Kampala City Tour

Kampala City Tour, Things to see on a tour of Kampala 

1. Palace of Kabaka

The Palace of Kabaka is in Kampala, Uganda. The palace was built by King Mutesa II between 1894 and 1901. It is on top of Mengo Hill and has a view of Kampala City. There are two main ways to get into the house. There are two entrances to the palace. One goes to the royal rooms, and the other to the public areas. To get into the palace grounds, people have to go through security checks.

People can look at displays inside the castle that show the life of King Mutesa II. There are also displays of traditional African clothing and art, such as masks, drums, and spears. The palace is close to the school of Makerere University. It’s open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. Each person must pay $10 to get in. The building now has a museum inside and is open to the public. People who come can learn more about the palace and the kingdom of Buganda’s past.

2. National Mosque of Gaddafi

The Uganda National Mosque is one of the most well-known places in Uganda. The building began in 1972 and was finished in 2006. Since then, it’s become a sign of Kampala. People from all over the world are welcome to visit the mosque, which is in the middle of town.

When you stay in Kampala, it’s easy to go to the mosque. The big building with the green dome is easy to find. Just walk down the road toward the river. You don’t have to pay to get into the mosque, but gifts are welcome.

The Makerere University grounds, the National Museum, and the Kisekka Market are just a few of the many other places in Kampala that you can see. These are just three of the many things to see and do in Kampala. Read our list of the best things to do in Kampala for more ideas.

3. The Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine

The shrine of the Namugongo Martyrs is in Kampala, Uganda. The Namugongo Martyrs were killed during the rule of King Mwanga II, and the shrine was built in their honor. It was built in 1892 by King Mwanga II and his wife Queen Nakiwogo. The shrine is in honor of the Namugongo Martyrs, who were killed by British colonists.

There are Ugandans from all over the country who come to the shrine to pray and enjoy their culture. It was built as a memorial to the Namugongo martyrs. A event called “Mukunguza” happens every year in April and is one of many that happen here every year. Celebrating Ugandan culture and history is what Mukunguza is all about. The shrine is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. People can honor the Namugongo heroes who died by going to the shrine.

4. Where the Baha’is live

The Kampala Baha’i Temple was built in 1972 and opened to the public in 1974. It’s the biggest Baha’i temple outside of Iran. The building is meant to look like a typical Ugandan house. Inside, people can see some art that was made by local artists. There is a Baha’i Temple in Kampala that is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. People who want to enter must sign in at the front desk and show their IDs. Go to www.bahai.org/uganda to find out more.

A small group of people who follow the teachings of the Baha’i Faith are called Baha’is. The faith was started in Iran in 1844 by Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri, who later changed his name to Bahá’u’lláh. He wrote a book in 1863 called Kitab-ul-Kashf, which means “Book of Hidden Treasures.” It talks about the beliefs and main lesson of the faith, which is that all religions and people should work together.

In 1868, Bahá’u’lláh started using letters and other written things to tell people about the religion. Even though he died in 1892, those who followed him kept spreading the word of God. There are now more than six million Baha’is in the world. Most of them live in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Afghanistan.

There are two main places for the Baha’í community to gather: the Universal House of Justice in New York City and the world offices in Haifa, Israel. There are also small groups of people in many countries, like Uganda. In Kampala, the Baha’i temple is close to the National Theater.

5. The National Museum of Uganda

In Kampala, Uganda, you can find the Uganda National Museum. It was set up in 1894 by the famous traveler and reporter Sir Henry Morton Stanley. The museum has been around for more than 100 years and has many items from different times. It has the biggest collection of African art and cultural items in the world. Over 30 rooms hold tens of thousands of works of art and other objects. There is also a library, a study center, a botanical garden, a planetarium, and a gallery of natural history at the museum.

You can get to the museum in a number of ways. People can buy tickets online or pay to get into the building. If you want to go to the museum during busy times, you might want to buy your ticket ahead of time. In addition, people who come to the museum must wear shoes.

6. The Ndere Cultural Center

The NDERE CENTRE, which is also called Ndere, is in Kampala City, Uganda. This building is a culture hub that hosts many events, such as art shows, music concerts, movie screenings, plays, dance performances, and more. The center was built in 1996, and the Ndere Cultural Troupe dance group moved in there in 2003.

