Kampala City Tour

Kampala City Tour: 1-Day Walking and Driving Experience

Kampala City TourA Kampala City Tour is an exciting tourist activity that takes visitors through the different attractions in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The city boasts a mix of cultural, religious, historical, and political sites that provide a rich insight into Uganda’s past and present. Over the years, Kampala City has undergone significant infrastructural development, making it an increasingly attractive urban center. The city features modern shopping centers, accommodations, banks, health facilities, religious sites, and well-constructed local markets such as Owino Market and Nakasero Market. In the coming years, Kampala is poised to stand alongside other great East African cities such as Nairobi, Kigali and Dar es Salaam.

Key Tourist Attractions in Kampala

The main Kampala tourist attractions include pre-colonial and colonial sites with strong historical significance. These landmarks provide an essential glimpse into the city’s heritage and culture. Some of the must-visit sites include:

  • Kabaka’s Palace (Lubiri Mengo) – The official residence of the King of Buganda, offering insights into Buganda’s monarchical traditions.
  • Kasubi Tombs – A UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Buganda kings.
  • Kabaka’s Lake – A man-made lake built by the King of Buganda, one of the largest of its kind in Africa.
  • Gaddafi National Mosque – The largest mosque in Uganda, providing panoramic views of Kampala from its minaret.
  • Namugongo Martyrs Shrine – A significant religious site where Ugandan Christian martyrs were executed for their faith.
  • Bahá’í Temple – The only Bahá’í House of Worship in Africa, offering a serene environment for meditation and learning.
  • Kibuli and Old Kampala Mosques – Important Islamic sites reflecting Uganda’s religious diversity.
  • Parliament of Uganda – The heart of the country’s governance, showcasing Uganda’s political history.
  • Central Business District (CBD) – A vibrant area with high-end shopping malls, government offices, corporate banks, and luxury hotels.
  • Makerere University – One of Africa’s top educational institutions, renowned for its academic excellence.
  • Uganda Museum – The oldest museum in East Africa, displaying a variety of cultural and historical artifacts.
  • National Theatre – A hub for Ugandan arts, music, and performances.
  • Owino Market & Nakasero Market – Bustling local markets offering everything from fresh produce to second-hand clothing.

Tour Itinerary

Morning Session: Exploring the Heart of Kampala

Your 1-day Kampala City Tour begins early in the morning when our professional safari guide picks you up from your hotel or residence. The tour starts with a drive through the bustling streets of Kampala, heading towards the Central Business District (CBD). You will experience the contrast between the upper and lower sections of Kampala. The upper side of the city is characterized by high-end shopping malls, corporate banks, insurance companies, luxury hotels, and government buildings such as the Parliament and ministries. On the other hand, the lower side is a lively area filled with busy streets, informal markets, guesthouses, and street vendors.

A stop at Owino Market, one of Africa’s largest second-hand clothing markets, provides a thrilling experience as you observe vendors trading a variety of goods. Next, you will visit Nakasero Market, a famous hub for fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. You will also have an opportunity to see the historical Taxi Park, a chaotic yet fascinating site where hundreds of mini-vans (matatus) navigate through narrow spaces.

Afternoon Session: Historical and Cultural Exploration

At around 1:00 PM, you will take a break for lunch at a recommended restaurant where you can savor traditional Ugandan dishes or opt for international cuisine. After lunch, the tour continues with visits to key historical and cultural landmarks:

Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an essential cultural landmark in Uganda. Located in Kampala, these tombs serve as the burial site for the kings (Kabakas) of Buganda, the largest and most influential kingdom in Uganda. The site is deeply significant to the Baganda people, as it is a place of spiritual and political importance. The main structure, a large thatched building known as Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, showcases traditional Ganda architecture, built primarily from natural materials like reeds, wood, and grass. Visitors to the Kasubi Tombs can learn about Buganda’s rich history, the lineage of its rulers, and the cultural traditions that continue to be upheld today. The tombs also house sacred regalia and relics that honor the memory of past kings. Though the site suffered a devastating fire in 2010, restoration efforts have continued to preserve its historical and cultural value.

Gaddafi Mosque

The Gaddafi National Mosque, also known as the Uganda National Mosque, is one of the largest mosques in East Africa. Located in Old Kampala, this magnificent structure was commissioned by the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as a gift to the Muslim community in Uganda. The mosque’s architectural beauty is striking, with intricate Islamic designs, a vast prayer hall, and towering minarets. One of the highlights of visiting the mosque is climbing the minaret, which offers a panoramic view of Kampala’s skyline. From the top, visitors can see the city’s rolling hills, bustling markets, and major landmarks. It is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of unity for Uganda’s Muslim population.

Namirembe Cathedral & Rubaga Cathedral

These two cathedrals are among Kampala’s oldest and most beautiful churches, each representing a significant chapter in Uganda’s religious history.

  • Namirembe Cathedral, officially known as St. Paul’s Cathedral, is the oldest Anglican church in Uganda. Built on Namirembe Hill, the church offers a serene atmosphere and an impressive view of the city. The cathedral played a key role in the spread of Christianity in Uganda, and it remains an important religious center for the Church of Uganda. The historical graves in the cathedral’s compound serve as resting places for early Christian missionaries and bishops.
  • The Rubaga Cathedral, also called St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, is the main Catholic church in Uganda and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala. Situated on Rubaga Hill, it features elegant red-brick architecture and stunning stained-glass windows. This church holds special importance for Uganda’s Catholics, as it is the final resting place of Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga, a prominent religious leader. The cathedral provides a peaceful setting for worship and offers a spectacular view of the city.

Bulange Mengo (Buganda Parliament)

Bulange Mengo is the administrative center of the Buganda Kingdom and the official seat of the Lukiiko (Buganda Parliament). Located along Kabaka Anjagala Road, this colonial-style building is rich in history and tradition. The road leading to Bulange is lined with royal drums, each representing a different clan of Buganda. Visitors can explore the parliament chamber, where the Kabaka (King) and his officials discuss matters concerning the kingdom. The guides at Bulange provide deep insights into the Buganda governance system, its traditional customs, and the kingdom’s relationship with the Ugandan government. The building itself was inspired by Scottish architecture, reflecting the historical ties between the Baganda people and British colonial rule.

Mengo Lubiri (Kabaka’s Palace)

Just a short distance from Bulange Mengo lies Mengo Lubiri, the official palace of the Kabaka of Buganda. This grand residence is a symbol of Buganda’s monarchy and showcases the lifestyle of the royal family. Though the palace is not fully open to the public, guided tours provide an opportunity to learn about Buganda’s royal traditions, cultural artifacts, and historical events. One of the most significant sites within the palace grounds is the Amin torture chambers, built during Idi Amin’s rule. These underground cells serve as a grim reminder of Uganda’s troubled past, where political prisoners were held and executed. The contrast between the beauty of the palace and the dark history of the chambers makes it an emotionally powerful place to visit.

Kabaka’s Lake

Located near the Kabaka’s Palace, Kabaka’s Lake is a man-made lake with historical and cultural significance. It was constructed in the 1880s during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II, who intended it to be part of a canal connecting his palace to Lake Victoria. Though the project was never completed, the lake remains the largest man-made lake in Uganda. Today, it serves as a scenic spot where visitors can enjoy the tranquil waters, birdwatching, and a glimpse into Buganda’s history. The lake is also considered sacred, as it was created under the orders of a Kabaka, making it an important cultural landmark in Kampala.

These historical and cultural sites provide a deeper understanding of Uganda’s history, Buganda’s heritage, and the city of Kampala’s evolution. Whether you are exploring the ancient tombs of Buganda’s kings, admiring religious architecture, or reflecting on the past at the royal palace, each site offers a unique perspective on Uganda’s rich and diverse heritage.

Evening Session: Optional Activities

A tour of Kampala that includes visits to the Bahá’í Temple, Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, and the Uganda Museum offers a rich blend of spiritual, historical, and cultural experiences. Each of these sites provides a unique insight into Uganda’s diverse heritage, making the tour an engaging and educational journey.

The Bahá’í Temple, also known as the Bahá’í House of Worship, is the only one of its kind in Africa. Situated on Kikaya Hill, the temple stands out with its serene surroundings, lush gardens, and stunning architectural design. The temple, built in 1961, serves as a place of worship for people of all faiths, reflecting the Bahá’í belief in unity and peace. Visitors can take a peaceful walk around the well-manicured gardens, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kampala, and learn about the Bahá’í faith from the guides available on-site. The tranquil environment provides a perfect start to the tour, allowing visitors to reflect and appreciate the diversity of religious beliefs in Uganda.

From there, the tour proceeds to Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, one of Uganda’s most significant religious and historical landmarks. This site commemorates the 45 Christian martyrs who were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. The shrine consists of both Catholic and Anglican memorial sites, each with its unique features. The Catholic shrine, built in the shape of a traditional hut, is the most prominent, with a large lake where pilgrims gather for prayer, especially on June 3rd, Martyrs’ Day. The Anglican shrine also holds deep significance, marking the site where some of the martyrs were burned alive. A visit to Namugongo provides a powerful historical narrative of faith, sacrifice, and resilience, making it an essential stop on this Kampala tour.

The final stop is the Uganda Museum, the oldest and largest museum in Uganda, established in 1908. This institution houses an extensive collection of artifacts, musical instruments, fossils, traditional clothing, and historical documents that showcase Uganda’s rich cultural and historical evolution. Visitors can explore exhibits on traditional lifestyles, archaeology, natural history, and even Uganda’s political past. One of the highlights is the ethnographic section, where one can see displays of indigenous tools and household items used by different Ugandan communities. The museum also features an outdoor village showcasing traditional huts, giving visitors a glimpse into Uganda’s pre-colonial way of life.

This tour offers a comprehensive experience of Kampala, blending spirituality, history, and culture. The Bahá’í Temple provides a peaceful and reflective start, Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine offers a deep historical and religious perspective, while the Uganda Museum ties it all together with an immersive cultural and historical narrative. Visitors leave with a greater appreciation of Uganda’s diverse heritage and a deeper understanding of the country’s past and present.

After an enriching day exploring Kampala, our guide will drive you back to your place of accommodation, concluding the Kampala City Tour. This tour provides an in-depth experience of Uganda’s vibrant capital, blending history, culture, and modern urban life.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the 1-day Kampala City Tour offers an unforgettable experience that highlights the essence of Uganda’s capital city.

End of Kampala City Tour