14 Tourist Activities to Do in Kampala

Looking to exploring Kampala, the capital of Uganda? There are lots of interesting things to do in the city of hills. From leisurely activities to interesting cultural tours, there are amazing activities that you can engage in while in Kampala. Here are 14 things to do in the city;

Go Shopping

Kampala is an exciting city for shoppers as everything you may need is readily available. Most shopping in Kampala is concentrated in shopping malls and up market large chain supermarkets and shopping centres. Beautiful views, good restaurants, malls like Village mall, Oasis mall, Acacia, Garden City for shopping are found in Kampala. Then go street shopping in Kikubo, Gazaland, Galilaaya for new stuff, Super markets like Aponye, Freedom city, Nakumatt, Tuskys, Shoprite. Places like Lugogo, Nakumatt, Garden city, make someone feel and atmosphere of typical western shopping malls, with a mix of supermarkets, luxury goods and fast food outlets. If you want luxury goods, especially European and American brands, then the following malls are probably your best bet if you like to do all you’re shopping in one place.

Craft Markets

While Uganda may not be known within Africa for its crafts, there are good markets where you buy souvenirs after taking a Uganda Safari. There are local souvenirs as well as those imported from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are various craft markers within Kampala to find craft markets that offer good options for souvenirs. The largest craft market is on Buganda Road, Central Kampala and is open 7 days a week. Be careful to shop around and haggle before buying anything. Cheaper and often better, however, is the Jukali handicraft village commonly known as the ‘Friday craft market’ up in Nsambya, off Gabba rd. It operates to some extent every day but as you can guess from the name only really comes into full force on Fridays. It has a good selection of artwork, jewelry, wooden and stone sculptures as well as a small amount of fabrics.

Visit the Bahai Temple

There are thousands of people in Uganda that practice the Bahai faith and there are only seven Bahai temples in the world. One of these temples is located on the outskirts of Kampala, on top of one of Kampala hills. You can walk through the beautiful gardens or get a short tour and information about the Bahai faith and other related information. It’s a very peaceful and serene environment with great views. Just pay a visit as long as you are in Kampala.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe

The Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe is another place of worship with a great view of the city of Kampala. Being the oldest cathedral in the city, Namirembe Cathedral is the regional cathedral of the Church of Uganda. The current building, which was constructed using bricks, is the fifth to be built, as previous structures were ruined. It is almost 100 years old and is held to be one of the most noteworthy places of worship in Africa.

Kasubi Tombs

There is much history to be explored in Kampala. Kampala is a part of the Buganda Kingdom which is currently ruled by Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II. With the four Kabakas buried at the same site, the Kasubi Tombs became to be known as an important Shrine in Buganda’s history. Each prince and princess who is a descendant to any of these four Kings is buried at Kasubi behind the main shrine. More so, the site has also become culturally important as the cemetery of the royalty of the Buganda Kingdom.

Rubaga Cathedral (Saint Mary’s Cathedral)

There are many cathedrals and other places of worship in Kampala, and at least one is always included in visitors’ itinerary of things to do in Kampala. Rubaga Cathedral is located on one of Kampala’s original hills, Lubaga. It’s the base of the Catholic Church in Uganda. The Cathedral was built in the early 20th century, on land donated by the King of Buganda to missionaries and a Bishop. The views from the cathedral are amazing; the cathedral’s exterior and the building itself are very grand and well built. There’s also a statue of St. Mary in the front and a memorial to the first African Catholic bishop in Uganda.

Uganda National Mosque (the Gaddafi Mosque)

This mosque provides one of the best views of Kampala and is located on top of Kampala Hill. The building is huge and beautifully constructed with a winding staircase that brings you to the top of the prayer tower. It’s the biggest mosque in Kampala, accommodating up to 35,000 people in its main seating area, gallery and terrace. Visitors are allowed to tour and photograph the building. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi contracted to have it built and then gifted it to Uganda for use by the Muslims. The mosque was originally named after Gaddafi but was changed to Uganda National Mosque after his death.

Makerere University

The first university in Kampala and also in Britain’s East African colonies, Makerere is still the most highly regarded. The university boasts interesting architecture and wide-ranging gardens. Alumni include prime ministers and well known intellectuals. Nobel Prize-winning author V.S. Naipaul spent time here as a writer-in-residence, and American travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux once taught from the University.

