Things to do in Kampala travel guide itinerary

Top Things to Do in Kampala, Uganda - Itinerary and Travel Guide

Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is a bustling city with a population of approximately 2 millions (and probably as many motorcycles on the road). It can be somewhat intimidating, especially for a first-timer. I went to Kampala after having spent several days in Nairobi, Kenya, and (although some people may disagree on this), the Ugandan capital felt a lot more hectic to me.

But this is not to say that it does not have its charms. I spent a lot of time walking, taking public transports, and trying local food.

Table of Contents

Overview of Kampala, Uganda

Free Walking Tour in Kampala Uganda | Ummi Goes Where? — In front of Makerere University, Kampala.

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, located in the south central part of the country, close to the shores of Lake Victoria. Its topography consists of hills and valleys filled with rivers and swamps. In fact, it was originally built on seven hills, but has since expanded.

This topography makes Kampala the most prosperous agricultural section in the country, producing coffee, cotton, tea, sugar, and tobacco. It is also the chief market for the Lake Victoria region and the headquarters for most of Uganda’s large firms.

Kampala is home to Makerere University. Founded in 1922, it was the only such educational institution in East Africa for many years.

With a population of over 2 million people, Kampala is the largest city in Uganda and one of the fastest growing in Africa.

Best Time to Visit Kampala, Uganda

Kampala enjoys a tropical rainforest climate. It has no true dry season — it gets rain throughout the year, but tends to experience heavier rainfall from February to June and from August to December. February to June are typically the wettest months.

I visited in October and experienced heavy rain on one out of the four days I spent there. Even then, it lasted for only about an hour or so.

How to Get to Kampala, Uganda

By Air

The nearest airport is in the city of Entebbe, about 35 km southwest of Kampala. From the airport, you can take a taxi, Bolt, or Uber to Kampala for approximately UBX 130,000 and the journey should take around 1.5 hours. For a cheaper option, take a short taxi ride to the Taxi Park in Entebbe (approximately UBX 10,000) and from there, take a minibus to central Kampala for only about UBX 3,000.

If you have a hotel booked, check with them if they provide shuttle service from the airport.

By Bus

Buses, including overnight options, are also available from major cities in Uganda and surrounding countries. I traveled between Kampala and a few other cities like Jinja, Nairobi (Kenya), and Kigali (Rwanda) with no problem. Companies include Modern Coast, Jaguar Executive Coaches, Kampala Coach, and Mash Bus.

Entry Requirement

Uganda grants visa-free entries to citizens of several countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. If you need a visa to enter, you can apply online via the official website. Processing may take between 24 hours to 5 working days and requires you to upload a travel itinerary, certificate of yellow fever vaccination and a return ticket (bus or flight).

How to Get Around in Kampala

There are several main methods of public transportation in Kampala.

The fastest one is by boda boda, those motorcycles seen all over the city. They typically charge around UGX 3,000 – 5,000 for trips within Kampala, but the fares are not fixed, so make sure you agree on it beforehand.

Do ride with caution, because boda boda accidents account for most of the traffic fatalities and hospital visits in Kampala. The ones you hail on the street can be the most dangerous because they rarely provide helmets (most of the drivers don’t wear one either), and they tend to drive recklessly to get you to your destination as quickly as possible.

For a safer ride, it is advisable to book a driver through Uber or the Safe Boda app. They are professionally trained and will provide you a helmet. The fares may also be cheaper. Alternatively, you can look for drivers wearing the orange Safe Boda vest on the street.

The second option is the matatus, which are minibuses that follow preset routes all around the city and beyond. Some locals may still refer to them as ‘taxis’, so when they say ‘taxi stand’, they most probably mean a matatu stand.

Each matatu has a driver and a conductor who will shout the destinations of their vehicle. I usually ask them to let me know when I have reached my destination. The fare is around UGX 2,000 – 4,000 within the city and you pay the conductor when you exit. A matatu is licensed to carry 14 people, but expect them to squeeze a few more in during rush hours.

If all these sound too daunting for you, there’s always Uber, Bolt, and Yellow Taxi.

Things to See & Do in Kampala, Uganda

1. Visit the Makerere University

The Makerere University is Uganda’s biggest and oldest institution of higher learning. It was first established as a technical school in 1922 and became an independent national university in 1970. For many years, it was the only such educational institution in East Africa. The university covers a large area and provides a welcome respite from the hectic roads outside.

Makerere University, Kampala — Credit: OER Africa / Wikimedia Commons

On my visit, there seemed to be a large population of cranes (the birds) flying around. So, it can be a great place for bird watching while you sit in one of the parks and soak in the campus vibe.

