If you’re visiting Uganda, we extremely suggest spending a while in its capital metropolis Kampala. We’ve already lined in depth all our favorite issues to do in Kampala, however we respect that if you happen to don’t have time to do the whole lot, it’s possible you’ll be questioning how finest to spend a day in Kampala.
Properly, with that query in thoughts, now we have put collectively this someday Kampala itinerary. It covers the principle highlights that we suggest seeing, which might be good for a primary time customer. It covers the key sights that almost all guests are prone to wish to see, and is doable in a busy day of sightseeing with some cautious planning.
After all, as with every of our itineraries, we suggest adjusting this to fit your personal private tempo and pursuits. When you prefer to go a bit slower and spend longer at sights, then in fact you possibly can change it up.
This itinerary although ought to provide you with an excellent place to begin for easy methods to spend a day in Uganda’s capital metropolis. Let’s get began.
A 1 Day Kampala Itinerary
Now we have visited Kampala quite a few instances and have visited nearly all of the sights throughout town. After we go to Uganda we usually attempt to have at the least a day to discover Kampala, however now we have additionally spent longer within the metropolis on the finish of a visit earlier than heading on to our subsequent vacation spot.
Based mostly on our experiences, we put collectively this itinerary which encompasses a few of our favorite actions in Kampala that we predict cowl the principle highlights that guests will take pleasure in seeing.
After this detailed 1-day itinerary, we’ll additionally share another instructed itineraries primarily based round completely different themes, to offer you much more concepts on your day in Kampala. So these are every targeted particularly on these with a selected space of curiosity reminiscent of historical past, tradition, meals, artwork, wildlife, and so forth.
However first, let’s have a look at our really helpful option to spend a day in Kampala.
Cease 1: Take 3-hour strolling tour of central Kampala @ 9am
Our suggestion on your first exercise of the day can be to take a strolling tour with a educated native information. This can assist provide you with a good suggestion of the historical past of Kampala, study cultural practices, and be capable of ask questions to assist information the remainder of your time within the metropolis.
Central Kampala is usually a bit overwhelming, particularly to the first-time customer, so having a information with you who handles the logistics of the place you’re going and holding you protected could be a good suggestion.
There are a selection of various strolling excursions out there of Kampala which typically final 3 to 4 hours. Sights visited will range, however the majority of excursions will embody the principle highlights of central Kampala. So that may embody visiting a market or two, seeing central historic websites and buildings, sampling native meals, and visiting monuments in Kampala together with the Independence Monument.
We took this wonderful strolling tour of the highlights of central Kampala with information Arthur who is part of the ImmersionUG tour firm. It’s the high firm we are able to personally suggest for strolling excursions as now we have taken a number of strolling and meals excursions from them throughout our visits to Uganda. You may see all their excursions right here.
Many excursions of Kampala additionally provide the choice to go to the Uganda Nationwide Mosque as a part of your tour. Relying on the tour, this may usually lengthen the tour time by round an hour. It’s additionally in a distinct a part of town to that which most foot excursions deal with, so usually requires both a boda-boda or taxi journey to a different space of town.
When you do that then you definately is perhaps a bit pressed to do the whole lot else on this itinerary and now have lunch, however clearly it’s as much as you what your priorities are.
When you resolve to go to the mosque and nonetheless wish to go to the remainder of the suggest locations within the afternoon, I’d suggest asking your information about grabbing a fast sandwich or snack for lunch on the finish of the strolling tour or think about selecting up a few issues on the market in the course of the tour. You can even come ready with some snacks and fruit in your day bag to eat throughout your day.
An alternative choice can be to e-book a strolling tour which has an earlier begin time, reminiscent of this non-public tour which helps you to begin at 8am.
Another well-liked strolling excursions to think about in Kampala embody:
Cease 2: Lunch @ 12pm
At noon, after your strolling tour is completed, we suggest stopping for lunch. You’ve simply spent round 3-4 hours strolling round, so a pause for lunch earlier than persevering with your sightseeing might be a good suggestion.