Mengo Palace

Built in 1922, the palace is the former home of the king of Buganda although it has remained empty since 1966 when Prime Minister Milton Obote ordered an attack to remove Kabaka Mutesa II, the then president. The Kabaka’s Palace sits on Mengo Hill. It’s also called the haunted mansion, because so many were killed on the grounds in Idi Amin’s torture chambers. The palace is mostly uninhabited and being repaired, so it’s inaccessible to tourists, but guided tours of the prison chambers are available.

Owino Market

Owino Market is a chaotic, yet organized marketplace where you can find unique souvenirs, beautiful African print fabrics and any other thing you can think about. There are all types of second hand clothing and shoes in very good condition and tailors abound for any alterations you may need. You can also sample the local cuisine as you wait your clothes from tailors.

The market sells nearly anything you can think of, but the best buys for foreigners are on the African print fabrics sold here by length, and the wide range of second-hand clothes and shoes, including many designer labels. There is also quite an interesting Voodoo market, selling all sorts of wonderful things if you can manage to negotiate the maze and find it! As always make sure to haggle and keep your personal belongings close and don’t wear any obvious jewelry or big handbags.

Visit the Kabaka’s Lake

The Kabaka’s lake is located in Ndeeba along Rubaga road a few kilometers from kampala the city centre. It is neighbored by Rubaga Miracle Center and St Lawrence University. It is one of Uganda’s and Africa’s longest-surviving man-made lakes. The lake occupies an area of 2 km² and estimated 200feet deep.

Apart from the unique history and tradition that is attached to this lake, it also attracts people as they go to relax there. It is also a home to different bird species. The lake can easily be accessed from the city center. Taxis are available in both old and new taxi park that can drop you to either Ndeba or along Rubaga Road.

Traveling by Car in Uganda- Pros & Cons

Whereas most travelers prefer traveling by car, this means of transportation equally has advantages and disadvantages. At the end of day, you have to sit down and weigh the options and get best choice that meets your interest. Travelers who may not wish to travel using public transportation means and prefer traveling privately need to be keen. We have tried to list a number of pros and cons of traveling by car which we feel can be of great help to you while on safari in Uganda.

The pros of traveling by car in Uganda

There is flexibility

There is nothing more enjoyable than traveling by car that allows you to do things at your own pace. This is one of the most incredible pros that you shouldn’t ignore. When it comes to making a stopover, you can do it at your own time and above all there is total freedom to be enjoyed while on Uganda’s remotest routes to the magnificent national parks. And given the fact there is no luggage restriction; a visitor simply takes almost the whole house to the destination of their choice though not true but at least you are able to pack what is enough that you feel can help you while on safari. Besides, you love pets; this is the best way to transverse in Uganda. Pets at times allowed on planes or even trains though at times they tend to stress, you can have fun with them while on trip in Uganda.

Reliability

Each and every traveler needs a car that is reliable. Public transportation means have for long been famous for delaying and even cancel the trips and this is kinder disruptive for any one who has limited time to spend in Uganda. You do not need to get stranded on the way, rent a car in Uganda with our reliable car rental company and you will be assured of achieving your dreams in Uganda.

Amazing views

A trip without spectacular views is equivalent to staying at home. While in the destination like Uganda, the main aim of travel is for you to catch a glimpse of what brought you and which is why traveling by car is the best way to go. A land cruiser or a safari van with a pop up is amazingly one of the best options for you. While you are in the plane, you won’t catch all that you expected but with the car there is more room to catch a glimpse of several attractions.

Saves money

When it comes to travel, there is no one who wants to go back with no money in the pocket. Using a car for your road trip in Uganda is the best way for you to remain with something in the pockets for buying at least something along the way. Imagine you are with the rest of your friends and you have reached a specific place and they are all buying stuff and you keep watching. And in case you hire a car with luxurious room, there is no need to book a room for the night, you can simply use it and make things easier for you.

The cons of traveling by car in Uganda

Long distances

Most safaris in Uganda like any other destination take longer time to reach where you intend to view attractions. You real spend hours while on the road and still the place doesn’t want to be reached. An example is traveling from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park for its exceptional wildlife or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for mountain gorilla trekking. You will spend nearly the whole day while on the road. But things can be simpler when you rented a four by four safari car that can help you to transverse through all the road conditions in Uganda.

Bad weather conditions

Like any destination, some weather conditions are unavoidable. This can be disadvantageous to you especially where the state of roads is not up to date. When it rains the whole situation becomes disgusting for life. With our four by four safari cars, you can easily transverse through these muddy and slippery roads to the national parks. There is need for you consider weather conditions prior traveling to any destination in Uganda to avoid any disappointments while on the way.

