Kampala City

Kampala City covers a total surface area of 189 km² with its highest point as Kololo Hill elevated at 1,311 meters and its lowest point at the shores of Lake Victoria standing at an altitude of 1,135 meters above sea level. The city is a hilly area comprising lush, green hills, swamps, and valleys.

Visitors should note that Kampala city experiences two wet seasons from August-December and from February-June. The city has no defined dry season given that it experiences a tropical rainforest climate. However, the months of January and July are usually hot.

Kampala City is a jewelry in the rough. This metropolitan city is filled with lots of tourist attractions and activities that any tourist visiting Uganda would love to engage in. Kampala city is named one of East Africa’s happiest cities.

travelers who love to have fun and socialize while on holiday, Kampala is the right place for you. The city never sleeps and has numerous bars, eateries and clubs where visitors can chill, relax and unwind after a long day of adventurous activities. Some of the popular hangout joints in Kampala City include; 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 among others.

The hustling and bustling ‘city that never sleeps,’ is a gem of its own, and no wonder most tour operators are including a tour of Kampala city as a priority in their Uganda safari packages. In case you are wondering why you should visit Kampala, well wonder no more. Take a seat, buckle up, and let us give you a virtual insight into this amazing and beautiful ‘City of Seven Hills.’

Kampala City is referred to as the ‘City of Seven Hills’ because it was built on seven major hills, although the city currently covers more than the previous 7 hills which are; Mengo, Namirembe, Rubaga, Kololo/Nakasero Hill, Kibuli, Old Kampala and Nsambya hills.

However, present-day Kampala City covers more than the original seven hills. The city now includes other hills like Mulago, Kikaya and Makerere hills.

Kampala City derives its name from a Luganda Phrase ‘Akasozi ke’Empala’ which when translated into English means ‘Hill of the Impala.’ The city was originally referred to as the Old Kampala Hill, which was a famous hunting ground for the King (Kabaka) of Buganda. The hill had a large concentration of antelope species, especially the Impala, hence its name ‘Hill of the Impala.’

Kampala is named as one of Africa’s easiest and most comfortable cities to live in, according to most surveys carried out by travel expatriates. Kampala city is a multi-cultural hub where you will find people from over 56 different ethnicities resonating as one.

As a visitor, you won’t need to worry about the language barrier while visiting Kampala. The majority of the people living in Kampala city are learned and have a good command of the English language; so do not hesitate to ask for help in case you are lost or need any other kind of assistance.

Where to Stay while in Kampala City.

Visitors planning to stay in Kampala city can find lodging in the various accommodation facilities in the city. These hotels offer visitors a wide range of services and lodging options ranging from Budget to mid-range and Luxury accommodation. These include; 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 so many more.

What to see and do When Visiting Kampala City.

Tourists planning to take a tour of Kampala City should consider putting the following places on your travel itinerary;

Kasubi Tombs: The tombs serve as a burial ground for some of the kings, Kasubi Tombs also holds the regalia of the Buganda Kingdom. In 2001, the tombs were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having the most remarkable and unique buildings in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.
Ndere Centre: This is a cultural Centre where visitors can get an insight into the unique and various cultures that exist in Uganda. Those visiting the cultural center located in Kisasi, are taken through cooking classes for traditional Ugandan delicacies, traditional dance classes and performances from the dance troupes at the Centre.
Bulange and Lubiri: These sites are both located in Mengo and are just a mile away from each other. Lubiri is the official residence of the king of Buganda, while Bulange is the parliament of the Kingdom of Buganda. It is here where administrative decisions are made regarding the welfare of Buganda Kingdom and its People. The king of Buganda usually visits Bulange twice a year, to open parliamentary sessions and to close the sessions as well.
The Uganda National Museum: The national museum located on Kira Road in Kamwokya, is a popular tourist destination for all visitors taking a tour of Kampala City. The museum houses a lot of political, cultural and religious artifacts that tell the history of Uganda.
Gadhafi Mosque: The Gadhafi Mosque is the biggest and oldest mosque serving the Islam faith in Uganda. A visitor can climb up the steps to the highest point of the mosque, and have a good view of Kampala city. Female tourists visiting the mosque should carry along with them a descent long dress or skirt or ‘Lesu’ (long cloth that you wrap around your waist), as you will be visiting a religious site.
Kibuli Mosque: It is also one of Uganda’s biggest and oldest mosques. It is located on Kibuli Hill and is frequently visited site by visitors on a religious and education tour in Kampala.
Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers: The torture chambers are one of Uganda’s dark tourism destination sites. The torture chambers were first established as an armory of the British colonial government and later used as a prison by Milton Obote, following his rise to power in 1966. Later he was overthrown by Idi Amin Dada in 1971, who later transformed the prison into a horrific torture Chamber.
Bahai Temple: The temple is the only Bahai temple on the African Continent and serves the Bahai faith in Uganda. Visitors touring the temple have the opportunity to see the unique architectural work of the temple and its beautiful and serene gardens that make good grounds to hold weddings and also engage in birding activities.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo: The Uganda Martyrs Shrine is located in Namugongo, about 15 km from Kampala city center. The Martyrs’ shrine is a religious and cultural base that tells of the history of how 32 Uganda martyrs gave their lives for their faith.
Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals: These two cathedrals a popular religious destination site. Rubaga cathedral is located on Rubaga hill while Namirembe Cathedral is located on Namirembe hill.
Monuments: There is a over six monuments in Kampala city, with the most popular ones being; the independence monument, Sir Edward Muteesa 1 monument, war memorial monument located on Kampala Road and which commemorates Ugandan soldiers killed in World War II among others.
Local Markets: A tour of Kampala City is not complete without a visit to some of the local markets in the city. Some of these include; the Nakasero market and Owino market. Visitors can purchase food stuffs, spices, clothes and other souvenirs at cheap prices.
Craft Markets: Kampala City is a busy business hub and visitors looking to get yourselves and loved one’s great souvenirs, can do so from the various craft markets in the city like; the Craft Village on Buganda Road, Uganda crafts and National Theater Craft shops.
Shopping malls: There are quite a number of shopping malls in Kampala City where you can grab lots of designer clothes, shoes and even makeup. Some of the popular shopping malls frequented by tourists include; Acacia Shopping Mall in Kamwokya, Garden City, Lugogo Shopping mall, Shoprite and Forest Mall on Jinja Road to mention but a few.

Getting to and Around Kampala City.

Visitors heading to Kampala City can get flights to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. The airport is the main entry point for all guests traveling to Kampala and Uganda in general. Entebbe Airport is located about 45 km south of Kampala City, which is about an hour’s drive via the Kampala- Entebbe express highway.

Any tourist visiting Uganda should not hesitate to include a Kampala city tour in your travel itinerary. Do get in touch with us for the best offers on Kampala City Tours.