If you’re taking a full day tour, your tour will possible embody a cease for lunch and the value is commonly included as a part of the tour.
If you’re not taking a full-day tour, we suggest asking your strolling tour information for a superb lunch suggestion. One of many advantages of taking a guided tour is which you can ask your information for suggestions for different sights in addition to the place to eat lunch. That’s why once we take a strolling tour in a metropolis we’re visiting for a couple of days, we all the time attempt to do it close to the beginning of our keep so we are able to benefit from the guides suggestions for our remaining days.
There are many fast avenue meals stalls and carts that cater to locals if you happen to simply need a rolex (omelette wrapped in flatbread), plate of kikomando (chapati and fried beans), meat skewer, or a sizzling sandwich/wrap (typically a chapati wrap with filling). These are fast, low cost, and filling.
There are additionally buffet model lunch spots the place you possibly can sit down and take a look at a number of dishes without delay. These are usually an excellent worth. If you’re on the lookout for some well-liked native meals to strive aside from a rolex, we might recommend kikomando (fried beans and chapati), matoke or matooke (boiled and mashed inexperienced bananas), luwombo (a stew cooked in banana leaves that may embody meat, fish, and/or peanuts), native fish (e.g., Nile perch, tilapia), posho or ugali (cornmeal porridge that could be a staple throughout East Africa), and grilled meats.
Your information will help recommend a spot for you primarily based on what you might be on the lookout for, and also you simply wish to make sure that the place seems sanitary and the meals is served sizzling. Keep away from recent veggies and salad, chilly dishes, unbottled water, undercooked gadgets, and so forth.
When you want a nicer sit down place and have a bit extra time, we suggest heading to a neighborhood resort restaurant. Most lodges have eating places that serve each resort friends and guests.
After all you can even save time by simply bringing alongside some meals with you (e.g., fruit, nuts, granola bars, jerky, and so forth.) and having it as you go in the course of the day if you happen to want. Even if you’re not prepared for lunch, breaking at the least for a espresso, tea, or soda although could be good after a protracted strolling tour.
Kabaka’s Palace @ 1pm
The main target of the rest of the day is on quite a few cultural sights that can assist you perceive the historical past of Uganda, from pre-colonial instances by way of to the extra trendy age.
The primary cease we suggest on your afternoon is the Kabaka’s Palace. The Kabaka is the King of the Kingdom of Buganda, which is among the 5 kingdoms which makes up modern-day Uganda. Buganda is the most important Kingdom, and its capital was additionally Kampala. The Buganda monarchy dates again over 800 years and remains to be alive and effectively at the moment.
Historically, the Kabaka has had his palace on high of one of many many hills of Kampala. Right now’s palace, often known as Lubiri or Mengo palace, isn’t any completely different. It’s discovered on high of Mengo Hill, the place the palace has been located for the reason that mid nineteenth century. Nonetheless, the constructing was extensively broken in the course of the 1966 civil conflict, following which it was utilized by Idi Amin throughout his oppressive regime. The palace is not occupied by the Kabaka, who solely visits for ceremonial causes.
With no Royal individual to maintain protected from prying eyes, the palace grounds at the moment are open to guests. The palace itself is closed, however you get good views of its exterior. The palace grounds can solely be visited by tour, which is straightforward to rearrange, simply go to the principle gate, pay an entry payment, and a information will present you round.
Your tour will usually embody a superb oral historical past of the palace and its grounds, in addition to the principle occasions that formed what you see at the moment. Additionally, you will tour the notorious torture chambers of Idi Amin, who had as much as 200,000 individuals imprisoned and murdered right here throughout his regime. This darkish interval of historical past and the unfavorable affiliation is the principle cause that the palace and its grounds are not occupied by the Kabaka.