Hidden charges

Another disadvantage is when you are told about other extra charges after you have reached the destination to pick the car to take your safari or you incur additional costs because of mechanical conditions. Before hiring a car, take your time and check everything to avoid getting disappointed while on long trip. You should also consider investing in a few essentials while planning to go on road trip for long haul. As well, do not leave out the small gadgets such as phone or cup holder, GPS and sun visor. This will reduce lots of other costs that you may incur while on car hire agency in Uganda.

In conclusion, traveling in Uganda by car has both advantages and disadvantages. Before setting off for your trip in Uganda, you need to first weigh both of them so as to come up with the best option and also not to be disappointed while on your road trip.

Hiring a Car for Your Travel in Kampala

Kampala is one of the busiest cities in Africa and it is the capital of the pearl of Africa, Day by day people accumulate in Kampala from all around the world. However Kampala deserves it, because it has various pulling factors that attract revelers to experience them including outstanding city landmarks such as the cultural museums, monuments, shopping malls, food and culture, sand beaches, events and every many others and also its proximity to different tour destinations in Uganda such as Mabira Forest, Entebbe Airport, Jinja and many others.

Many people have different reasons why they don’t want to use public transport while in Kampala and the only options they have is to hire a vehicle. Some people rent vehicles because they want to tour the city, since it is hard to reach to different sights of Kampala in time while on foot, others they want to be dropped to the airport so that they reach in time to catch their flights, others have their private cars with mechanical problem and the only solution they have is to rent a car, others may want to move to the village with their families and relatives, plus many other reasons why people would prefer to hire vehicles in Kampala. Therefore if you’re out there and you are looking to renting a car in Uganda and you haven’t experienced our car hire services, this is the best time try to use our vehicle hire services and experience affordability and convenience. We assure you that you won’t face any mechanical problem since all our cars are in perfect conditions and some of the vehicles in our fleet include: Jeeps, Land cruisers, SUVs, sport cars and numerous saloon vehicles.

We understand it is not easy to just hire a vehicle from any company in Uganda because of the situation of scammers but don’t worry we are the most trusted, honest and reliable car Rental Company in Uganda and East African region as a whole and for years we have been offering a variety of vehicles and a range of senior drivers as well as self-drive options.

Our prices are affordable and we can bring your booked car at the closely location in Kampala and our fleet of cars is well maintained and they range from small, medium to large cars and can be used in different purposes to the travelers such as a family vacation needs a large vehicle like van or super custom, while the couples only need small cars like TX land cruiser. Therefore just come to us we will provide solution for your budget and occasion.

Our experienced and friendly staff are ready to provide every information you need to know about our vehicles and the company as well as Kampala and Uganda. We have been in business of car rental service for over 6 years and our costs are friendly and we can provide you with any type of vehicle you need, even the pop up roof vehicles are among our fleet. Enjoy your trip in Kampala and other parts of Uganda if you rent our vehicle.

We even give discounts if you’re renting our vehicle for many days like 3 weeks and above, therefore hire our vehicles because we give back to our clients. Enjoy a long term rental experience in Kampala at reduced price.

We have 2 and 4 wheel drive vehicles, and all our vehicles have flexible seats, music system and FM Radio and many classic amenities to keep you entertained throughout your journey.

In conclusion, if you want the services of the best car hire agency in Uganda, then try us, you will never be disappointed.

Benefit For Solo Travelers To Uganda

Travelling solo worldwide is not something many people opt for on travels or holidays. Solo travel is not even considered as an option because people think of it as being boring, lonely and unsafe. But people forget that it can be one of the most rewarding forms of travel. People have traveled with friends and family for years and have not yet realized the benefits of traveling alone.

Worldwide solo travelers are on the increase and this also applies to Uganda. Though this means more money that will be spent, it also means that you have all the freedom in the world to satisfy your interests at your on will and might.

This is one of the advantages of solo travel in Uganda. This country being a tourist destination, it makes perfect sense to a solo travel; you will make very good friends and meeting up other new people. You can also team up with other travel buddies and this in itself will lead to expanding of your travel plans. For example you can hear about the world’s strongest water fall, the source of the world’s longest river, or viewing the climbing lions of Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park. If this wasn’t originally on your plan, you can easily adjust according to your budget and available time.

When travelling solo, you are always open to change and you will welcome it with your arms wide open. This is different from a group travel because it’s more difficult in adjust to new changes and agenda. Here you follow your desire and thus flexibility is often assured.

Travelling alone in Uganda also challenges your insecurities and fears. Uganda is the best opportunity for you and this is because its people are very welcoming. In the past years it was dubbed one of the most welcoming countries in the world and this should boost your confidence and downplay your fears while travelling in this beautiful country.

