Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, offers a range of activities for visitors short on time.

Originally built on seven hills, Kampala now spreads to 21 hills and has a resident population of 2 million, doubling in size everyday with workers who flock to the city. 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 second largest freshwater lake in the world. Kampala is growing quickly yet preserves its rich Buganda kingdom heritage. It is a melting pot of tribes from across the country, regional neighbours, tourists and expats from around the world. The colonial influence is reflected in the city’s architecture and historical sites.

If you’re visiting Kampala for the first time, one of the best ways to see the city’s landmarks and attractions is to sign up for a ready-made guided tour. Whether you have two hours to spare, or a whole day, we have a selection of registered tour companies that are ready to show you the best of the city.

How to do it

Choose to explore on foot, be driven around in an air-conditioned vehicle, or – for an authentically Ugandan experience – you can even do the tour on the back of a boda boda motorbike, but make sure to choose a registered company.

Tips for the tour

If you have somewhere particular you’d like to visit, check the tour itinerary first. Ready-made tours can easily be adapted to fit your interests. Want to stop for local lunch? Fancy an hour in the market? It’s your tour, so specify what you want.

These are some of the top attractions that visitors to Kampala always love.

Uganda Museum: If you only have a couple of hours in Kampala, this is the number one place to visit. You’ll be amazed at Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage illustrated through artefacts, exhibits and informative guides at this small museum.

Local Food: Ugandan 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 steamed. Uganda is famous for her tropical fruits: sweet pineapples, plentiful bananas, mangos, passionfruit, guava, papaya, watermelon and sugarcane.

Nightlife: No visit to Kampala is complete without at least one night out in the city. Read Explore Uganda’s guide to Kampala nightlife.

Kasubi Tombs: Explore the splendid traditional hut and meet the ancestors of long-gone Kabakas (kings) of Buganda Kingdom. No advance bookings are needed and on-site guides are ready to welcome you. 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.

Royal Mile: Walk along the tree-lined Royal Mile (Kabaka Anjagala) between the Bulange (seat of the Buganda Parliament) and the Mengo Palace in the Lubiri as you trace the footsteps of Ugandan royalty. Read about the statues of animal totems that decorate the route. Totems are an intrinsic part of Buganda culture. Interpretative guides can be organised through the Buganda Tourism and Heritage Board or at the booking office at the Bulange. 

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.

The Gaddafi Mosque: Ascend the minaret for panoramic views of Kampala and admire the architectural grandeur of East Africa’s largest mosque. Female visitors will be asked to cover their heads.

The Bahai Temple: Set on a hilltop in spacious natural gardens to the north of the city, this architectural landmark building can be seen from all over Kampala. It’s a serene spot and the first Baha’i House of Worship in Africa.

Shopping and craft markets: Read Explore Uganda’s article on What to take home: gift ideas & craft markets in Kampala.

Kampala sits on Lake Victoria, a major Source of the Nile. Organise a day trip from Entebbe to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary, go birdwatching along the shores (Shoebill can usually be seen in Mabamba Bay), book a sunset cruise or half day sports fishing in search of Nile Perch. Visiting Uganda for a few days or more? Laze on the sandy beach on one of Lake Victoria’s Ssese Islands.

Practical Tips:

• Hotels, restaurants and bars usually have Wi-Fi but if you’re in Uganda for more than a few days, having a local SIM card can prove very useful too.
• Hire a local guide. Contact one of Uganda Tourism Board’s registered tour operators to help organise your tour.

With these recommendations, you can make the most of your time in Kampala and experience the city’s highlights.