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Car Rental Uganda – Beware of Hidden Fees

Everyone is trying to make and save as much money as they can right now, and rental companies are no different. Transportation is one of the worst hidden fee industries in the world! Rental companies and airlines will charge you an arm and a leg in hidden fees if you’re not careful. Wahabu Kazibwe of 4X4 Uganda Car Hire shares with us some of the hidden fees that many renters are not aware of! The list below should help you avoid some of these fees and keep your rental cost as low as possible.

Airport Surcharge

Rental companies don’t get to take up an airport’s parking lot for free. They have to pay the airport for the services it provides. The rental company recoups its costs by charging its customers. The easiest way to avoid this fee is to rent from a location away from the airport. Many rental companies will even given you a free ride from the airport to their nearest facility.

Fuel

Always check your fuel policy and follow it. If you show up without the amount of gas you’re required to have, you’re going to have to pay for the difference in gas. The rental company gets to set the price of gas, which is a lot more than the gas station just down the street from the company. Fill up shortly before returning your vehicle to avoid excessive fuel costs.

Sales Tax

This isn’t really much of a hidden fee. You can’t avoid it. But many people forget all about sales tax and wonder why their bill is higher than they thought. Don’t forget sales tax when configuring the overall price of your rental.

Under Age Fee

If you’re under 25, you may be charged extra for your age. The reason for this is because statistics have shown that people under 25 are much more likely to get into an accident. If you’re under 21, you’ll be lucky if a rental company will rent a vehicle to you at all. So make sure you check the company’s age policy before signing anything.

Early Return Fee

Returning your vehicle early may sound good for all parties involved, but many rental companies will charge you a fee for returning the vehicle early. They do this to recoup the cost of you reserving the car beyond its use. Honestly, their justification is rather weak, but they can charge what they want. You might as well hold onto the car until the end of your rental period even if you don’t need it.

Limited Mileage

Most companies offer unlimited mileage rentals, but some will sneak in mileage limits and charge you a fortune for going over those limits. Make sure the rental company you want to rent from doesn’t have a limited mileage policy. If they do, go somewhere else.

In Case of an Accident while driving a hired vehicle

Various clients normally get accidents while driving rented cars. An accident is bound to happen at any given time but the way you handle yourself after this tragic moment is what makes a difference. Below is what should you do if you get in an accident while driving a rental vehicle?

Keep Calm

Getting upset or argumentative isn’t going to help the situation. Crying over something that’s already happened gets neither of you anywhere fast. So keep calm, recognize whatever part you had to play in the accident, and let the officer decide who’s at fault if you two can’t agree.

Collect All the Necessary Information

For minor accidents, police may not even need to be called onto the scene. Regardless, you should always get the other driver’s license, insurance information, and plate number. Also, make not of the exact time of the accident. You should always have a paper trail for every accident you’re ever in just to be legally secure. Plus, the rental company will want to know who else was involved.

Contact the Rental Company

Don’t wait to tell the rental company when you’re returning your vehicle – call them immediately. Ask what steps you need to take to resolve the issue with them and if any fees are going to be added to your final bill as a result of the accident. Each company is different, as is each accident situation. Follow what the rental company says and you’ll be alright.

File an Accident Report

If you have time, call the police and have them come out, assess the situation and write up an accident report at the scene. However, you should still file an accident report even if you don’t have time for that. It’s better for you to file your own report than someone to file a report that involves you. Not reporting makes you look suspicious.

Keep a Copy of Your Receipts

It can’t be stressed how much money this tip could potentially save you. The world economy is down and everyone is looking to save/make every dollar they can. The possibility of you being sued after an accident, by either the other driver or the rental company, is higher than it’s ever been. Keeping a copy of your receipts will give a paper trail that backs up your claims in court. It also gives you a leg to stand on if the rental company tries to charge you extra later for the incident. So make sure you hold onto a copy of everything you can.

Going on a Uganda Tour: Things to Know

To be more effective and vibrant at work, you need a refreshed and relaxed mind. However, it is not that easy to get something that can relax your mind thoroughly. One to refresh his/her mind has to engage into something that is unusual from what he/she experiences from his/her daily life. One should go for something out of this world, something one has never encountered, something adventurous and exciting.

