Your Travel Guide To Kampala
Travel Guide To Kampala
A list of the topmost enchanting cities in Africa includes Kampala, the capital of Uganda. This vibrant place is a great stop for that person who is addicted to pretty views of cityscapes and nightlife.
It consists of various accommodation facilities, eateries, and service centers, shopping stores, skyscrapers, and offices of different bodies including government institutions.
Kampala distances itself about 47 kilometers from Entebbe airport, the gateway for all visitors from abroad by plane. From EBB, travelers use airport taxi and other transport options to reach the capital.
When you get at the clock tower round about what you see from a distance are breathtaking views of skyscrapers, cars on the roads and locals who walk along the street ways.
How to Traverse the City
You have plenty of options, but for a deep adventure walking around the streets is the best, although you can’t go for long distances.
This option gives an opportunity to associate with locals, reach out to several shopping malls and as well take a plethora of comely city photos.
Other ways to get around Kampala include: use of a Boda Boda, public taxi, pioneer easy bus or hire a special car with a driver to take you to various points in the city.
Where to Eat
Kampala is one of the cities that offer posh eateries in East Africa. Most hotels in Kampala have restaurants that serve both local and international meals. This makes the place perfect for all travelers of varying interests.
If you don’t wish to have meals in the same place you are staying, move out to different food outlets around the city.
Some of these localities are cafes like café Javas, outlets like KFC, and restaurants. Don’t miss to taste Uganda’s local food if you are a foodie. It is worth savoring.
Where to stay
The city has a range of accommodation facilities that vary from the budget, mid-range to luxurious properties.
Even if you don’t book in advance am pretty sure you will get somewhere to sleep although for complacent services you have to.
Whether you choose to stay in the center of the city or within its suburbs, you will be treated equally basing on the class of facilities you opt for.
If you are after luxurious amenities, these are mostly found within the city center. Some of the hotels recommended for you include Serena hotel, Sheraton, Pearl of Africa Hotel, Grand Imperial Hotel, to name but a few.
What to Do in Kampala
There are several things to cover your days as listed below. If you fancy a glimpse of this capital endeavor to partake in one or two of these depending on your timetable.
Shopping.
Kampala is a paradise for shoppers. This city consists of multiple shopping malls with shops that sell goods at affordable prices. Some of the goods sold include clothes, shoes, electronic gadgets, sports wears, and more.
If you feel like you are missing something in your bag try to reach malls like acacia malls, Boulevards, freedom city, Aponye mall, Shoprite, Forest mall, and more for authentic goods sold at unbeatable prices.
Visit local markets.
For local life encounters in Kampala, the best option for you is a visit to the local markets. These locales are found in downtown.
The most popular market for tourists is the Owino market.
It sells local food and consists of craft shops that vend hand-made goods you can buy as souvenirs. Some restaurants serve piquant local dishes at friendly prices.
Visit historical sites.
Other than shopping malls, markets, and luxurious hotels, the city is home to numerous historical sites that are a must-see for history lovers.
Some of these sites are the Uganda museum, the Royal Palace of Buganda Kingdom, Kasubi tombs, Uganda martyrs Namugongo Shrines, Bahai Temple, Gadhafi mosque, and the National site.
Nightlife
Kampala also captivates with the spectacular nightlife. If Nightlife is your thing, then don’t miss partying in its vibrant clubs and night bars.
Many bars surround most hotels in the city. So this gives no room for long-distance travel from your place of stay.
Try the local food
If you are a foodie, then make sure to taste Uganda’s delicious dishes. There are served in most restaurants within the city and at the hotel.
These dishes include Katogo (a mixture of cassava and beans, Matooke and intestines or Matooke and meat), Matooke, Rice, Posho, Potatoes served with Meat, Beans, Fish, Soya peas, Chicken and more.
Attend fun events
Don’t feel bored at your hotel, you can move out during the day to attend different fun events hosted around the capital.
These events include Roast and Rhymes, Blankets and Wine, to mention but a few. The main venues for these fun events are Kadondo Rugby grounds, Lugogo Cricket Oval, Jahaz Pier, and more.
Watch a football match.
For lovers of football, you are also catered for. You can watch one of the matches for the Uganda Premier League.
The nearest football grounds from Kampala are Star times Stadium for Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club and St Mary’s Stadium for Vipers Football club.
Go for a Comedy show
Not only football or clubbing, but Kampala also has something for those who fancy comedy. Don’t miss to attend a comedy show at Lugogo UMA showground hosted every Thursday night. It starts from 6:00 pm up to 10:00 pm.
Walk along the streets
For Lovers of adventure, this is for you. Kampala is full of lively streets, and there are all secure. Therefore don’t hesitate to arrange for a walk either in the morning or evening for endless beautiful views of the city.
Where to find Service providers
While in Kampala Service providers are everywhere, so you have to move out of your hotel and reach out to different places like Shopping malls, service centers, and more.
Banks, Forex outlets, Telecommunication centers are on every street.
Day Tours from Kampala
If you wish for an adventure out of Kampala, there is nothing exceptional than day tours to multiple amazing places around as listed below.
Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
This is a mecca for those who are in love with Rhinoceros. It is located in the Nakasongola district, a few kilometers from Kampala city.
This protected area was established mainly to provide a home to the reintroduced species of White rhinoceros. It is home to over forty-nine Rhinoceros.
You can get there by car, it takes about 2-3 hours for the drive via Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway. The tracking lasts for about one hour and costs $50 per person.
Visit Jinja town
After Kampala, Jinja may be the next most known town. It is renowned for its remarkable adventure activities that include White water rafting along the Nile, boat cruise, and visit to the source of the Nile.
It takes about 5-6 hours for the drive to Jinja via Kampala – Jinja – Mbale highway.
It is recommended to wake up early in the morning and start the Journey. Water Rafting and Boat cruise are the offers of this day outing.
Visit Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo Park is amongst Uganda’s ten National Park. It is a great place to visit if you are a Wildlife addict.
It is the nearest Park from Kampala and provides a home to a wide range of wildlife species including the African Big Fives like Elephants, Buffaloes, and more.
Once you are there, you will do a game drive for endless views of these animals or a boat cruise along the waters of Lake Mburo.
Visit Mabira Forest
Located along Kampala – Jinja – Mbale highway, Mabira forest is a must-visit from Kampala.
It is inhabited by many wildlife species including wild animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. It treats tourists with incredible forest walks, zip-lining experiences, and bird-watching excursions.
If you prefer to partake in one of the day tours listed above, don’t hesitate to notify us and arrange it for you at affordable prices.
Leave a Comment