We actually loved our tour of Kabaka’s Palace and grounds. The tour information was wonderful, and we learnt quite a bit about Uganda’s historical past, together with current and extra distant historical past. We additionally loved studying about conventional bark fabric making and among the native video games that locals prefer to play.
A tour will typically final round an hour and we predict is a wonderful option to study extra in regards to the historical past of Uganda. You additionally get a superb view of Kampala from Mengo Hill.
Kasubi Tombs @ 2:45pm
Simply 10 minutes drive (relying on site visitors!) from Kabaka’s Palace are the Kasubi Tombs. These are additionally associated to the Royal household, being the ultimate resting place of quite a few the Buganda Kings.
Historically, the Kabaka, or King of Buganda, would select a novel location for his or her burial. So the Kasubi tombs are uncommon as a result of they’re house to 4 Kabaka’s, in addition to quite a few their descendants. The tombs date from 1882, with the primary burial in 1884, and the newest in 1971.
There are a selection of buildings on the location, with the large important round constructing being the principle attraction. This 102ft large, 25ft excessive constructing is the place the tombs of the 4 kings are literally discovered. The large constructing is primarily constructed from pure supplies within the conventional model. It’s distinctive measurement and conventional development strategies led to it being listed as a UNESCO world heritage web site in 2001.
In addition to the principle central constructing, there are a selection of different buildings on the location which could be seen while you go to. These embody the Royal drum home, in addition to the houses for the Kabaka’s widows and members of the family. Historically these members of the family would dwell on web site to have a tendency the graves.
Tragedy befell the location in 2010 when an enormous hearth induced a substantial amount of destruction, however following intensive reconstruction efforts utilizing conventional supplies, the location is as soon as once more open for guests. There’s a payment to go to, which incorporates a superb tour of the grounds. Anticipate to spend round an hour to 90 minutes right here.
We loved our go to to the Kasubi tombs, though they had been nonetheless present process renovations once we final visited. These have now been accomplished. Our tour included all the principle sights, and our information was additionally excellent, actually bringing to life the whole lot that we noticed.
Uganda Nationwide Museum @ 4pm
After visiting the Kasubi Tombs, if you happen to nonetheless want to proceed sightseeing and studying about Uganda, then we extremely suggest taking the ten-minute drive to the Uganda Nationwide Museum.
This dates from 1908, making it the oldest museum in East Africa, and it’s the place to return to study all about Uganda’s cultural heritage and historical past.
There are a selection of displays on show, which cowl the whole lot from conventional musical devices to artwork, drugs, clothes, fossils and far far more. You may principally study all in regards to the historical past of the area from pre-history to the current day.
Considered one of our favourite elements of the museum is the surface space, the place you’ll discover quite a few completely different conventional buildings. These signify among the completely different tribes and time intervals of Uganda throughout the years, and every constructing additionally comprises quite a few traditionally correct displays.
This isn’t an enormous museum, so even if you happen to don’t have loads of time left in your schedule we predict you’ll nonetheless take pleasure in a go to. There’s a payment to go to and it’s positively someplace you possibly can go to on a self-guided foundation as there’s loads of data out there in English.
Break @ 5:30pm
At this level within the day, you’ve finished quite a bit and we’re going to suggest taking a break, possible heading again to your resort if you’re staying in Kampala, earlier than your night exercise. Maybe a drink, a nap, or a fast dip within the pool earlier than preparing for dinner.
If you’re not staying within the metropolis, I’d head to a restaurant or bar for a espresso, soda, juice, or beer and a pleasant break.
Ndere Cultural Heart @ 7pm
We’d suggest, if doable, planning your go to to Kampala so the night co-incides with one of many cultural performances on the Ndere Cultural Heart. These performances run a couple of instances per week and had been certainly one of our highlights of our final go to to Kampala.
The efficiency takes place outdoors below an enormous mango tree, and showcases the very best of Uganda tradition throughout the varied tribes who make up the land. A superb compere introduces every efficiency to offer you context and understanding of what you might be seeing, and actually helps carry the expertise to the subsequent stage.