Once you’re done with this adventure you will be proud of your self. Uganda as a destination that will always let you know that fear shouldn’t control your life because it is home away from home. But you must know that fear is normal and perfectly human.

Your solo drive in Uganda will give the opportunity for you to make new friends. Though many people don’t enjoy putting themselves out there to strangers because of cultural differences and rigidities. But what’s different about Uganda is that people are more than willing to associate and help whenever you are in need  and also be friends therefore it is up to you to choose what type of friends that you always want.

The pearl of Africa is also the perfect place for you to connect with yourself. Uganda as a country is blessed with so many cultures and this can be the perfect way for you to learn new cultures and different ways of living by yourself. One of the important benefits for solo traveling is self – reflection, on how better you want to live your life, what you hate about yourself, what you want in life and what you don’t want, among others.

Uganda is generally not that expensive although travelling alone may seem quite costly, than when in a group. Uganda is the perfect destination for you because you certainly have no one to impress other than yourself. The country is a haven for wildlife, both flora and fauna, and a notable home for mountain gorillas (shelters half of the total world’s population), the Big 5 mammals, over 1500 bird species (more than any other country in East Africa).

Lunch Anyone? Cafe Platinum

It’s lunchtime. You’re downtown, hungry and only have an hour. Where should you go? IN KAMPALA has a mystery diner roving the streets reviewing lunch joints to help you decide…

Café Platinum is for those with energy and determination. First, it’s housed in an unassuming location, behind Christ the King Catholic church on Colville Street, and could easily be missed. Second, it’s situated on the third floor which, in the case of this building, means climbing seven sets of stairs. However, those who do reach the rooftop restaurant will be rewarded with some great panoramic views of the city while they lunch.

Given its location behind the church, lunch time customers could be forgiven for thinking that they were in the back rows of the 1:00pm Mass which is fully audible in the restaurant. Tables are arranged under a canopy and alternative seating is available inside, although these are squeezed and something like dining in a corridor.

Café Platinum’s menu is surprisingly extensive. Open for breakfast there are options ranging from katogo at 4,000 UGX to continental/English breakfast at 12,000 UGX. A rare menu item is decaffeinated coffee at 6,000 UGX hardly ever is on offer. For lunch/dinner, the ‘African corner’ on the menu offers interesting twists on traditional nyama choma, in additional to vegetarian options, and international dishes. Pineapple features heavily on the menu surprisingly finding its way into many selections.

Although set up with tables and burners for buffet there was no lunch buffet on offer. The large bbq grill in the centre of the rooftop is only lit in the evening, rendering much of the menu off-limits for lunch. All of this and the presence of a well-stocked bar and flat screen point to Café Platinum as being more of an after work and evening venue. Given the good nyama choma menu we might be better off recommending you come to the rooftop after work to watch football with a cold beer and beef muchomo. The restaurant is open until 10:30 pm.

An apparent victim of UMEME’s daytime load shedding, the food took over an hour to arrive, which makes it a less suitable spot to grab a quick bite if you have to be back at the office in a timely way. When it did arrive, the food was thoughtfully presented – but the sautéed beef seemed to be boiled rather than sautéed. The goat muchomo was well flavoured but tough. The chapatti, however, accompanying the muchomo, may be a contender for the best in Kampala.

While not the best option for those in a lunch rush Café Platinum but could be your next choice for a BBQ spot after work with colleagues while keeping an eye on the poor people in the traffic jams below.

Fun Things For Kids at Wonder World

For a decade, Kampala citizens have had a weekend experience that can include the whole family. This came about with the introduction of Wonder World Amusement Park in Kansanga. Before, the few options included taking the family out to a soccer game with programmes like the Totos or Kampala Kids League.

Wonder World started out as Didi’s World. It is an amusement park in every sense of the word. Unlike other efforts before, such as the Egyptian travelling circus or a small business holding with dangerously squeaking swings and slides, Wonder World has brought the amusement park to Kampala.

For the last 10 years, families have made it a date to go to Wonder World during the weekend or school holiday. On any given Saturday the place is a whirlwind of activity with squealing children riding the slides and calling out their excitement.

The park is huge. It has a movie theatre and a theatre auditorium, which are a draw any time during the week since many clients come calling for conference space or for other such meetings. They have boasted of having East Africa’s largest auditorium, although this is debatable.

Visitors to the park are struck by the sense of bigness and full on fun at the gates. Ornately decorated and perhaps sometimes bordering on the extreme, it is one intriguing design after another right from the entrance to the end. No matter if it is rides or sitting and meeting spaces, details go into everything.

