Kampala was known by ancient years for being with many impalas. The city is compossed of seven hills which significantly represent iconic religious, historical, administrative heritage of the city. Among the seven hills include; Nakasero hill, Namirembe hill, Old kampala hill, Makerere hill, Mengo hill, Rubaga hill and Kololo hill. However, these hills stretch to form 21 hills which are found in Kampala.
There several tourist destinations within Kampala were can spend half, full or even two days exploring what the city has to offer. These include cultural sights, historical sights, places of nature, religious and events and happenings. These destinations include;
Gadaffi Mosque, Old Kampala
Known to be the first administrative hill of Kampala during the time of Capt. Fredric Lugard. Currently the old Kampala holds the east Africa’s biggest mosque that feature best view of all of Kampala city from the top of its minaret. Gadaffi Mosque itself impose a remarkable tourist experience of the city. Around the mosque tourists are allowed to walk around it at will and taking photos.
This major national mosque was built by the former Libyan Leader Colonel Gadaffi,
Kabaka’s Palace and Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers
The capital of Buganda Kingdom, one of the few remaining strong kingdoms in Africa. Mengo hill is seated the main ceremonial kingdom’s Palace that holds a rich narrations of Uganda’s destination as a country. Exactly one mile up from palace is the Buganda parliament an administrative block for the kingdom.
The two Palace and Bulenge building are interconnected by the dramatic royal mile which stretches exactly 1 mile. It is generally untenanted currently due to the horrendous gun raids which took place under the rules of Idi Amin and president Obote. Amin built his torture chamber here, which saw the murder of an estimated to 25000 people who were thought to be regimes rivals between 1071 to 1985.
Namirembe Catherdral
Iconic hill for the Anglican Church of Uganda, the main draws of the cathedral is the great view over across Kampala. The cathedral maintains its 1920 grass thatched architecture, its the most beautiful of Kampala’s Christian cathedrals. Behind the scene is the Nmirembe museum which holds the rich history of the church evolution in Uganda, get to see the first bible in Uganda and many other beautiful and wondrous things to encounter here. Around the cathedral you can check in at Namirembe guest house for a spot of lunch a cup of coffee.
Rubaga cathedral
Located on Rubaga hill, sigted between Namirembe and Mengo hills. The cathedral headquarters for the catholic church in Uganda. It’s a beautiful scenic places, however, not a wider range of Kampala can be sighted when at Rubaga hill. There is no information center and for those interest in tales of the church and genesis of the catholic church in Uganda there is a guide just at the main entrance of the church. But for researcher not so easy to get information about the catholic church from just a guide but can only provide the basic information. Taking photographs featuring the beautiful iconic basilica is free and possible.
Ba’hai Temple
The only temple of its kind in Uganda and Africa, the temple is located on Kikaya Hill off the Gayaza about 10km from Kampala. Though most of Kampala trekkers are attracted here by the architecture of the temple but the serene of the hills is just dope worthy breath taking. Top of the hill gives a wider coverage of the areas around and can decide take a notable rest at no cost. The environment around here boosts about having the best quite green space in the whole of Kampala, with extensive grounds, that if you’re not of a spiritual persuasion are a perfect picnic spot and place to spend a chilled out day.
Visitors here are welcomed by a guide who offer tales about the Bahai religion, take a visit in the temple after removing your shoes and no photographs taken inside the temple but it’s really amazing enjoying the silence inside the temple. However, outside the temple can take as many photographs as possible.
The Uganda National Museum
The museum is located on Kira road just from the Mulago roundabout Kira near the British high commission. Uganda museum is the biggest and oldest museum in Kampala and purporting to showcase Uganda’s cultural heritage with displays of ethnological and natural-historical exhibits. It could definitely do with a bit of a spruce up, creative revamp and a dusting. Having the fact about Uganda, its people the food, political and social fact a bit like being trapped in an imaginary flick where the long elapsed parades emanate to life at night. Still it is the main museum in Kampala and for those with a passion for knowledge and artefacts it may still be worth a visit.
Owino Market
Find the ever social chaos in the city center, its known as St. Balikuddembe named after one of the martyrs killed during the sagas of 18maybe the heart of business in Kampala. The best word to explain Owino market is the experience after being to the dramatic echoing local market, if walking through the market with friends you may need to make chains handling everyone’s hand. It can be a surprise after the walk when everyone is misplaced. The down town gives the real image of business within Kampala, you can appreciate the vigil. Owino market is nearly the hub for every sells in Uganda particularly food and textile with African fabrics, steel and iron among others.
Walking through the resounding Owino market should be careful as many of the goods are laid down for sell, never make a mistake to step in one’s products like you have to pay for the damages.
Craft Markets
There are several craft markets in the city. Some are in permanent locations, whereas others are weekly or monthly markets. Depending on what you are looking for, visit a craft market and purchase a souvenir of Ugandan heritage from prints, to canvas, paintings and postcards, well as textile. Permanent craft markets include the Buganda Road craft valley, the National Theatre craft market and the Uganda Crafts 2000 ltd and every Friday crafty market at Fort Lugard old Kampala.
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
This vast well covered with greens background that inhabit beautiful attractive and beautiful flora and fauna. The garden is a perfect birding destination with various bird species and several primate species, it’s a white sand beach on the shores of Lake Victoria. For those plant and bird enthusiasts can hung out here, over 300 different species of plant and countless birds including sunbirds, weavers and eagles. The gardens are open 7 days a week from 9am- 7pm. Located just off the Entebbe road before Entebbe town on Berkeley road.
Kasubi Tomb
The Kasubi Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are celebrated burial ground for the last 4 kings of Buganda Kingdom. According to Buganda beliefs the King does not die but rather disappears. You get listen to more tales from your guide and see some of the Buganda regalia at the tombs. Unfortunately, the tombs were burnt in 2011 and currently under reconstruction and out of bounds for tourists.
Ndere Centre
Ndere Centre is a hub of Uganda cultures, located in Kisasi a suburb of Kampala. Ndere cultural center is where you are able to experience a mixture for all the cultures of Uganda. The center bargains cooking lessons for customary Ugandan meals, traditional dance classes which are all crowned in an amazing cultural performance.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1- Exploration begins
After an early morning breakfast , you will be picked up from your hotel by Cycads safari guide to begin to your exploration tour around Kampala. Spend the whole day driving through the ever busy and bustling streets of Kampala visiting interesting places that depict the culture and history of Uganda. Places you will visit include the Kabaka’s palace, Kabaka’s lake (Africa’s largest man-made lake ), Kasubi tombs, Makerere university, Namugongo Martyrs shrine, Namirembe cathedral, Rubaga catholic cathedral, Bahai temple, Kibuli mosque, Nationl theatre, Owino market, Old taxi park and African Craft shops. A night city tour is also available for those interested in dancing the night away in Kampala’s hot clubs and bars.
Day 2 – Check out of hotel & depature
Tour price includes full board accommodation in hotel,English speaking guide and a fully fueled saloon car.