A safari in Uganda can give you adventure, excitement and a lifetime experience. For starters Uganda is a country known for eco tourism due to the variety of natural attraction distributed around the country. Uganda has ten national parks where you find exotic animals in their natural setting like the lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys among the special ones. The most notable national parks are Queen Elizabeth where one can take a game drive to see the big five animals of Africa. While at Queen Elizabeth national park a boat cruiser at Kazinga channel is worth an experience as you feel the sea bliss and also see some aquatic birds and animals like hippos, waterbucks, crocodile and the elephants at the shores as you sail on the water taking a soft drink.

There is also Murchison Falls National Park the largest national park in Uganda with a unique hike at top of the falls of Albert Nile(a tributary to the longest river in the world- River Nile. While on top of the falls, you witness the Nile, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide), before ferociously plunging down 43 meters and have a good scenic view as you look at the wonderful landscape of the park and also look at different animals grazing while other hunting for prey in a distance. Murchison falls national park also offers a game drive around the park as you spot the grazers and the predators in the park.

Kidepo National Park is also among those national parks that can make enjoy Uganda as this gives the true African wilderness. As you take a game drive at Kidepo national park, you are able to see African wildlife clearly like the lions, ostriches, hyenas, giraffes, elephant and buffaloes. This national park has semi arid African savannah that gives you a clear view of any wildlife in this national park. it is also a good arena for having breakfast in the wild as it has well placed trees with good shades where you sit and have a nice feast in the morning as you look at the elephants, antelopes, zebras and buffaloes grazing around.

The nights at Uganda safari are also enjoyable as the accommodation facilities around the game park are world class. These have self contained rooms, restaurants, bars, swimming and nice quadrangles where the visitor can relax in the evening as he/she grabs a cold beer or soft drink reading a book or listening to some music.

A tour to Uganda is much more that exciting as you enjoy yourself from the word go to the finish line.

Kampala Restaurant Award 2015

Here is the opportunity to taste different dishes and Cuisines prepared by Uganda best restaurants on November 25^th 2015 at Serena hotel in Kampala city, Uganda- East Africa. The event (Kampala Restaurant Awards 2015) is organized by Hellofood Uganda, in partnership with Done Deal, and MTN and sponsored by Shell Gas, Pepsi, Brussels Airlines and Robertson Winery. The awards recognize achievement and excellence in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry throughout the beautiful city of Kampala in 15 categories and celebrate all aspects of the Industry from Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars, to Wines and Beers.

In most cases bites make travel more fantastic that is if you grab a tasty meal in a restaurant or hotel. In Kampala Uganda’s capital there are many restaurants participating in this event- hence offering the very best services possible in order to win the award & also remain outstanding in the travel & tourism world. Can’t stop you from tasting the street vendor meals but be more careful where to pick this by the guidance of your travel agents or guides since it may make your stomach upset. Some restaurants in kampala specialize in preparing food of particular country citizens like Local food, italian, Chinese, Ethopian, Goan, Japanese, Indian, Belgian, Korean among others

Each charge Relative prices depending on the Restaurants, eating places & Cuisines. Standard price for a meal in a good restaurant in Kampala is between fifteen thousand Uganda shillings (shs 15,000 )-Thirty thousand Uganda shillings (shs 30,000) equivalent to US$5-10. However there are many places where you can eat for less than 10,000 equivalents to US$2-4. Besides Soft drinks like sodas, water, energy drinks are available in all restaurants but other drinks like wines and beers are not sold in every restaurant.

Most loved Kampala restaurants include Fase 2 on Nakasero Road, Fang Fang on Kampala Road, Great Wall of China, on Kampala Road, Mamamia’s pizzeria, Domino’s Pizza on Kampala Road,Nandos on kampala road , Garden City Shopping Centre, The Clay Pot inside the Hotel Equatoria, Tandoori Chaat Masala on DeWinton Street, Khana Khazana on Acacia Avenue in Kololo, Café de Paris Crocodile Restaurant also in Kisementi, Krua Thai slightly in Acacia Avenue serves absolutely authentic Thai food. If your a fun of night life then various options are available with good Clubs/Bars/Pubs in places like Acasia road, Bukoto, Bugolobi, Kabalagala and kansanga area and they include Ethiopian Village, Le Petit Bistro, Le Chateau, The Pizzeria in Bugolobi, Half London Pub, Capital Pub, Al’s bar, Hunters, Half London Pub, plus the multitude of small bars in Kabalagala among others.