It can handle more than 10,000 people every day. Friends and family from around the world can get together and talk about their lives. People can go there to rest and have fun because it is a peaceful place. People can go there to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Uganda. People who go there tend to get along with each other. People can go there to see how people live in Uganda. You should go there if you want to see the best of Uganda.

7. The craft village on Buganda Road

Buganda Road Craft Village is in Uganda’s Kampala City. Arts and crafts people from all over Uganda come together to sell their goods. There are over 100 crafters in the town, and their goods are sold in the market.

It’s a great chance for tourists to learn about Ugandan culture directly. People can buy handmade goods from local artists and find out about the background of each one. When is Buganda Road Craft Village open? Every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

8. Kabaka’s Lake

This man-made lake is a famous place for tourists to visit in Kampala because it has beautiful views and birds and monkeys that live there. The Kabaka’s castle is one of the most well-known places near the lake.

9. Cathedral of Namirembe

The Namirembe Cathedral is a lovely building in Kampala City, Uganda. It was built between 1885 and 1888 and is now a famous place for tourists to visit. The Namirembe Museum is inside the church. It has a lot of historical items from the area.

The stained glass windows in the church are famous. They were made by the artist John Lavery. The Namirembe Cathedral is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

Walking tours of Kampala with a guide

Walking tours of Kampala take visitors through the city’s busy streets, lively markets like Nakasero Market, where many locals buy fresh produce from farmers, and historical sites like the Uganda Independence Monument and Museum, which give visitors a better understanding of Kampala’s rich history. As you walk around Kampala, your knowledgeable city guides will share their views and historical facts, bringing the stories of the city to life.

The lively Owino Market is one of the most popular stops on Kampala city trips. It’s where you can find everything from used clothes to everyday things. It’s in Owino Market. Local guides will show you the best Rolex rolled eggs, vegetables, and chapati while you’re on this walking tour in Kampala. You’ll also get to see Rolex handicrafts and traditional clothes, making sure you have a truly authentic experience.

There are many beautiful buildings in Kampala City. Some of them are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasubi Tombs and the huge Gaddafi Mosque, which has a view of the whole city. You should not miss the cultural experience at the Ndere Cultural Center. Through music, dance, and stories, you can learn about the different cultures in the country.

The Kampala walking walks offered by Monumental Expeditions and Safaris are a unique alternative to traditional tours that let you get to know the city of Kampala better. So, put on your walking shoes, get ready for an exciting trip, and start your journey through the busy streets of City of Seven Hills.

How to get around in Kampala?

Kampala is one of the towns with the most people in Uganda. In the past ten years, it has grown very quickly. It is situated in the middle part of the country. It is one of the biggest cities in East Africa and the capital of Uganda. In Kampala, there are many things to do. These tips will help you get around Kampala city.

1. You should start your tour of Kampala early.
It’s always a good idea to start your Kampala city tour early, especially if you want to see places like the National Museum, Kabaka Palace, and Owino Market. To make sure you don’t miss anything, meet your guide after breakfast and get to downtown Owino Market early. People are very busy early in the morning. If you’re going on a walking tour, make sure you bring lots of drinks and snacks with you as well. When you walk or wait in line, it’s easy to get hungry.

2. Take your own car.
Many people in Kampala use the confusing public transportation (matatus, minibuses, and boda bodas) to get around. But if you’re planning to visit the city, you should avoid taking public transportation as much as possible because boda bodas drivers are very careless. It’s safer and easier to walk around or hire a car and driver, which will save you time and money in the long run and keep you safe on your Kampala city tour.

Private taxis are easy to find in Kampala, but they can be pricey. Instead, rent a car from a local company like Monumental Expeditions and Safaris. The cars are reliable and cheap, and you can drive wherever you want in or outside of the city. Finally, if you’re going to be walking around, make sure you bring shoes that won’t hurt your feet.

3. Know where you want to go
The Ugandan city of Kampala is very big, and if you don’t know where you’re going, it can be hard to find your way around its busy streets. It’s easy to get lost in the city, especially if you’re not from there.

To make sure you don’t get lost, plan your route ahead of time. Draw a map of the area you’re visiting and mark the places you want to see along the way. If you can, hire a guide, a boda, or a car. This will save you money and let you spend more time enjoying the sights.

