Kampala City is a vibrant place full of excitement and exploration.
Kampala City spans an impressive 189 km², with Kololo Hill reaching a height of 1,311 meters, while the shores of Lake Victoria sit at a lower elevation of 1,135 meters above sea level. The city is a vibrant landscape of rolling hills, verdant greenery, marshy swamps, and deep valleys, inviting exploration at every turn.
Visitors should be aware that Kampala city has two rainy periods, occurring from August to December and from February to June. The city is alive with lush greenery and vibrant life, as it thrives in a tropical rainforest climate without a distinct dry season. However, the months of January and July often bring the heat.
Kampala City is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This vibrant city is brimming with a multitude of attractions and activities that any traveler exploring Uganda would eagerly dive into. Kampala city is recognized as one of East Africa’s most joyful cities.
If you’re a traveler who enjoys excitement and connecting with others during your holiday, Kampala is the perfect destination for you. The city is always alive, brimming with countless bars, eateries, and clubs where visitors can kick back, relax, and rejuvenate after a thrilling day of exploration. Kampala City boasts a variety of vibrant hangout spots, such as Club Silk, Casablanca, Bush Pig Backpackers, Café Javas, Capital Kitchen on Kampala Road, Cayenne Restaurant and Lounge, Faze 2 Restaurants in Nakasero, Go Fish Restaurant in Naguru, Club Ambience, Guvnor’s Club, and Club Obligato, to name just a few.
The vibrant and lively ‘city that never sleeps’ is a treasure in its own right, and it’s no surprise that many tour operators are making a tour of Kampala city a top highlight in their Uganda safari packages. If you are curious about the reasons to explore Kampala, your curiosity ends here. Take a seat, buckle up, and prepare for an exhilarating journey through this incredible and stunning ‘City of Seven Hills.’
Kampala City is known as the ‘City of Seven Hills’ due to its foundation on seven prominent hills. However, the city has expanded beyond these original hills, which include Mengo, Namirembe, Rubaga, Kololo/Nakasero Hill, Kibuli, Old Kampala, and Nsambya hills.
However, modern Kampala City extends far beyond the original seven hills. The city now boasts additional hills such as Mulago, Kikaya, and Makerere hills.
Kampala City gets its name from the Luganda phrase ‘Akasozi ke’Empala,’ which translates to ‘Hill of the Impala’ in English. The city was once known as Old Kampala Hill, a legendary hunting ground for the King (Kabaka) of Buganda. The hill was teeming with a variety of antelope species, particularly the Impala, which inspired its name, ‘Hill of the Impala.’
Kampala is often recognized as one of Africa’s most accessible and enjoyable cities to reside in, based on numerous surveys conducted by travel expatriates. Kampala city is a vibrant melting pot where individuals from more than 56 diverse ethnic backgrounds come together in harmony.
As a visitor, you can explore Kampala without any concerns about the language barrier. Most of the residents in Kampala city are educated and proficient in English, so feel free to seek help if you find yourself lost or in need of assistance.
Where to Stay during your time in Kampala City.
Visitors looking to explore Kampala city can discover a range of lodging options throughout the vibrant city. These hotels provide guests with an exciting array of services and lodging choices, spanning from budget-friendly to mid-range and luxurious accommodations. These encompass a variety of exciting options such as Kampala Serena Hotel, Marriot Skys Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Imperial Royal Hotel, Kabira Country Club, Forest Cottages, Mackinnon Suites, Le Grande Hotel, Kampala City Blue Hotel, Emini Pasha Hotel, Hotel Eliana, Ministers Village Guesthouse, and many others.
Exploring the Wonders of Kampala City.
Tourists looking to explore Kampala City should think about including these exciting destinations in their travel itinerary;
Kasubi Tombs: This site is a burial ground for several kings and also houses the regalia of the Buganda Kingdom, inviting exploration and discovery. In 2001, the tombs earned the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for their extraordinary and distinctive structures found throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Ndere Centre: This vibrant cultural hub offers visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of unique and diverse cultures that thrive in Uganda. Visitors to the cultural center in Kisasi embark on an exciting journey through cooking classes that explore traditional Ugandan delicacies, as well as engaging in traditional dance classes and enjoying performances from the vibrant dance troupes at the Centre.