You can vote for your favorite restaurant online at http://www.kampalarestaurantawards.ug. Each voter is allowed to cast one vote a day per category so don’t forget to participate. Categories include Fine Dining where the Kampala Serena’s outstanding restaurant surely must be a favourite considering their culinary creations and service while other categories include Best Wine Brand, Best Beer Brand, Best Pizzeria, Best Indian Cuisine to name but a few. This inaugural event follows the launch earlier this year of the Kampala Restaurant Week in June, which proved to be a huge success with over 40 participants offering signature dishes and daily menu choices at reduced prices.

A Kampala Cocktail Week is due to follow from the 03rd to the 12th of December, showcasing the art of mixing drinks across Kampala’s leading bars. All this is an indicator that Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, has truly arrived in regard of hospitality and restaurant services, having made huge strides over the past decade. Get a chance to experience the dining culture at a discounted price as you unite with the service providers in Kampala the City of Life in Africa not forgetting the beautiful warm smiles often making you feel at Home and welcome. While on your safari in Uganda, don’t miss these amazing events. Just contact us and we will make sure that your table will get booked.

Best Cycling Holidays in Uganda

Uganda, “The Pearl of Africa”, is blessed with a wide variety of tourist attractions such as rafting on the upper Nile, hiking up Mt. Elgon, climbing Mountain Rwenzori (the Mountains of the Moon), tracking gorillas and chimps and with so many activities across the country both inside and outside the national parks and game reserves. Rhinos can be approached on foot at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Mabira Tropical Rain Forest (Uganda’s largest natural rain forest), a thick, dense canopy covered forest on the Kampala – Jinja highway, provides hiking and cycling trails and with an ideal Rain Forest Lodge good enough for vacation. It is a national forest reserve and its credentials are impressive by any standards. It consists of 312 shrubs and tree species, 287 types of butterflies, 316 species of birds – many of them endemic, 23 species of reptiles, 97 species of moths, and in contrast to other listed inventories some 51 mammal species.

When cycling across any of the four mapped – out trails, a fair number of bird sightings, and mammals, can be recorded. During enroute stops; trees, shrubs, orchids, and insects can be inspected close up. Mabira Forest also offers Uganda’s first zip-lining option, located near the Griffin Falls and can easily be accessed by bike on one of the trails, or via the town of Lugazi by car. Lugazi, has a golf course open to the public should any of the golf-addicted visitors passing through and having time to spare, wish to play.

Adventuring on a bicycle is an upcoming activity/ tourist practice in Uganda’s tourism industry. Borrowing the idea from Rwanda , a country that has benefited so much from this activity since its introduction, cycling is fast becoming an extra activity that tourists take after taking a gorilla safari in Bwindi Impoenetrable National Park and there are many challenges offered by local tour operators in Bwindi. This activity can be done in other areas as well where cyclists can enjoy asightseeing on a ride! Visitors can go around or even through a national park, game reserve/ sanctuary, climb a mountain and even a lake using a two wheeled vehicle (the bike/ bicycle).

Currently, cycling is gaining ground in Uganda that the Uganda Cycling Association has organized a cycling event (Kampala Adventure Cycling 2015 Event – 16/August/2015) along with other associations like The Uganda Tourism Board and Kampala Capital City Authority. Cycling trails and trips are now available covering distances of between 13.3 to 40 kilometers. Anyone visiting Kampala on business and fancying a day out on a bike, this should be one of your options for a workout. Trailing through her rural areas, where there’s little vehicle traffic and safer than cycling along main roads or in the city itself while at the end of it having a serene lake-side setting for a sun downer, a meal, or even a refreshing dip into the swimming pool.