It’s additionally doable to have dinner as a part of the present for an additional payment, with quite a few conventional dishes included. We will suggest doing this because it gives you a superb alternative to strive some native meals and never have to fret about discovering dinner.
We arrived slightly early for our present so we might discover the grounds slightly bit and have a look at the artwork on show. We then sat down to look at the present because the daylight light into evening, and actually loved the power and enthusiasm of the performers.
This was a very enjoyable expertise and certainly one of our favorite issues to do in Kampala. We will extremely suggest it!
Different 1 Day Kampala Itinerary Choices
When you’d like some extra inspiration for spending a day in Kampala, now we have some ideas for you. We’ve put collectively some extra choices themed round some particular classes like historical past, meals, tradition and so forth.
Be at liberty to combine and match throughout the sights to give you your individual good 1-day itinerary. We’d recommend that planning to go to 3 or 4 sights in a day would make sense for many guests, though do word that actions situated outdoors town just like the Mabamba Swamp tour or Entebbe Zoo are going to take up extra time. You can even learn our information to issues to do in Kampala for extra concepts and knowledge on all of the websites we suggest.
When it comes to planning a day like this, you possibly can both do the whole lot your self, or you possibly can attain out to a tour operator who can put collectively a non-public customized tour primarily based in your pursuits, reminiscent of this one. They need to deal with all of your transportation and likewise be certain that your sightseeing objectives are achievable within the time you will have.
Historical past Itinerary
Kampala has lots to supply those that are curious about studying in regards to the historical past of town and Uganda typically. We’d recommend an itinerary that appears one thing like the next:
- Morning: Metropolis tour reminiscent of this one
- Afternoon: Uganda Museum, Kabaka’s Palace, and Kasubi Tombs
It’s additionally doable to e-book a tour which incorporates these sights in addition to quite a few others, reminiscent of this full day tour.
Meals Centered Itinerary
When you’d prefer to study extra in regards to the meals of Kampala, then you possibly can put collectively a day which focuses on exploring native markets, studying about native meals and dishes, and consuming among the many conventional dishes of town. A day may look as follows:
Arts and Tradition Itinerary
There’s no scarcity of artwork and cultural sights to take pleasure in in Kampala. Right here’s an concept for a day targeted on exploring the inventive and cultural sights within the metropolis.
Non secular / Non secular Itinerary
Uganda has a wealthy religious life, with quite a few religions being practiced within the nation. These embody Christianity and Islam, in addition to Judaism, Hinduism, Baha’i, and conventional beliefs and practices.
Through the years, and notably with the arrival of colonists, non secular practices shifted dramatically in Uganda. As is commonly the way in which, this was not a frictionless course of, with quite a few lives misplaced within the course of. Because of this, there are an excellent many sights of non secular significance in addition to locations of worship throughout Kampala and the encompassing area. It is perhaps difficult to suit the whole lot into someday given how a lot there’s to see, however an concept can be:
- Morning: Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Basilica, Baha’i Home of Worship
- Afternoon: Uganda Nationwide Mosque, Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga
The vast majority of these sights are visited as a part of this non secular tour of Kampala. This can be a related tour.
If you’re visiting Uganda as a Catholic pilgrim, the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine and Basilica might be a must-see. It’s situated a 30 minute drive outdoors of town in Namugongo, however you possibly can can take a taxi or be part of a tour to succeed in it.
Additionally value mentioning is the very fascinating Shree Sanatan Dharma Mandal Hindi temple. It’s situated in central Kampala and is typically visited in metropolis strolling excursions.
And for these of you who’re notably within the story of how Christianity got here to Uganda, a go to to the Kasingi touchdown web site close to Entebbe might also be of curiosity. Simply word that it’s fairly an effort to get right here and is finest when you’ve got a driver and it’s possible you’ll have to undergo a safety verify as it’s situated close to the airport.