2. Visit the Katanga Slums

Uganda is among the top African countries with the highest number of slums, one of which is Katanga. It is situated in the valley between Mulago Hospital and Makerere University. You can walk through the settlement and witness how people go about their lives in the slum.

As always, when visiting a local neighborhood, always be respectful. If you need to take pictures, avoid taking pictures of people or the insides of their houses without permission. You can buy some snacks and drinks from them to support the local community.

3. Buy Souvenirs at the East African Craft Market

This market hosts many stalls selling all kinds of African crafts and souvenirs. Bring some money and be prepared to practice your haggling skill.

If you’ve been traveling around East Africa for quite a bit, you’d notice that Uganda is one of the cheapest countries to buy stuff, from food to clothes. And since the arts and crafts produced in this region are pretty much similar from one country to the next, you might want to do all your shopping in Uganda.

4. Visit the Independence Monument

Standing at a height of 6 meters, this is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Uganda. The monument depicts a man unwrapping and holding a child to the sky, to signify a new-born country, free from colonialism and bondage.

Uganda Independence Monument Kampala — Independence Monument. Credit: Musinguzi Jamil / Wikimedia Commons

5. Sample Food at Nakasero Food Market

The Nakasero Food Market allows you to treat your senses to different sights, smells, sounds, and tastes.

You can find all the typical stuff you might expect in a food market, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, and meats.

You’ll also get to sample some of the delicacies.

One of the highlights for me was trying fried grasshoppers. They also had some fresh live ones, but I said no thanks to those.

The fried grasshoppers actually tasted quite pleasant, unlike the scorpion that I ate in Thailand.

6. Visit the Shri Sanatan Dharma Mandal Temple

Completed in 1961, the SSDM is the oldest Hindu temple in Uganda. Its structure was built without any iron bars or steel of any nature, right from the foundation up to its dorm of over four floors high. The SSDM is a replica of Somnath Temple in Gujarat and is the first Shikha Baddha Temple outside India.

Pardon my ignorance, but before my visit, I never knew that there was a Hindu population in Uganda. Or anywhere in Africa, for that matter. Well, the more you travel, the more you know.

Shri Sanatan Dharma Mandal — Credit: Ruslik0 / Wikimedia Commons

7. Shop at Owino Daily Market

This rather chaotic market sells everything from secondhand clothing to electronics. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s still interesting to see what they have on sale. Plus, the tarpaulin roofs of the market stalls provides some shelter from the rain and sun.

8. Visit Namirembe Cathedral

This cathedral, also known as St. Paul’s Cathedral, was consecrated in 1919, making it the oldest one in Uganda. Located on top of a hill, it gives visitors an amazing view of the city.

9. Visit Gaddafi National Mosque

Built on the Old Kampala Hill, Gaddafi National Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in East, Central, and Sub-Saharan Africa. It completed its construction in 2006 and was named after Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya who commissioned the mosque as a gift to Uganda, for the benefit of the Muslim population there.

If you have the energy, you can climb the 304 steps to the top of the minaret. Non-Muslims have to pay an entrance fee of UGX 15,000 to visit.

10. Visit Kasubi Royal Tombs

The Kasubi Royal Tombs serve as a burial site for four kabakas (kings) and other members of the Baganda royal family. The main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome, is a major example of an architectural achievement in organic materials, mainly wood, thatch, reed, wattle, and daub.

It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and costs UGX 30,000 to enter.

11. Visit the King’s Palace

This grand palace, which used to be the official residence of the King of Buganda, now becomes a tourist attraction containing historical artifacts, gardens, and torture chambers. Entrance fee is UGX 35,000 per person.

12. Visit the National Museum

The Uganda National Museum was founded in 1908 and exhibits the natural history, archaeology, science, and the cultural heritage of the people of Uganda. One of its most interesting features is the collection of traditional musical instruments, which visitors are welcome to try!

Located five kilometers away from Kampala city center, this museum is a vivid reminder of the country’s colorful past.

13. Learn about Baha'ism at Baha'i Temple

The Baha’i faith was first introduced in Uganda in 1951, making it one of the earliest Baha’i communities in East Africa. Today, Uganda is considered Africa’s spiritual heart of the Baha’i faith because it has the Mother Temple and over 10 Baha’i centers scattered across the country. There are estimated to be around 1,000 Baha’i followers in Uganda.

Each continent of the world has only one Baha’i temple, and the Mother Temple in Uganda is the first and only one in Africa. Situated on Kikaya Hill on the outskirts of Kampala, it is 127 ft tall with 9 doors and 9 massive columns supporting the great dome.

The fifty-acre property includes the temple, a guest house, an administrative center, and extensive gardens. There is no dedicated day of the week to worship at the temple, but the followers in Kampala typically go on Sunday afternoons.