Enjoying a Weekend Break in Kampala City

Are you marooned from home, have your money but do not even know what to use it for or where to go over the weekend?Have no one to talk to about this whole thing; the only answer is to go around Kampala probably during the weekend with your family or couple. Renting a car is a solid way to see the best of Kampala. The benefit of a car rental in Kampala is that you have more self-determination and choice at your clearance. Cruising around Kampala in a rental car, will give you the perfect chance to immerse it all in during theWeekend since over the weekend there is less traffic Jam in Kampala compared to the working days.

There are quite many ways of washing away that stress you are having and by this you can drive and visit a number of places within and around Kampala. Some of the places you can visit include: – Golf Course at Kololo and engage in Playing Golf,Visit the Buganda historical Sites Kasubi Tombs, The King’s manmade lake in Ndeeba (KayanjaKaKabaka), Visiting the art and Craft Markets one at Kampala Road and another one at National theater, Shopping at either Nakumatt, Garden City or Shoprite, Some may wish to visit the local markets around at Kampala like the Nakasero,Wandegeya and Kasubi Markets. Others may wish to visit the top religious sites in Kampala that is Bahai Temple, Christ the King Church, Lubaga Church, Namirembe Cathedral or Namugongo martyrs shrine. Cultural dances and drama may also make your weekend perfect and we can find these at Ndere Troupe Center in Ntinda.

For those who love Night life may indulge in going in night clubs like Club Ambiance, Club Silk, Amnesia , Nyondo Pub, Guvnor among others and see how Ugandans party.

Apart from these one can decide to escape Kampala and go to quite places around Kampala with the family. These amazing places that could make your weekend awesome include:-
Jinja (A lot activities can be done in Jinja including White water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Visiting the source of Nile, Fishing, Birding in Mabira Forest)

Entebbe(For those who love fun goes to Entebbe, You can go to the beaches around Entebbe like Lido Beach, Spinner Beach, Resort Beach, Water front Beach, Aero Beach Entebbe, Ssese Gateway Beach among others. Also a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center or Ngamba Island and see the orphaned chimps may reward your weekend.)

All of the above could only be possible with your rented car from the ultimate car rental company based in Kampala that can offer you with great discounts and the most reliable vehicle (s). For the couple you can opt for a small vehicle (SUV) that carry 2-4 passengers and for the family of about 5 people a Toyota Super custom that carries up to six passengers is quite perfect.

There are two options either to rent a car for self-drive or you can rent a car with a professional driver for instance if you are not familiar with driving on African roads you cannot drive in Kampala. Adrive within or around Kampala would really transform you indeed over the weekend.

Things to Do a Self Drive Uganda Safari

Most times many tourists avoid driving themselves in a country they never seem to know well especially when the countries in question are in Africa. Yes, it is a bit tricky to start driving yourself in a foreign country like Uganda where road rules are easily broken, road signs are a few and traffic lights are rarely seen. It takes a very well experienced driver to maneuver this pearl of Africa. Even you the not so much experienced driver, can do with a self drive in Uganda if you are a so carefull driver.

There is so much to do in Uganda with your self drive adventure in this pearl of Africa. Uganda is a country gifted with nature, a lot of wildlife, mountain gorillas, scenery, mountain hiking activities, water bodies, beaches and lots to offer for an awesome trip. With over ten national game reserves with a variety of activities to do in each park, the self drive adventure is worth it.

Considering that it is difficult getting around Uganda, a deal with a trusted car rental agency like Auto Rental Uganda would do you wonders with the best prices that won’t dig lots into your budget and still have an awesome holiday.

Considering that Uganda’s highlights are many, a little far apart and many activities to keep you busy, wondering through these parks and highlights on your self drive uganda adventure is worth it.

Setting off from Entebbe the airport town to Kampala is about 36kms which would take you about an hour or more is not an easy one say in taxis, it’s a real pain sitting in these matatus. In kampala in as well a traffic area that requires patience. There are so may things to do while in kampala and among these include, visiting the museum, the only Ba’hai temple, the traditional Kasubi tombs, the Uganda martyrs’ shrine, the Makerere art gallery, craft village and local markets. All these destinations are averagely 15kms apart and this will require a car with you to visit all these places. Yes, to have a view of what Uganda is like or a clear picture of Uganda, you need to visit these places. Yes the bikes we locally call the bodabodas are a fast way but are a vey risky way to get around town and Uganda. So trust us that your car rental on self drive will do you magic.