Bulange and Lubiri: These remarkable sites are situated in Mengo, merely a mile apart from one another. Lubiri serves as the royal abode of the king of Buganda, and Bulange stands as the parliament for the Kingdom of Buganda. This is the place where important choices are crafted for the well-being of Buganda Kingdom and its people. The king of Buganda typically makes his way to Bulange two times each year, to inaugurate parliamentary sessions and to conclude them as well.
The Uganda National Museum, situated on Kira Road in Kamwokya, is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the vibrant city of Kampala. The museum is brimming with political, cultural, and religious artifacts that narrate the rich history of Uganda.
The Gadhafi Mosque stands as the largest and most historic mosque dedicated to the Islamic faith in Uganda. A visitor can ascend the steps to the pinnacle of the mosque, where they can enjoy a breathtaking view of Kampala city. Women traveling to the mosque should bring a modest long dress or skirt or ‘Lesu’ (a long cloth to wrap around your waist), as you will be exploring a sacred place.
Kibuli Mosque stands as one of Uganda’s largest and most historic mosques. Perched on Kibuli Hill, this site attracts numerous visitors seeking both spiritual enlightenment and educational experiences in Kampala.
Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers: These chambers stand as a haunting reminder within Uganda, drawing those intrigued by the shadows of history. The torture chambers began as an armory for the British colonial government and were later transformed into a prison by Milton Obote after he ascended to power in 1966. Later, he was overthrown by Idi Amin Dada in 1971, who subsequently turned the prison into a nightmarish torture chamber.
Bahai Temple: This remarkable structure stands as the sole Bahai temple in Africa, embodying the spirit of the Bahai faith in Uganda. Visitors exploring the temple can experience the remarkable architectural design and the stunning, tranquil gardens that provide an ideal setting for weddings and birdwatching adventures.
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine is situated in Namugongo, roughly 15 km from the heart of Kampala city. The Martyrs’ shrine serves as a vibrant hub of spirituality and culture, recounting the remarkable tale of 32 Uganda martyrs who sacrificed everything for their beliefs.
Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals: These two cathedrals are vibrant and captivating religious destinations. Rubaga Cathedral sits atop Rubaga Hill, while Namirembe Cathedral is perched on Namirembe Hill.
Monuments: Kampala city boasts more than six remarkable monuments, with the most renowned including the independence monument, the Sir Edward Muteesa 1 monument, and the war memorial monument situated on Kampala Road, which honors Ugandan soldiers who lost their lives in World War II, among others.
Local Markets: Exploring Kampala City is an exhilarating experience that must include a stop at the vibrant local markets scattered throughout the city. Among these are the Nakasero market and Owino market. Explorers can find an array of food items, spices, clothing, and unique souvenirs at affordable prices.
Craft Markets: Kampala City buzzes with activity, offering visitors a chance to discover unique souvenirs for themselves and their loved ones. Explore the vibrant craft markets throughout the city, such as the Craft Village on Buganda Road, Uganda Crafts, and the National Theater Craft shops.
Shopping malls: Kampala City boasts a variety of shopping malls where you can discover an array of designer clothes, shoes, and even makeup. Among the well-known shopping destinations that attract visitors are Acacia Shopping Mall in Kamwokya, Garden City, Lugogo Shopping Mall, Shoprite, and Forest Mall along Jinja Road, to name just a few.
Exploring Kampala City and its surroundings.
Travelers making their way to Kampala City can catch flights to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. The airport serves as the primary gateway for all visitors journeying to Kampala and the wider region of Uganda. Entebbe Airport is situated approximately 45 km south of Kampala City, making for an exciting hour-long drive along the Kampala-Entebbe express highway.