The foyer, the main meeting space, used to be rented out by universities to sit large numbers of students during examinations, giving you a sense of how expansive it is.

At the park, families are familiar with the Polipo octopus ride, a Chinese made contraption that has served for years as Wonder World’s biggest draw. Children around town, when they try to get their parents to take them there many times say they want to go on the Polipo. Others include the Pirate Ship and the different types of swings.

There are over 30 games and slides at Wonder World with children often spoilt for choice on what to choose. Between the bouncy castles, clowns, go-karts, water slides, bumper cars and many other attractions, for children full of energy, it is a delight. For parents, it can result in a child that is so exhausted, they actually go to bed without a fuss.

Getting in is easy because all you have to do is pay the entrance fee of 10,000 UGX, get checked at the security point then everything you decide to do thereafter is up to you. This is the price for each individual. School groups have a package where the first 10 pupils and their teacher enter for free.

Other attractions at the park include comedy nights every Friday evening (8pm) for which one pays 5,000 UGX and dramas in the theatre at 5,000 UGX over the weekend. These are also at 8pm.

The park has a number of restaurants where snacks and food are served. Drinks can also be accessed as there is a bar, for those looking for liquor or just pop for the children. Prices range from 5,000 UGX for a plate of food or fries and goat meat. The prices can go as high as 15,000 UGX for the different spirits on sale.

Face painters and those selling different items have prices in the range of 5,000 UGX to 10,000 UGX.

To get to Wonder World from Kampala City, get on the Kansanga, Bunga, Ggaba matatu in the Old Park. This will cost you about 1500 UGX. Just as you enter Kansanga, past the International University of East Africa campus, you will be at Wonder World. It is on a road called Soweto Road.

Phone: +256-041-4274706, +256 41 4270311, +256 4270196/230
Cell: +256 0712-202443,+256 753 202 443 .+256 750 401 518

Why Rent A Car For Corporate Meetings In Uganda?

Are you planning any corporate business meeting in Uganda? Hiring a car for corporate business meetings in Uganda is best way for your to enjoy the excellent and yet also enough privacy on your holiday. If you are traveling for any corporate business meeting, a private car is ideal for you to connect to your destination of preference. In order for you to keep your schedule, it is advisable that you do not depend on public means of transport. Trusting public mini bus taxis or special hire saloon vehicles in Uganda is not only insecure but also unreliable thus you might arrive at the meeting area late. In case you are organizing to attend a meeting, conference, hire a car for you self drive in Uganda before you land into the country is the best choice that you should make. When select a car hire company, you will be able to enjoy several service benefits and get where you are traveling to in time and safely.

In terms of reliability, hiring a car comes with drivers who are committed to offer excellent customer experience. While renting a car, you are assured of convenient travel in destination. This denotes that you will simply relax and enjoy the luxury in the course of day. The other advantage is that you don’t encounter long queues when you hire a car. You will simply be picked from wherever you will be staying and dropped at a point of interest and at the end of the day you have much time saved. Hiring car in Uganda provides first class services as it helps to ease business transfers, meetings, conference transfers and other organization needs.

In case you are attending an important conference meeting in Uganda you will need to show some level of class in the perfect way possible. Driving to the venue in a stylish luxury vehicle will most definitely give you an added advantage. This won’t only impress your clients but also you will portray an image of a person who is ready to do business with them. Many car hire companies in Uganda provide all kinds of saloon cars suitable for corporate meetings depending on you budget and interest. Ranging from four door SUVs especially the Toyota Rav4 to medium sized cars such as the Land Cruiser Prado, you will have any vehicle of your choice at pocket friendly costs.

When you inquire about renting a car, you are given an option of getting the car with a driver. This option is more costly than self drive but a lot safer and convenient. Hiring a car with a driver helps you avoid issues of theft and getting lost in town. The drivers employed by many of these hire companies are well trained, experienced with adequate knowledge about most destinations in and around the city including main commercial buildings and attractions thus you are assured of accessing where ever you need to reach in time and in the most convenient way. If a breakdown occurs, simply sit back and relax and let your personal driver handle everything and this ensure you that you will arrive at the meeting in a more comfortable way.

In conclusion, in case you planning to attend a meeting in Kampala or any other destination in Uganda simply contact us and we be there to book for you a preferred car of your choice to help you traverse in Uganda smoothly. Our car hire services are reliable, trusted and above all, we offer comfortable and excellent services for our visitors which reward them with memorable experiences. If you wish to par take self drive alone or with a driver, you are free to make your best choice!