Getting out of kampala town in either direction is an easy one and less congested. Heading south to the first game reserve say lake Mburo requires transport and that car will be a great deal. About 250kms from kampala,, this small game reserve is endowed with spectacular wildlife. Game drives, boat cruises, horse ridding, biking and spectacular nature walks. There are no or a few transport means to and from the park so consider that self drive in your car rental worth it if you are a person who needs that privacy to your self.

Connecting to Bwindi for the ultimate gorilla experience is about 300km from lake Mburo national park and a lot is seen on the way to the park. The local life and the rolling hills of kabale. You can decide to go for coffee tours, dugout canoe on lake Mutanda or on lake Bunyonyi the second deepest lake in Africa after lake Tanganyika, the Batwa culture experience. However all these places are approachable with cars as some tend to be far distances apart. Hotels in the park are bult mostly on the outskirts of the park and therefore require transport in the morning to get to the starting points of the gorilla tracking.

About 70kms to connect to the queens park of queen Elizabeth where you can do game drives and the Kazinga channel boat cruise at the Mweya peninsula. With your 4*4 vehicle from auto rental Uganda, consider a big deal with your self drive in this park. Whee you need to connect to the Kibale forest national park for a chimpanzee tracking or habituation experience. About 130kms from queen Elizabeth, this place actually need a car to get you each there. On the day for the chimpanzees, you actually need drive to the kanyancu/park headquarters for a briefing and that ‘s early as 8am and 6am for the habituation experience.

With you car rental, it is easier to connect to the biggest game reserve in the pearl of Africa, the Murchsion falls national park. Where the mighty rive nile crosses and with a strongest water fall with unbelievable power. The game drive and top of the fall visit is imposible without the car, otherwise you will need to dig deep in your pockets paying for the UWA game drive vehicle to do all these activities.

Making a round trip in Uganda through the north without a car would be a tiresome and difficult one. The noth is a remote area where transpot into the northern game parks and reseves tends to be difficult as well. A visit to the cultural karamojong villages is worth visiting but a great deal with your car rental. The eastern to the pianupe, matheniko game reserves, mtelgon, and sipi is unappochable without a private self drive or car ental vehicle. You actually feel the conviniece of your carr rental.

A lot can be done in Uganda with your car rental even on your self drive adventure. Every place you wish to reach out can easily be done with your car rental. Yes you will approach every corner and spot in Uganda even without a car but tust me it might turnout a nightmare for you..

What to Expect From a Uganda Safari

Picture yourself with your camera in hand gazing at the beautiful wildlife and breathtaking sites as you carefully listen to the intriguing sounds of Uganda’s wilds. As you look around you – you can’t quite believe you are here.

Uganda Safaris are incredibly popular because Uganda is one of the top African safari destinations. With an amazing array of safaris to choose from, that is the most desirable safari that is gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale national park, Chimps in  Kyambura gorge and Kalinzu found in  Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national parks respectively. More safaris to choose from include Uganda wildlife safaris, Uganda bird watching safaris including a visit to see the rare shoebill in Mabamba Bay swamp and Murchison falls, Mountain Hiking / Mountaineering safaris on Mountain Rwenzori and mountain Elgon, Cultural safaris that has many options either to visit historical sites of Buganda and Uganda like the Tanda Caves,  The source of the Mighty Nile, Kasubi Tombs, Palaces, Namugongo Shrine , Ssemuliki hot springs or Visiting the  people that has unique cultures like the Batwa people, the Karamojong people.

Uganda is located in Eastern part of Africa bordering Kenya, Rwanda, Congo Sudan and Tanzania. Uganda is well known for mountain gorillas which brings a number of tourists to the country to see these rare creatures. Tourism is important to this country, and with the amazing gorillas and wildlife, tourists are drawn to this area of Africa. You can look forward to viewing all types of wildlife including: Tree climbing lions, Leopards, Elands, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, Hippos, Buffaloes, Water bucks, Buffaloes, Zebras, Giraffes, Impalas, Warthogs among others.