14. Visit Ndere Cultural Center

The Ndere Cultural Center is an African cultural hub that is characterized by indigenous architecture with a modern twist. Founded by the Ndere Troupe, it regularly organizes dance performances, party nights, and traditional Ugandan buffets. The Cultural Center also provides a variety of accommodation options for guests who wish to spend the night.

15. Go on a Day Trip Outside Kampala

If you have more time to spare, you can take a matatu and make day trips outside of Kampala to see several other interesting places. There are also tours, including the ones that are tip-based, meaning you can pay any amount you consider appropriate. Here are some of the places you can visit on a day trip from Kampala:

Namugongo Martyr Shrine – a Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to Ugandan martyrs, located in Namugongo, 14 kilometers northeast of Kampala.
Ggaba Beach – Ggaba is a neighborhood situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, that is famous for its beach, resorts, landing dock for fishing boats, and fish market.
Equator Line – Uganda is one of the countries that are crossed by the equator line. While the line crosses through all of Uganda, the most iconic spot for equator is in Kayabwe, 70 kilometers from Kampala, where you can actually stand on both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time!
Credit: Lakato Safaris / Wikimedia Commons
Jinja – a district located near the source of the White Nile, about 80 kilometers away from Kampala. It is often referred to as the ‘adventure capital’ of Uganda, due to the numerous outdoor activities it offers, including kayaking, white-water rafting, tubing, hiking, and water skiing.

16. Go on a Food Tour

Navigating local cuisine in a new country can be confusing when you don’t know what’s good and what’s not. A food tour can help you with that. Meet experienced local foodies, cooks, and restaurateurs, and learn all the secret techniques for preparing sumptuous Ugandan cuisine.

17. Go on a Pub Crawl

Kampala has some of the liveliest night life in East Africa. If going out on your own doesn’t sound fun to you, join a pub crawl, where you can go pub-hopping on foot, by matatu, and by boda-boda with a group of like-minded people and under the supervision of experienced guides.

18. Volunteer

Volunteering / voluntourism is a popular activity in most of East Africa. It’s a great way to use your skills to give back to the community, while at the same time meeting new people. There are many volunteer placements available for those interested in working together with the local community, such as in schools, farms, and community-based organizations.

How Long to Stay in Kampala

Technically, you can see most of the tourist attractions in Kampala within one day. In fact, there are travel agencies that can cram all of them into a one-day tour if you’re short of time.

However, Kampala is a city that will slowly grow on you, in my opinion, so giving it only one day wouldn’t do it justice. I would recommend at least 3 – 4 days in the city to really get a feel for it and explore what it has to offer at a more leisurely pace.

Where to Stay in Kampala, Uganda

Budget

Luxury Acacia Villa with Kampala’s Best View – Situated 3.5 kilometers from the Independence Monument, this homestay features a garden, terrace, shared lounge and kitchen that is equipped with a fridge, oven, microwave, and coffee machine. From USD 9 for a bed in a 4-bed mixed dormitory room, including breakfast.

Mid-Range

Hotel Duomo and Suites – Located 5.6 kilometers from the main railway station, this hotel offers a fitness center, garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar. Rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV, desk, shower, wardrobe, and free toiletries. Some rooms come with a kitchen, fridge, and microwave. Also provided are room service, airport transfer, and free parking. From USD 80 for a King Room with breakfast.

Luxury

Kampala Serena Hotel – Features a fitness center, outdoor pool, and a restaurant. Each room comes with a TV, balcony, air-conditioning and bathtub. Other facilities include a tour desk, luggage storage, and free parking. From USD 308 for a Single Deluxe room.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Kampala

Kampala can be intimidating if it’s your first time visiting, but I felt quite safe throughout my stay as a solo female traveler. If you don’t feel confident enough to venture out on your own, don’t fret — there are other options, like joining group tours.

I went on a free guided walking tour founded and managed by young locals. This tour provides opportunities for visitors to not only observe Ugandan life and culture, but to actively participate alongside the locals.

What I liked most about the tour was that it didn’t focus on major tourist attractions, like most city tours do. Instead, it also took me to less touristy places like the slums and the markets. I got to witness how the people lived and sample the local snacks, which I don’t think I would have been able to do on my own.

I also like the fact that you can pay the guide(s) any amount you see fit, making this accessible for travelers of any budget.

Me and Steven, the free walking tour guide in Kampala — With my guide, Steven, on the free walking tour in Kampala.

Make sure you book first. Especially during low seasons, the tours are only available upon request. You can make a reservation via any of these channels:

Address: P.O. Box 11536 Mengo, Lusaze.

Website: Free Tours Kampala

Facebook: Free Guided Walking Tours Kampala

E-mail

Tel / WhatsApp: +256787134239

Have you visited Kampala, Uganda? What was your experience like? Comment below.