Markets/ Procuring targeted itinerary:
Kampala has plenty of good markets to discover, from markets which deal with arts and crafts by way of to extra conventional meals markets serving the wants of the native inhabitants. You might simply spend a day visiting the markets in Kampala, which could look as follows:
- Morning: Owino Market, Nakasero Market
- Afternoon: Bagala Craft Market / Publicity Africa / Nommo Gallery
This full day strolling tour of Kampala contains nearly all of these markets, in addition to quite a few different sights within the metropolis. There’s additionally a half-day tour which additionally covers the principle markets within the metropolis.
If you’re additionally heading to Entebbe, we might additionally suggest the Entebbe Juakali Centre (Entebbe Craft Market) and the little craft retailer inside the Victoria Mall throughout the road for native crafts and souvenirs. There’s additionally the Kitooro Market in Entebbe, a lined market that focuses extra on produce, meat, and on a regular basis gadgets.
Wildlife primarily based itinerary
Many individuals visiting Uganda are right here for the unbelievable wildlife alternatives, with chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking being excessive on the listing of issues to do.
While these actions primarily happen as a part of an extended multi-day safari, there are a selection of different wildlife experiences which you can have in and round Kampala. A few of these experiences are a bit longer, so will take up a lot of the day.
Right here’s a instructed day, adopted by some extra concepts for wildlife targeted actions round Kampala. Be aware that whereas you are able to do city birding in Kampala, most different wildlife actions and sights are situated in or round Entebbe. However these are nonetheless simple to do as a day journey from Kampala.
- Morning: Mabamba Swamp tour like this or city birding round Kampala
- Afternoon: Entebbe Zoo, Botanical gardens in Entebbe
An alternative choice can be to go to the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary (tour like this). When you don’t have the time to do a visit out to the areas of Uganda the place chimpanzee trekking is feasible, then you possibly can go to Ngamba island as a substitute. That is on Lake Victoria and is house to quite a few rescued chimpanzees.
When you take pleasure in birds, you possibly can see plenty of birds in Kampala with out leaving town, particularly within the mornings. The truth is there are over 300 species you possibly can see in Kampala! We noticed a quantity on electrical wires and poles, in our lodges’ gardens, at well-liked sights (Kabaka’s Palace, Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Baha’i Temple) and round golf programs.
So you’ll possible spot a number of fowl species by simply going to well-liked locations if you happen to hold your eyes open. However it may be difficult to do birdwatching in a big and congested metropolis, so simply watch out.
Kampala Native Life Itinerary
When you’d prefer to study extra about life in Kampala, then we’d suggest taking a tour or two with a Kampala native. They’ll be capable of take you to locations you in all probability wouldn’t have thought to go by yourself, in addition to share their insights on life within the metropolis. You may select a tour (or excursions) that meet your pursuits. An instance itinerary may look as follows:
As you possibly can see, there are myriad methods to fill a day (or extra!) in Kampala.
Reserving your Day Tour in Kampala
You might have a couple of completely different choices for getting round Kampala, together with doing the whole lot your self utilizing journey shares, taxis or buses. Nonetheless, for a extra seamless expertise, we predict most guests are going to search out it simpler to rearrange some kind of transport.
Now we have finished each, and having a driver for the day was positively simpler. If you’re visiting Uganda as a part of an extended journey the place you will have a tour firm, then they may possible be capable of embody a while in Kampala as a part of your journey. Simply allow them to know the place you wish to go and what you wish to see.
An alternative choice is simply to rent a non-public driver for the day. They will fear in regards to the site visitors, parking, and the route, and you’ll take pleasure in your self with sightseeing.
Lastly, you possibly can e-book a tour that covers the sights you wish to see. There are each non-public and group excursions out there. When evaluating excursions, all the time verify what’s and isn’t included. For instance, some excursions embody entry charges, transport, meals and water, while others might not. It’s additionally necessary to verify any refund or cancellation insurance policies earlier than reserving.