If you book a  Uganda safari , you will likely visit one or more of these areas:
Queen Elizabeth National Park – This Park is a unique wildlife area that is home to a number of different species. Which includes warthogs, buffalo, rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, beautifully horned Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck, elephant and leopard?
The Kazinga Channel alone is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos, but interestingly enough not many crocodiles!

Murchison Falls National Park: This is also a truly wildlife paradise and it has a number of Wildlife attractions that includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees and many bird species including the rare shoebill
To book your own Uganda wildlife safari, you need to work with a company with the experience, expertise and connections to create your ideal safari vacation. Gorilla trail Safaris Company is the leading safari planning company and they would be pleased to help you with your plans.
We offer you a dedication to quality unmatched by anyone else in the industry. When you book your gorilla safari in Uganda   with Gorilla trail safaris, you get to draw on their resources of highly respected professional guides, stay at the leading safari camps and lodges and indulge in unique adventure and safari activities. Gorilla Trail Safaris company continually monitors and evaluates all ground operators and accommodation providers to ensure they are providing you with the quality product and service you are looking for.

Uganda to Hold Janan Luwum Commemoration

Kampala city is taking off a year for St Janan Luwum Annual commemoration in Uganda on the 16^th February at the Wii Gweng, Mucwini which is the resting place and the birth place of Jonan Luwum. This commemoration will help in increasing the number of safaris to Uganda. St Janan Luwum was also born in 1924 in Mucwini, Chua, and Kitgum and was a school teacher before he joined Church ministry. Rev Janan went on serve in different capacities as the principal of Buwalasi Theological College after his ordination.

In 1974, he was installed as Archbishop of the accelesiastical province, covering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga- zaire in Congo. On 16 February, 1997, the bishop was murdered at Nakasero, and by then President of Uganda, General Idi Amin Dada for the publically criticizing Amin’s actions. This is also followed a period of great tension, agitation and the ugly showdown from the public and the world at large with Amin and his dictatorial regime. This was also the searing martyrdom of St Janan which marked the pivotal turning point for the fall of Amin region and the subsequent liberation of Uganda.

This is the liberation which laid a strong foundation for excellent security in Uganda. For those interested in religious and cultural tours in Uganda, you can join the other pilgrimages and travel to Northern Uganda to celebrate the life of this protestant martyr. Just around the world, there is great devotion to St. Janan Luwum; churches, chapels and schools which have named after him. In 1978, Canterbury cathedral dedicated 20^th century Martyrs chapel to St Janan’s martyrdom. However in the Church of England’s calendar celebrating saints and martyrs, 17^th February is the festival of Jonan Luwum.

There is also a deep moral obligation which helps in ensuring that the testimony, martyrdom and also the example of St Janan Luwum is known, emulated and celebrated in his homeland Uganda, Africa and the whole World. UTB is also going to promote the annual event to the Christians niche world over to always plan on travelling to Uganda and also join in the commemoration events on 16 February. This will also help in attracting safaris to the country.

This national and the international celebration for this saint was launched at Namirembe Cathedral on 12^th January by the Archbishop of Uganda his Grace Stanley Ntagali. Also the worship and the thanksgiving in Mucwini will be ecumenically led by the Archbishop Stanley Ntagali and Archbishop John Baptist Odama. There will also be special guests and the memorial preachers for the occasion like Ugandan- born Dr. John Sentamu, Desmond Tutu. Many of the national and international dignitaries will be in attendance, led by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who will also be the guest of honor. Uganda Wildlife Authority in collaboration with UTB will offer half prices for entrance to Murchison falls National Park for all travelling to the north for this event.

Fun Things to Do in Kampala

Are you planning to take a safari in Uganda? Many travelers wonder about the fun things to do in Kampala during their holiday in Uganda. Kampala is considered to be “Mecca” of activities. It’s a city with obvious tourist attractions and finding things to keep you occupied can be easy. Rejoice! Here’s a little list of some things that new arrivals, tourists, or even folks who’ve lived here for years might want to check out.

