Kampala City
Kampala City spans an impressive 189 km², featuring its highest point at Kololo Hill, which rises to 1,311 meters, while the shores of Lake Victoria sit at a lower altitude of 1,135 meters above sea level. The city is a vibrant landscape of rolling hills, verdant greenery, marshy swamps, and deep valleys.
Visitors should be aware that Kampala city has two rainy seasons, occurring from August to December and from February to June. The city boasts a vibrant climate, characterized by its lush greenery and abundant rainfall, creating an ever-changing and lively atmosphere. However, the months of January and July often bring the heat.
Kampala City is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This vibrant metropolitan city offers a plethora of tourist attractions and activities that any visitor to Uganda would eagerly dive into. Kampala city is celebrated as one of East Africa’s most joyful cities.
If you enjoy excitement and connecting with others during your travels, Kampala is the perfect destination for you. The city is always alive, boasting countless bars, eateries, and clubs where visitors can kick back, relax, and rejuvenate after a day filled with thrilling escapades. Kampala City boasts an array of vibrant hangout spots that promise excitement and camaraderie. Notable venues include Club Silk, Casablanca, and Bush Pig Backpackers, alongside Café Javas and Capital Kitchen on Kampala Road. For a delightful experience, check out Cayenne Restaurant and Lounge, Faze 2 in Nakasero, and Go Fish in Naguru. The nightlife is alive at Club Ambience, Guvnor’s Club, and Club Obligato, among many others.
The vibrant and lively ‘city that never sleeps’ is a treasure in its own right, and it’s no surprise that many tour operators are making a tour of Kampala city a top highlight in their Uganda safari packages. If you are curious about the reasons to explore Kampala, your curiosity ends here. Take a seat, buckle up, and prepare for an exhilarating journey as we unveil the wonders of this captivating ‘City of Seven Hills.’
Kampala City is known as the ‘City of Seven Hills’ due to its foundation on seven prominent hills. However, the city has expanded beyond these original seven, which include Mengo, Namirembe, Rubaga, Kololo/Nakasero Hill, Kibuli, Old Kampala, and Nsambya hills.
The majestic Kabaka’s palace in Kampala
Yet, modern Kampala City extends far beyond the original seven hills. The city now boasts additional hills such as Mulago, Kikaya, and Makerere hills.
Kampala City gets its name from the Luganda phrase ‘Akasozi ke’Empala,’ which translates to ‘Hill of the Impala’ in English. The city was once known as Old Kampala Hill, a renowned hunting ground for the King (Kabaka) of Buganda. The hill was alive with a vibrant array of antelope species, particularly the graceful Impala, which inspired its name, ‘Hill of the Impala.’
Kampala is often highlighted as one of Africa’s most accessible and enjoyable cities to reside in, based on numerous surveys conducted by travel expatriates. Kampala city is a vibrant melting pot where individuals from more than 56 diverse ethnic backgrounds come together in harmony.
As a visitor, you can explore Kampala without any concerns about the language barrier. Most of the residents in Kampala city are educated and proficient in English, so feel free to seek help if you find yourself lost or in need of assistance.
Where to Stay in Kampala City.
Visitors looking to explore Kampala city can discover a range of lodging options throughout the vibrant city. These hotels provide guests with an exciting array of services and lodging choices, spanning from budget-friendly to mid-range and luxurious accommodations. Among these are the Kampala Serena Hotel, Marriott 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 many others.
Exploring the Wonders of Kampala City.
Travelers looking to explore Kampala City should think about including these exciting destinations in their travel plans;
Kasubi Tombs: This site is a burial ground for several kings and also houses the regalia of the Buganda Kingdom. In 2001, the tombs received recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their extraordinary and distinctive architecture, standing out as some of the most impressive structures in all of sub-Saharan Africa.