4. Watch out where you take pictures
During your Kampala city tour, remember to always be safe. Travel with someone who knows where they’re going and how to get around in new places. Also, please don’t take pictures of Parliament, government buildings, the Bank of Uganda, or police stations, as this could get you in trouble. If you get lost, don’t be afraid to ask locals for help. Taking pictures is a fun way to remember things and share them with others. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking pictures of yourself or your friends—everyone loves seeing beautiful pictures of the places they visit.

If you want to get the best pictures, try playing around with the settings. For example, change the shutter speed to get different effects. You could also use filters to make your pictures look slightly different.

5. Stay safe
It’s generally safe to visit Kampala, but there are some risks if you’re not careful. Make sure you follow these tips to stay safe. As the saying goes, “Kampala is not buildings; if you’re sleepy you lose your things.” Keep your valuables safe at home and in your hotel room. Don’t bring large amounts of cash or expensive items with you. Keep your passport, credit cards, and other personal documents in a safe place.

When you go to a place you haven’t been before, use common sense and stay away from sketchy neighborhoods and streets that aren’t well lit. It’s best to travel during the day, and if you can, use an Uber or private hire car instead of walking. When you’re traveling, stay away from dark alleys and remote areas.

6. Drink lots of water and eat well
Many people in Kampala work long hours and drink all night, which can make it easy to fall into bad habits. But instead of giving in to these temptations, try staying healthy and hydrated. During the day, drink lots of water and stay away from sugary drinks. Also, eat fruits and vegetables every day to keep your energy up and your weight in a healthy range. Eating well will make you feel full and energized, which will make it easier to stand up to temptations.

7. Have fun and go dancing
There are a lot of things to do in Kampala, Uganda. If you’re planning to visit, you might feel overwhelmed by all the choices. Luckily, there are lots of fun things to do in Kampala, whether you’re looking for a place to go out at night or just want to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

You can have a good time in Kampala by going dancing. There is a club near you where you can dance the night away to hip hop, house music, jazz, local music, Afrobeats, or live banda. To get started, check out Levels bar and lounge, The Cielo Lounge, Wild Coffee Bar, The Wine Garage, Bubbles Irish Pub, Quepasa Mexican Restaurant, The Lighthouse, The Nightingale, La Terrazza Kisementi, Otters, and August 80.

You could also go to a cultural festival. Uganda celebrates Independence Day every year, and there are many festivals throughout the year, such as the Nyenge Nyege Festival, the Elgon Festival, the Rolex Festival, the Blankets and Wine Festival, the Bayimba Festival, and more. These events include parades, concerts, and other fun things to do. Find out more about the country’s biggest festivals here.

8. Help out
While in Kampala, there are many ways to volunteer, such as working with local schools and small charities that help street children. There are also many organizations that offer volunteer programs in Kampala. For example, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, which is just outside of Kampala, has short-term internships and long-term volunteer positions. The center gives hands-on training in wildlife conservation and environmental education. The International Rescue Committee is another organization that has volunteer opportunities. Volunteers work with refugees from other countries.

Thinking about volunteering can be overwhelming, but there are many reasons to do it. For example, you can learn about other cultures and gain useful experience by volunteering. You can also meet new people and make friends that will last. Finally, volunteering makes you feel good and gives you a chance to make a difference in the world.

Taking it easy

Enjoy yourself and take it easy.
Most of the time, Kampala is warm and sunny, so you might want to relax and enjoy the weather, especially after a few days of traveling. The city has a number of nice swimming pools where you can swim, sunbathe, read in the afternoon, and more. Most of the pools are in hotels, but they are not only for hotel guests.

The fee to enter is usually between 25’000 UGX and 40’000 UGX, which can even get you access to the gym or sauna. Some pools have beautiful views of the city as well. The Speke Resort Munyonyo, Cassia Lodge, Latitude 0°, and Kabira Country Club are some of our favorites.

You can get a massage or a spa or beauty treatment if you don’t really like swimming pools but still want to rest. There are a lot of beauty salons and spas in Kampala, and the prices are generally very reasonable.

10. Do things that make you happy.

There are lots of things to do in Kampala, whether you want to start a new hobby or play a new sport. Like, you can go on a journey if you like rock climbing in Munyonyo. You could also ride a horse in Munyonyo. You can go to the Kampala Art Gallery if you like art.