Attend One of Kampala’s Annual Events

There’s a lot that happens each year in Kampala. Check out this list of annual events in Kampala to see if your time here matches up with one of the city’s yearly activities. Everything from marathons to music festivals to food fairs to rally car racing.

Attend New Year’s Day in Kampala in January—Expect fireworks and parties at its clubs and bars alongside large crowds and plenty of fun lasting well into the early hours of New Year’s Day

Catch up with Motocross Championship in March staged every year at the Uganda Motorsports Arena in Kampala and attracting some of Africa’s best bike riders

Don’t miss Amakula Kampala International Film Festival in May that showcases films in all their various guises, from contemporary to classic.

Be present at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in September for Royal Ascot Goat Races with crowds of folk coming to place a bet on the goat they think is most likely to cross the finishing line first

Be in Kampala in early October for Kampala Contemporary Art Festival with exhibitions held at Nommo Gallery and the Afro-art Gallery, Spare time to attend Kampala Food Festival–a one day event that showcases the country’s finest flavors, as well as the creative culinary work of the country’s top chefs and lastly enjoy the Big Birding Day–a 24-hour event during which crowds of ornithologists converge in Uganda to collect sightings of resident bird species

MTN Kampala Marathon is my favorite event in Kampala. The MTN Kampala marathon is the biggest sporting event in Uganda organized by MTN. Every year, people from all walks of life take part in this annual event. The city filled with character and the streets are always bustling with people – unlike the rest of the city’s sleepy streets. Some take part for fun, others for charity and others compete to win. MTN Marathon attracts all kinds of people with little regard to status, race, size, height and origin–It’s awesome.

Visit an Art Gallery

The art scene in Kampala is small but growing. Each month, we see new art shows and developments. Nommo art gallery and African Village on Buganda road are two of the more established galleries but afro art gallery at national theatre is a recent addition that has done a lot of great work. Spend an hour or two looking through their galleries, watching the artists and work, or just hanging out in their cool, friendly, spaces.

Go to the Library

Kampala has a first-class national public library located on Buganda road. Not only is it in a snazzy building with a beautiful but it’s also a great idea and the first library in the country. The last time I was there, the organization of the books needed a bit of work but there’s something charming about finding cookbooks mixed in with bibles and biographies. You can try to read from Makerere University’s main library. There is a fee you are supposed to pay but the reward is just impressive. It is very well organized with all the reading content you would want. Makerere is the oldest university in East Africa established in 1922-Have a life time chance to visit Uganda’s most ranking education facility to feel the magic of surrounding trees and buildings.

Watch Live Music

Live music is not a big problem in Kampala–experience live music and live bands play at night in night clubs and hang out places. The common places to get the live band entertainment include National Theatre, club Obligato, Sabrina’s Pub, Centenary Park, Jazville Bugolobi, Kampala Sheraton Hotel and many other places. Go for live music every Thursday at Mishmash located along Acacia Avenue, Kololo and join Ndere troupe at Ndere centre for traditional dance and Music.

Go to a Movie

Cineplex located at Garden city is Kampala’s best movie theatre. The cinema is equipped with 3D and even have something called the ’4D Experience’ which I have yet to try out. They get the latest movies and it’s a fun night out. Try out many more movie theatres including cinemax located in Nalya, century cinema located on acacia mall in Kamwokya and cinema magic. Enjoy the feel of Hollywood while on your vacation in Uganda.

Go to the Casino

Kampala can be an entertaining place to live. We have an almost endless list of bars and nightclubs, parties, restaurants, poetry nights, live music, dancehalls, and a variety of art openings. But even with all of this, there’s always room for a little more vice. Enter the casino: the all-in-one adult thunder dome that will supply us all with enough sin to last a lifetime. No high rollers or showgirls here – just Indian men gambling quietly as the waitresses bring around trays of complimentary cold samosas. But as someone who doesn’t really like gambling all that much and often feels intimidated by card tables, I like it here! It’s relaxed, welcoming, and, as its open until 2am, it makes a fun stop after dinner. Simba often seems like the most obvious option however other casinos can work for you including myfair, pyramid and Kampala casino where Players and spectators may enjoy gambling at Roulette tables, Black Jack or Mini Baccarat tables.