacies that are unique to Uganda. Taking a cup of locally brewed Ugandan coffee is memorable and worth purchasing. Uganda has some of the best coffee on the world market.
Taking a tour to the religious centers of Uganda gives you chance to know what Ugandans spiritually believe in. It is also support to the sustainable existence of the areas you visit during Kampala city tour.