Kampala City
Kampala City: The city of Kampala is a gem in waiting. Any visitor to Uganda would love to partake in the many tourist attractions and activities this large city has to offer. The 2019 World Happiness Report lists Kampala as one of the happiest cities in East Africa.
The vibrant “city that never sleeps” is a treasure in and of itself, which is why the majority of tour companies make a tour of Kampala a top priority when planning safari packages to Uganda. If you’ve ever wondered why you should travel to Kampala, you need look no further. Settle in, fasten your seatbelt, and allow us to provide you with a virtual tour of this breathtaking “City of Seven Hills.”
Kampala City’s History
Because Kampala City was constructed on seven prominent hills—Mengo, Namirembe, Rubaga, Kololo/Nakasero Hill, Kibuli, Old Kampala, and Nsambya hills—it is known as the “City of Seven Hills.” However, the city now encompasses more land than the seven hills that it once occupied. There is a distinct history associated with each of these hills:
During British colonial control, the Mengo Hill served as the capital of the Kingdom of Buganda. It served as the administrative hub for all decisions pertaining to the Kingdom of Buganda’s well-being.
When the first missionaries arrived in Uganda, the White Fathers Catholic sect chose Rubaga Hill as a base. The Rubaga Catholic Cathedral, a must-see for tourists on a religious tour of Kampala, is located atop this hill.
After the British left Fort Lugard in Old Kampala, they established a military base on the Kololo Hill, which was formerly known as the Nakasero Hill or “Fort Nakasero.”
The present Kibuli Mosque is located on Kibuli Hill. Completed in 1951, it is among the largest and oldest mosques in Uganda.
Fort Lugard, a British military installation originally founded by Captain Fredrick Lugard in 1890, is renowned for being based on Old Kampala Hill.
The Namirembe Anglican Cathedral is currently located on Namirembe Hill. The Buganda religious warfare of 1888–1892 took place on this mountaintop.
Kampala town was constructed on seven hills, including the Nsambya Hill. When the Buganda Agreement was signed in 1900, the hill was entrusted to the British Catholic Mill Hill Mission. The Cathedral of St. Peter Nsambya is located there.
Today’s Kampala City, however, encompasses more ground than the seven hills of the past. Other hills, like as Mulago, Kikaya, and Makerere hills, are now part of the city.
The Luganda phrase “Akasozi ke Empala,” which translates to “Hill of the Impalas” in English, is the source of Kampala City’s name. The city was once known as the Old Kampala Hill, a well-known hunting area for Buganda’s King (Kabaka). The hill was known as the “Hill of the Impala” because of the high population of antelope species, particularly the Impala.
The topography of Kampala City: Kampala City has a total surface area of 189 km², with the Kololo hill, which is 1,311 meters above sea level, at its highest point and the shores of Lake Victoria, which are 1,135 meters above sea level, at its lowest. The city is a hilly region with valleys, wetlands, and verdant hills.
The two wet seasons in Kampala are August through December and February through June. Visitors should be aware of this when planning their trip. Due to its tropical rainforest climate, the city does not have a distinct dry season. On the other hand, January and July are often hot months.
Things to do and observe When Traveling to Kampala
Travelers who intend to see Kampala City might think about including the following locations on their itinerary:
Kasubi Tombs: Some of the Buganda kings are buried in these tombs. The Baganda have a traditional concept that a king rests (as in a profound slumber) rather than dies. The Buganda Kingdom’s regalia is also kept at the Kasubi Tombs. Because the tombs have the most amazing and distinctive structures in all of sub-Saharan Africa, they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. However, a fire that broke out in March 2010 largely destroyed the majority of the buildings. Although the origin of the fire is still being investigated, the Japanese government is funding reconstruction efforts that began in 2014 to return the site to its previous splendor.
The Ndere Center is a cultural center where guests can learn about the diverse and distinctive cultures that exist in Uganda. Visitors to the cultural center in Kisasi see performances by the center’s dance troupes, take part in traditional dance lessons, and learn how to cook traditional Ugandan dishes.
The locations of Bulange and Lubiri are both in Mengo and are only a mile apart. Bulange serves as the Kingdom of Buganda’s parliament, while Lubiri is the king’s formal house. Administrative choices pertaining to the well-being of the Buganda Kingdom and its citizens are made here. Twice a year, the Buganda king typically travels to Bulange to inaugurate and adjourn parliamentary sessions.
The Uganda National Museum is a well-liked tourist spot for all tourists touring Kampala City. It is situated on Kira Road in Kamwokya. Numerous political, cultural, and even religious objects that document Uganda‘s history are kept in the museum.
The largest and oldest mosque in Uganda that practices Islam is the Gadhafi Mosque. A visitor can have a good view of Kampala city by ascending the steps to the mosque’s highest point. Since the mosque is a place of worship, female travelers should bring a decent long dress or skirt or “Lesu,” which is a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist.
One of the largest and most ancient mosques in Uganda is Kibuli Mosque. Located on Kibuli Hill, it is a popular destination for tourists on religious and educational tours in Kampala.
Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers: One of Uganda’s grim tourism destinations is the torture chambers. Originally built as the British colonial government’s arsenal, the torture chambers were eventually turned into a prison by Milton Obote after he came to power in 1966. Idi Amin Dada eventually deposed him in 1971 and turned the prison into a horrifying torture chamber.
