Activities to do in Kampala City while on a Uganda Safari

Activities to do in Kampala! Uganda is best referred to as “The Pearl of Africa” characterized by beautiful flora and fauna, hills and valleys, holistic people, and favorable climate all year round. The unique attractions which are spread throughout different parts of the country as well make it more adorable for different activities like primate encounter for chimpanzee, golden monkeys, and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga national park and as well game drives for the big 5 wildlife primates in different national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo valley national park to mention but a few. However, the capital city of the country “Kampala” depicts the great sovereignty for the country and thus their several activities to do on the Kampala city tour on your Ugandan safari to make your trip complete and add up your documentation for the country.

Kampala is the largest urban center in Uganda and sits on 7 major hills (Old Kampala, Makerere, Kibuli, Rubaga, Mengo, Kololo and Mulago). The colonial administrators named the area Kampala because of the large number of Impala that once roamed the area, you may be hard-pressed to decide which places are best to explore but here is a review of some of the key activities to do in Kampala attractions on your city tour that you can choose from based on the time frame you have to spend in the country.

What to do in Kampala City?

A visit to the National Museum

The popular Uganda National Museum is the oldest museum in East Africa and one of the key monuments in the country which you can visit at any time of the day and get thrilled with displays of ethnological and natural-historical exhibitions along with Uganda’s cultural heritage, artifacts which include; playable musical instruments, hunting equipment, traditional dressing,  Apart from the permanent exhibits in the galleries, the Uganda Museum offers educational service in form of demonstration lessons, outreach programs, workshops and complimentary services which is one of the key activities to do in Kampala. Using the available specimens, therefore be assured of learning a lot about the history and facts about the exiting of the country and its natives from an informed point upon your safari.

Visiting Kasubi Tombs

A visit to Kasubi Tombs is well worth your time which is approximately 6km away from Kampala capital city. This recognized UNESCO World Heritage center is a palace consisting of 35 buildings and an important historic site of the burial place of four former Buganda kings with Kabaka Muteesa I the first King to be buried here and other royal family members and all princes and princesses who are their direct descendants are buried at the back of the main shrine.

On your visit to this cultural center, you will encounter interesting artifacts and learn about the rituals and traditions of Uganda’s largest tribal kingdom, the Buganda Kingdom including notable items like rings of spears holding the roof together, each representing the 52 clans of Buganda. Each clan is responsible for a particular task at the tomb, grass-thatched roof resting on structural rings of palm tree fronds which are still being maintained as well as the internal elements

Ndere Cultural center

The Ndere Centre is a great place to experience the colorful dance and music that is traditional to Uganda, the troop operates on specific days which are; Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday and start between 6/7 pm in the late evening where you can enjoy dinner along with a spectacular performance of colorful, high-energy dancing and music that displays the lively culture of the Ugandan tribes and get you entertained on your safari.

A visit to the Uganda martyrs shrine in Namugongo

The shrine is just 16km from Kampala capital city where a total of 32 Catholics and both Anglicans were burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage destinations in Africa dedicated to the 22 Martyrs and saints of Uganda who were martyred between 1885 and 1887 by the king of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga II, and canonized by Pope Paul VI on 18 October 1964 as saints in the Catholic Church.

The Uganda martyrs day is celebrated every year on the 3^rd of June in Namugongo by Christian believers. This is one of the religious visits not to miss on your Kampala city tour.

Visiting city markets “Owino market, Nakasero market, etc”

The Owino/ Nakasero Market is a must-do experience when visiting Uganda which can be best explored on foot in order to best witness how every business is conducted. Located in the capital city, Kampala, this busy market is full of color and character from its wide array of produce, clothing, electronics, and crafts to its lively vendors and customers.

 A visit to Ba’hai temple

Ba’hai temple also known as the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar found in Uganda is nowhere to be found in the whole of Africa. This exceptional and unique fair is found 3km north of Kampala. Attached to this place are lots of beautiful trees most of the fruit tree species plus flowers as well as a green-carpet like grass with clean clear gazetted paths which attract many people to enjoy their leisure moment, meditate and relaxation which in turn symbolizes the genesis of the religion which seeks the unity of all races and teachings about the true values of humanity.

Enjoy a great sense of tranquility and a moment of relaxation upon all activities that you will have encountered during your stay in the country for fresh memories.

Visiting religious centers

Kampala is surrounded by 7 hills upon which lies some of the religious affiliations in close proximity which implies that on your city tour include a visit to some of these religious places of your choice.

Kibuli mosque is one of the religious areas affiliated to the Muslim fraternity sitting on one of the 7hills, it’s strategically located with the best views of the city. You get to on your hike to the top of Kibuli hill for sightseeing of the entire city.

Gadhafi mosque, the skyscraper mosque is located on Kampala Hill but in 2016 was renamed Uganda National Mosque years after the death of Colonel Gaddafi this is where the Uganda Muslim supreme council is located, it seats up to 15,000 worshipers and can hold another 1,100 in the gallery, while the terrace will cater for another 3,500.

St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral Rubaga, the church is just 3kms from the city center and commonly known as Rubaga Cathedral. It is the oldest Catholic diocese and has great historical significance in the history of the Catholic Church and the stands as the headquarters of the Catholic Church.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe church commonly known as “Namirembe cathedral”. The cathedral is located on Namirembe Hill, in Lubaga Division 2km from Kampala. This is where the first bishop of the Anglican Church Bishop Tucker had his first service in Uganda. The Cathedral serves as the provincial cathedral for the Church of Uganda, the diocesan cathedral for Namirembe diocese which was the first diocese to be founded in the province of the Church of Uganda.  You are always welcome to visit the area and have blessings upon your planned activities in all your endeavor’s and as well learn a lot about the history of Christianity in Uganda.

Visiting craft centers

It’s always memorable when you get back home after your safari with a special and unique monument and thus while on your city tour you can visit different African prints and locally made traditional handwoven equipment’s in different locations for example; the Crafts Village behind the National Theatre and Crafts Centre on Buganda Road, some are weekly and monthly including one in Makindye and one in front of the Railway Station.

Enjoy nightlife in different hangouts.

Uganda is a holistic country with beautiful and happy people where every day is a happy day to the natives, the list of bars and clubs is endless, with something for everyone. Comedy Lounge hosts events during the week, the Latin dance scene has as well been developed. all this is experienced in different locations within the city and be rest assured of total security while in any of your preferred hangout areas where different safety measures are practiced like the use of metal detectors at the doors, frisking, and bag being checked at entry points with internal security as your enjoy your fun moment.

City festivals

Kampala has numerous festivals that attract people from all walks of life. The Kampala City Festival is one of the most well-organized activities to do in Kampala of all street celebrations in East Africa, The LaBa! Street Arts Festival as well brings together some of the best artists in the country in one place to sell their products in open spaces amidst fanfare and great music performances.

It’s upon these gatherings where revelers get to share, learn, network, and mingle with the locals, the platform as well act as an economic engine for companies, organizations, and small businesses to flourish, check to see if any festivals are taking place during your trip so that you don’t miss having fun, here are some of the notable events that you can look out for on a Ugandan experience; This is Uganda (December), Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (October), Bayimba International Festival of Music and Arts (August), Kampala City Festival (October), Festival on the Nile (August), This is Uganda (December) among others.

Contact us to arrange your Kampala city tour experience as we take you through the most and memorable attractions to best suit your desires on the trip depending on your schedule.