Ndere Centre: This vibrant cultural hub offers visitors a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultures that thrive in Uganda. Visitors to the cultural center in Kisasi embark on an exciting journey through cooking classes that explore traditional Ugandan delicacies, along with engaging traditional dance classes and captivating performances from the center’s dance troupes.
Bulange and Lubiri: These remarkable sites are situated in Mengo, a mere mile apart from one another. Lubiri serves as the royal abode of the Buganda king, whereas Bulange functions as the parliament for the Kingdom of Buganda. This is the place where important choices are crafted for the well-being of the Buganda Kingdom and its people. The king of Buganda makes his way to Bulange two times each year, embarking on the ceremonial journey to open and close parliamentary sessions.
The Uganda National Museum, situated on Kira Road in Kamwokya, beckons all visitors exploring the vibrant city of Kampala with its rich offerings and captivating experiences. The museum is brimming with political, cultural, and religious artifacts that narrate the rich history of Uganda.
The Gadhafi Mosque stands as the largest and most historic mosque dedicated to the Islamic faith in Uganda. A visitor can ascend the steps to the mosque’s pinnacle and enjoy a breathtaking view of Kampala city. Women traveling to the mosque should bring a modest long dress or skirt, or a ‘Lesu’ (a long cloth to wrap around the waist), as you will be exploring a sacred place.
Kibuli Mosque stands as one of Uganda’s largest and most historic mosques. Perched on Kibuli Hill, this site attracts numerous visitors seeking both spiritual enrichment and educational experiences in Kampala.
Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers: The torture chambers stand as a haunting destination in Uganda, drawing those intrigued by its shadowy past. The torture chambers began their journey as an armory for the British colonial government and later transformed into a prison under Milton Obote’s rule after he ascended to power in 1966. Later, he was overthrown by Idi Amin Dada in 1971, who then turned the prison into a nightmarish torture chamber.
Bahai Temple: This temple stands as the sole Bahai temple on the African continent, embodying the spirit of the Bahai faith in Uganda. Visitors exploring the temple can experience the remarkable architectural design and the stunning, tranquil gardens that provide an ideal setting for weddings and birdwatching adventures.
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine is situated in Namugongo, roughly 15 km from the heart of Kampala city. The Martyrs’ shrine serves as a vibrant hub of spirituality and culture, recounting the remarkable story of 32 Uganda martyrs who sacrificed everything for their beliefs.
Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals: These two cathedrals are vibrant destinations for those seeking spiritual exploration. Rubaga Cathedral sits majestically atop Rubaga Hill, while Namirembe Cathedral proudly stands on Namirembe Hill.
Monuments: Kampala city boasts more than six remarkable monuments, with the most notable including the independence monument, the Sir Edward Muteesa 1 monument, and the war memorial monument situated on Kampala Road, honoring Ugandan soldiers who lost their lives in World War II, among others.
Exploring Kampala City is an exhilarating experience, and no journey is truly finished without diving into the vibrant local markets that pulse with life. Among these are the Nakasero market and Owino market. Visitors can discover a variety of food items, spices, clothing, and unique souvenirs at affordable prices.
Craft Markets: Kampala City is a vibrant business hub where visitors can discover unique souvenirs for themselves and their loved ones. Explore the various craft markets throughout the city, such as the Craft Village on Buganda Road, Uganda Crafts, and the National Theater Craft shops.
Shopping malls: Kampala City boasts a variety of shopping malls where you can discover an abundance of designer clothes, shoes, and even makeup. Among the well-known shopping destinations that attract visitors are Acacia Shopping Mall in Kamwokya, Garden City, Lugogo Shopping Mall, Shoprite, and Forest Mall along Jinja Road, to name just a few.
Exploring Kampala City and navigating its vibrant streets.
Travelers journeying to Kampala City can catch flights to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. The airport serves as the primary gateway for all travelers venturing into Kampala and the enchanting landscapes of Uganda. Entebbe Airport sits approximately 45 km south of Kampala City, making for an exciting hour-long drive along the Kampala-Entebbe express highway.