After we journey, we practically all the time e-book our excursions upfront with both GetYourGuide or Viator which each provide a 24-hour cancellation coverage for most tickets and excursions. This implies you possibly can cancel a tour as much as 24 hours earlier than it begins and obtain a full refund. This permits for flexibility if our journey plans unexpectedly change.
Listed here are quite a few tour choices we advise which can provide a superb expertise on your day in Kampala. Be aware that if a non-public tour doesn’t go to all of the sights you wish to see, you might be able to attain out to the operator for a customized itinerary.
- This non-public customized tour information service will help you specify precisely what you wish to do and see along with your day in Kampala.
- This full day non-public tour with transport contains Kabaka’s Palace, Nationwide Mosque, a sit-down lunch, the Kasubi Tombs, Bagala Craft Market and Bahá’i Temple. Admission charges and lunch are included.
- This full day non-public tour contains Bagala Craft Market, Baha’i temple, Nationwide Mosque, Kasubi tombs, Kabala’s Palace, Basilica of the Uganda Martrys and a sit-down meal. Lunch and admission charges are included.
- This full day non-public tour features a go to to Kabaka’s Palace, the Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Nationwide Mosque, the Baha’i Temple, and the Namugongo Martyr’s Museum. It contains admission charges and lunch.
- This full day group tour contains Kabaka’s Palace, the Uganda Nationwide Mosque, Nakasero market, the Uganda Museum, and an arts and crafts market. Admission charges are included however not meals.
- We’ve discovered two full day excursions, this one and this one, which focus extra on the non secular websites in and round Kampala, together with the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, the key cathedrals within the metropolis, the Uganda Nationwide Mosque and the Baha’i temple.
- There are additionally shorter excursions of Kampala, together with this half day meals tour, and this half-day strolling tour. Now we have finished each these excursions, and they might be a superb choice for the primary half of your day if you’re following our itinerary.
As you possibly can see there are many tour choices on your time in Kampala!
Additional Studying
That sums up our information to spending a day in Kampala. We hope you discovered it helpful! Earlier than you head off, we needed to share some hyperlinks to different content material we predict you may discover helpful in planning your journey to Uganda and the broader area.
- Now we have a complete information to issues to do in Kampala, to offer you extra inspiration for what to do within the metropolis.
- Now we have an in depth information to issues to do in Entebbe, that can assist you plan extra of your journey.
- Now we have an in depth information to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in addition to gorilla trekking in Uganda. These are each well-liked actions for guests to Uganda and effectively value doing in our opinion
- Now we have a information to picking the finest safari digital camera, and a information to getting higher pictures on safari, so you possibly can make sure you get nice recollections of your journey.
- We even have an in depth safari packing listing that can assist you resolve what to carry with you
- If you’re planning on visiting Kenya, take a look at our information to issues to do in Nairobi and our instructed 1 day Nairobi itinerary, which has plenty of concepts for town
- Now we have a information to getting on-line when travelling, that can assist you keep linked in Uganda
- You’re going to wish to energy all of your gadgets while you journey – see our information to the finest journey adapters so you possibly can select the suitable one for Uganda
- When you’d like a journey information, think about the Uganda Bradt Journey Information, which is usually thought to be the best choice for Uganda. We’ve used the previous version and may extremely suggest this e-book because it has the whole lot from the historical past of the nation and it’s individuals, by way of to packing suggestions, planning recommendation and extra. It additionally contains detailed data on chimp and gorilla trekking.
- E book smart, we additionally pack and journey with each the Pocket Information: Birds of East Africa and the Pocket Information to the Mammals of East Africa. These are each very conveniently sized and can allow you to establish loads of what you see on a go to to any east African nation.
And that’s it! As all the time, we hope you discovered this information helpful. When you have any questions or feedback, simply pop them within the feedback part beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we are able to.