Bahai Temple: This Ugandan Bahai temple is the only one of its kind on the African Continent. Touring the temple gives visitors the chance to take in its distinctive architectural design as well as its lovely, tranquil gardens, which are ideal for weddings and birdwatching.
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine is situated in Namugongo, approximately 15 kilometers from the heart of Kampala. A religious and cultural center, the martyrs’ shrine recounts the tale of the thirty-two Ugandan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs.
The cathedrals of Namirembe and Rubaga are well-liked religious tourist destinations. While Namirembe Cathedral is situated on Namirembe Hill, Rubaga Cathedral is situated on Rubaga Hill.
There are more than six monuments in Kampala, but the most well-known ones are the Independence Monument, the Sir Edward Muteesa 1 Monument, and the War Memorial Monument, which honors Ugandan troops who lost their lives in World War II and is situated on Kampala Road.
Local Markets: A visit to some of Kampala’s local markets is a must for any tour of the city. These include the Owino market and the Nakasero market. Foodstuffs, spices, clothing, and other mementos are all reasonably priced for visitors.
Craft Markets: Kampala is a bustling business center, and tourists who want to purchase wonderful mementos for themselves and their loved ones can do so at the city’s many craft markets, which include Uganda crafts, National Theater Craft shops, and the Craft Village on Buganda Road.
Shopping Malls: You may find a lot of designer clothing, shoes, and even makeup at Kampala City’s many shopping malls. Acacia Shopping Mall in Kamwokya, Garden City, Lugogo Shopping Mall, Shoprite, and Forest Mall on Jinja Road are a few of the well-known shopping centers that are visited by visitors.
The Hindu Temple across from the Shoprite clock tower, Lake Victoria, Kabaka’s Lake (a man-made lake), the Fort Lugard Museum, and other tourist destinations in Kampala will add excitement to your Uganda Safaris Tour.
Accommodations in Kampala City
There are a number of lodging options available to visitors who intend to stay in Kampala City. Visitors can choose from a variety of services and accommodations at these hotels, including budget, mid-range, and luxury alternatives. These include the following: the Ministers Village Guesthouse, the Kampala Serena Hotel, the Marriot Skyz Hotel, the Sheraton Hotel, the Imperial Royal Hotel, the Kabira Country Club, the Forest Cottages, the Mackinnon Suites, the Le Grande hotel, the Kampala City Blue hotel, the Emini Pasha hotel, the Eliana hotel, and many more.
Places to hang in Kampala
Kampala is the ideal destination for you if you’re the kind of vacationer who enjoys having a good time and interacting with others. Following a full day of exciting activities, tourists can rest and unwind at the city’s many bars, restaurants, and clubs. Club Silk, Casablanca, Bush Pig Backpackers, Café Javas, Capital Kitchen on Kampala Road, Cayenne restaurant and lounge, Faze 2 restaurant in Nakasero, Go Fish restaurant in Naguru, Club Ambience, Guvnor’s Club, and Club Obligato are a few of the well-known hangout spots in Kampala City.
The citizens of Kampala.
According to the majority of studies conducted by foreign visitors, Kampala is ranked as one of the most convenient and comfortable cities in Africa. Over 56 distinct ethnic groups coexist peacefully in Kampala, a city known for its multiculturalism. The city’s residents are friendly, cooperative, and peaceful toward one another and outsiders despite the many different cultures that call it home. In Kampala City and throughout Uganda, it is customary to extend a warm greeting to guests and visitors. As a result, expect to be greeted by Kampala city residents with warmth, an embrace, and a grin.
Kampala City’s spoken languages.
The language barrier won’t be a concern for you as a visitor to Kampala. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it or are lost; most residents of Kampala city are educated and speak English well. You will discover that there are many different languages spoken in the city because Uganda is home to more than 56 distinct ethnic communities. Nonetheless, English, Luganda, and Kiswahili are the official languages used in this large metropolis.
Accessing and Navigating Kampala.
Entebbe International Airport in Uganda offers flights to tourists traveling to Kampala City. All visitors arriving in Kampala or Uganda in general enter through the airport. around 45 kilometers south of Kampala City, Entebbe Airport is reachable by car in around one hour via the Kampala-Entebbe expressway. When you arrive at Entebbe airport, your guide (if you have one) will pick you up. Alternatively, you can pay $25 to $30 for an airport cab to take you to your Kampala accommodation.
Numerous modes of transportation are available for you to utilize while in Kampala, including:
Use public transportation, such as taxis, which are easily recognized by their white exterior, blue markings, and the “taxi” symbol on the roof of the vehicle. These typically have set prices, but if you are getting off from a neighboring stage, you can haggle with the “conductor.”
Motorbikes, commonly referred to as “Boda Boda.” The quickest and easiest way to navigate Kampala is on a motorcycle, which is also a very practical choice if you wish to avoid the city’s gridlock. In the event that you are traveling alone and are unfamiliar with the city, it is recommended that visitors take “Uber bodas,” which are convenient and safe. Among them are Uber Boda, Bolt, and Safe Boda. Visitors can download the applications from the Apple Store or Google Play Store for each of these Boda Boda businesses.
Any traveler to Uganda need not think twice about adding a tour to Kampala to their agenda. For the best deals on Kampala City Tours, please contact us.