Tourist Places to Visit in Kampala, Uganda, North Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Kampala, Uganda, North Africa, Africa

Kampala is the capital and largest city of the African country, Uganda. It is located on the northern shore of the world’s largest tropical lake, Lake Victoria, in the Central Region of Uganda. Located at 00°18′49″ N 32°34′52″ E, the city of Kampala comprises five boroughs, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division, Lubaga Division, Kampala Central Division and Kawempe Division.

Kampala is noted for many of its distinct characteristics, like standing on seven hills, having one of the premiere universities in Central and Eastern Africa, Makerere University and being a site of the blend of many renowned manmade and natural attractions, including Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

History of Kampala:

What is today’s Kampala was the favorite hunting place of the Kabaka (king) of Buganda, Mutesa I, prior to the British rule in the region and then it was home to a large number of antelopes, particularly impalas, which may later have been to become a way to get the current name. The city began to develop by becoming the capital of the Buganda kingdom in the 19^th century.

How to reach Kampala?

Kampala is served by Entebbe International Airport with scheduled flights from Johannesburg, Istanbul, Doha, Kigali, Dar es Salaam, Amsterdam, Dubai, Cairo, London and Brussels. The airport is situated near the town of Entebbe, around 40 km southwest of Kampala. It costs around 70,000 USh by taxi and around 2,500Ush by minibus from the airport to Kampala.

Although Boda Bodas are not a secure option, it is widely used for local and intercity travel in Kampala. Taxis and rental cars are also gettable.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Kampala:

The population of Kampala is formed by many ethnic communities, dominated by the Baganda, who covers around 60% of the total population.

Many nice traditional markets can be seen in Kampala, including Owino market and Nakasero market, with an array of Ugandan specialties. Some mid-range restaurants in Kampala include:

New York Kitchen
Cafe Javas
Fang Fang Chinese

Things to do in Kampala:

Jet-Boating
Visiting zoo
City tours

Places to see in Kampala:

Kasubi Tombs:

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasubi Tombs is the final resting place of four kabakas or kings of Buganda Kingdom. Visitors are allowed inside this tomb house with a prior permission, where personal belongings and portraits of the buried kings are exhibited.

Uganda National Cultural Centre:

The Uganda National Cultural Centre is a perfect place to find the real culture of Uganda. It features two parts, the National Theatre and the Nommo Gallery and creates a stage for local art talents and also exhibits great works of many renowned foreign artists.

Uganda National Museum:

The Uganda National Museum originated with an objective of promoting the Ugandan culture in 1908. It is mainly concentrated on showcasing the ethnological, natural history and traditional life of Uganda with a nice collection of artifacts, musical instruments, hunting equipments and artworks.

Gaddafi National Mosque:

The Gaddafi National Mosque is one of the recommended places to see in Kampala, which was probably constructed with the fund of former Libyan President, Gaddafi. However, where visitors can climb up the tower to have a great view of the city. Visitors should pay 10’000 UGX as entrance fee.

Cathedrals in Kampala:

Kampala is the site of many historical and magnificent cathedrals and the most famous are Namirembe Kathedrale and Rubaga-Kathedrale, both are splendid structures. Shouldn’t be missed.

List of other places of interest in and around Kampala include:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ndere Centre
Namugongo Shrine
Destreet Art Gallery
Forest Park Resort
Casino Simba
Wonder World Amusement Park
Forest Park
Independence Monument
Batwa Cultural Heritage
Lubiri Palace

Best time to visit Kampala:

The climate of Kampala is classified as tropical monsoon with two wet seasons annually. The most popular time to visit Kampala is from December to March and from June to September.

Hotels in Kampala:

Kampala houses dozens of accommodation options, ranging from budget guest houses and lodges to five star world class hotels with superior amenities. Price and facilities vary from hotel to hotel and on season. Though advance booking is preferred. Some top end hotels in Kampala include: