Anyone who visits Uganda’s safari destinations travels through Kampala, the largest and Capital City of this small East African country.

Location

Originally sitting on 7 beautiful Hills, Kampala is just a City that packs a big punch. It is situated within the South Central part of Uganda, just a stone throw from the shores of Lake Victoria and about 1188 meters above sea level.

Size of Kampala City

The City of Kampala sits on an area of about 8,452 square kilometers (845200 hectares/3264 square miles) and is cleaved into 5 administrative divisions of Makindye, Kampala Central, Rubaga, Nakawa and Kawempe divisions with a total population of 3,469,510 people. The Metropolitan Area of this City is surrounded by Wakiso, Luwero, Mukono, Buikwe and Mpigi districts

History

The History of Kampala City is not complete without the origin of its name. This city was originally confined to only the modern day “Old Kampala Hill” on whose Peak Fort Lugard was established. Additionally, the first Headquarters of the British Colonial Authorities in the soon-to-be Uganda protectorate were found in the same Hill.

However before the establishment of the popular Fort Lugard by the British, the Hill was a popular hunting Reserve for then King (Kabaka) of Buganda and it sheltered numerous antelopes, mainly the “impalas”.  Due to this factor, when the British Colonial Authorities were allotted this Hill by the King, they named it the “Hill of the Impala” locally translated as “Akasozi ke’Empala” shortened as “K’empala”. The name “Kampala” was then drafted and the British settlement that was then confined to only Old Kampala Hill was extended to other areas.

The Town’s initial physical plan was designed by Ernst May, a German Explorer and Urban Planner who in 1945 was introduced by the Uganda Protectorate Government to redraw Kampala’s blueprint. His plan of 1947 was meant to expand the area eastwards to cover areas of Naguru and Kololo Hills, with the southern slopes of Nakasero Hill as the Commercial Center while the industrial area in the south-east of the City. Some elements of his plans were implemented. At this time, Kampala was just an ordinary Town and Entebbe the Capital City. However when the country gained Independence on 9^th October 1962, the Capital was also transferred from Entebbe hence granting Kampala a City Status. The seven Hills on which Kampala was originally established are the original hill of Old Kampala, Mengo, Kibuli, Namirembe, Rubaga, Nsambya and Nakasero.

Top Things to see in Kampala

Here is a snippet of things you can expect to see in Kampala-Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, Makerere University (oldest University in East Africa), Kabaka’s Palace (Lubiri) in Mengo, the Kabaka’s Lake (country’s only man-made Lake), colonial buildings, Uganda National Museum, Ndere Cultural Center, Monuments, Popular markets (such as Owino and Nakasero), outstanding places of Worship (Uganda National Mosque, Bahai Temple, Rubaga Cathedral and St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral on Namirembe Hill) and many others.

Must-do activities in Kampala City

Explore the popular Kasubi Tombs

Exploring Kasubi Tombs is one of the must-do things while in Kampala City. This is the burial site for four of the Kings as well as other Royal family members of Buganda Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage Site (since December 2001) is famous for its cultural significance to not just the Kingdom but the entire country. A tour of this spectacular cultural site provides travellers with the impression of a typical Rural Village in addition to its breathtaking grass-thatched huts that were originally put up by Kabaka Mutesa I in 1882 as a Palace.

Browse through the craft markets

The City of Kampala has a number of beautifully decorated craft markets that are popularly referred as “Craft Villages” that sell a wide range of items such as paintings, prints, jewelry, sculptures, baskets, pottery and many others. Some of these Craft markets such as the one along Buganda Road as well as behind National Theatre are within permanent locations while others like in front of Railway Station and in Makindye are weekly. For your tours in these places, get a chance to interact with local artists and learn one or two things.

Undertake guided tours of Uganda Museum

Uganda’s National Museum was set up in 1908, making it the oldest Museum within the East African region and showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors are introduced to natural-historical as well as ethnological displays to introduce them to Uganda’s sweet and bitter past. There are a number of tribal huts at the site with tools and symbols as well as traditional musical instruments to learn about their unique way of life, cultures and traditions.

Taste the mouth-watering Luwombo

A number of eateries including 2K and Baguma Restaurants offer entirely extraordinary and fine culinary experiences, especially for visitors interested in tasting the famous Luwombo (chicken, beef or groundnut sauce steamed in banana leaves) among other Ugandan cuisines.

Ride on a Boda boda

Riding on a boda boda is the most authentic and fastest way of getting around Kampala City, whereby the experienced rider takes you through every nook and cranny of this beautiful East African City. Instead of hustling with a Matatu or walking through the hilly areas of the City, you can enjoy the hassle-free ride with the motor bike taxi.

Exercise your haggling skills at Owino Market

You cannot leave Kampala without exercise your haggling skills at Owino Market, a vibrant and organized marketplace where a variety of items such as outstanding African print fabrics, souvenirs, Craft shoes, fresh food stuff and tropical fruits are sold.

Relish the City’s awe-inspiring views at Uganda National Mosque

Uganda National Mosque (Gadhafi Mosque) is not just known for its unique architectural design and religious significance but also offering awe-inspiring 360˚ views of the City. Opened in 2006, this Worship area is known for being the biggest Mosque in the country with the capability of hosting up to 20,000 devotees.

Tour East Africa’s oldest University

East Africa oldest Institution of Higher learning is Makerere University, established in 1922 as a technical Institute. It not only boasts of its academic excellence but also riveting architectural designs as well as lush gardens where you can relax and forget all the hassles of the City. Some of the notable Alumni of this University are Julius Nyerere (former President of Tanzania), Mwai Kibaki (former President of Kenya), Benjamin Mkapa, Apollo Milton Obote (former President of Uganda), Amama Mbabazi (former Prime Minister) and many others.

Other interesting activities you can do during your tour of Kampala include touring Kabaka’s Palace and Lake in Mengo, Walking along the Martyrs Trail, enjoy boat rides on Lake Victoria and many others.

Top places to stay in Kampala City

Kampala City has a number of wonderful places to stay during your visit but the popular ones are Speke Hotel, Kabira Country Club, Metropole Hotel Kampala, Le Petit Village Boutique Hotel, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fairway Hotel & Spa, Mestil Hotel & Residencies, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Arcadia Suites, Speke Resort Munyonyo, Protea Hotel, Humura Hotel, Forest Cottages, Golf Course Hotel, Emin Pasha Hotel, Speke Apartments Kitante, Golden Tulip Canaan Kampala, Villa Kololo and many others.

How to get to Kampala City

There are several ways to get to Kampala from Entebbe International Airport and thy include Airport shuttles/cabs/taxis that are believed to be more costly (between $30 and $35). A number of Matatus operate between Entebbe Town and the Capital City, charging about $2 and another option is booking with a credible tour Operator.