Explore The Best Tourist Places and Things to Do in Kampala
Kampala is the national capital of Uganda and also the nation’s largest city. The top fun things to do in Kampala revolve around wildlife, beaches, history, culture, food and shopping. The city used to be a part of the Buganda Kingdom before being colonized by Imperial British East Africa Company. You will witness this both pre and post colonial aspects in many of the best places to visit in Kampala. Majority of pre-colonial buildings and artifacts can be found in places like Kasubi Tombs, Uganda National Museum and Kabaka Palace.
Although the most popular Kampala tourist attractions are the wildlife safaris. The safaris are usually take an entire day. Some of the animals commonly seen during the safari include lions, gazelles, crocodiles, snakes, elephants, antelopes, leopards and so on. Another major Kampala attractions is the Lake Victoria. It is the largest lake on the continent and is bristle with several islands. People take boat trips to enjoy picnic and other activities on this island. The lake itself is the venue for several fun activities in Kampala like fishing, swimming, boat cruises and more. The lake has wonderful beaches for some leisure.
Another major aspect of Kampala travel is cultural exploration, which can be best experienced at the Uganda National Museum and the Uganda National Theater. If you want to indulge yourself with local produces and handicraft items, explore the markets when you visit Kampala. Most commonly, people take back African printed fabrics as souvenirs, but there are numerous other items like unique utensils, musical instruments, decorative items, jewelry etc. which you can purchase at these markets. These are also some of the most fun places in Kampala as there is so much happening around the place and you would find some of the most delicious local street food here.
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Visit The Best 15 Tourist Places in Kampala
1. Wildlife Safari
Safaris are among the most fun things to do in Kampala, Uganda. There are several national parks in Uganda which you can choose to embark on an adventure. Some of the animals you might come across during these safaris would be Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Elephants, Antelopes, Cape Buffalos, African Lions, Leopards and many more. You would need about 4 to 5 hours for a safari. Some of the most popular safaris include:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
- Lake Mburo National Park Safari
- Murchison Falls Safari
- Kidepo Sipi Falls Safari
- Source of Nile Safari
2. Kasubi Royal Tombs
This UNESCO World Heritage Sites are tombs of royals of Buganda Kingdom. It was built as a palace for Kabaka Mutesa I and he was buried here itself. It is one of the most important historical things to see in Kampala. You will need about an hour to explore these tombs.
3. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa, the largest tropical lake in the world and the second largest fresh-water lake in the world. You can enjoy numerous fun things to do in Kampala around Lake Victoria including Lake Cruise, Wild life Spotting, Hiking, Horseriding, sailing and more. It is also associated with some of the most beautiful Kampala beaches. You can dedicate an entire day or more to enjoy the offerings around this lake.
4. Crafts Market
Shopping for handicraft items is among the most fun things to do in Kampala and this market will fulfill your wishes. You will see a variety of items in the shops here including printed textile, baskets, paintings, jewelry, pottery and so on. It will take you about 30 to 45 minutes for this market when you visit Kampala.
5. Uganda National Museum
This is the oldest museum in east Africa. It tells about political and cultural history of Uganda. It is among the first Kampala tourist attractions you should visit to understand the country and people better. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.
6. Afriart Gallery
This art gallery promotes contemporary works of art by creators from Africa. The art gallery exhibits a variety of paintings in different styles. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to see this art gallery.
7. Wandegeya Market
This market is among top Kampala attractions for shopping for locals and tourists alike. It is also very popular for the street food joints in the market. You would need an hour or so to explore this market.
8. Owino Market
This market is particularly popular for African printed fabrics and handcrafted souvenirs. The market also sells second hand items and readymade clothes as well. The market also has tailors which would alter clothes for you on the spot. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Kampala sightseeing for this market.
9. One Love Beach Busabala
This is a beach and park which is popular among tourists and locals alike for a variety of leisure and fun activities in Kampala. You can easily spend a couple of hours on this beach enjoying water sports, swimming or just admiring the view.
10. Rubaga Cathedral
This is the oldest Roman Catholic diocese in Uganda was built in early 20th century. The tower of the cathedral offers one of the best views you can get during Kampala travel. You will need about half an hour for this cathedral.
11. Kabaka Palace
This palace used to be home to Bugandan rulers and their family. The palace has gained reputation among Kampala points of interest for being haunted. You would need an hour and a half to explore this palace.
12. Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe
This is the oldest cathedral in the city and is a part of the Church of Uganda. It is known for its red brick exterior and one of the most important cultural landmarks among things to see in Kampala. You would need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this cathedral.
13. Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs, Namugongo
This roman catholic basilica is dedicated to the Martys who lost their lives between 1885 and 1887. The basilica is known for its wonderful architecture which resembles fire. The wood carvings in the interior and on the doors is quite noteworthy. You would need an hour and a half for this basilica.
14. Bahá’í House of Worship
This is one of the 7 Ba’hai temples in the world. It is not only a place of worship but also gives you an understanding of the Ba’hai faith with a guided tour. In terms of cultural exposure, it one of the most interesting Kampala tourist attractions. You would need 2 hours to explore this temple.
15. Bulingugwe Island
The island is located in Lake Victoria and popular for day trips during Kampala travel. You can take a boat trip to the island and enjoy the beaches and other activities on the island. You would need to dedicate 2 to 3 hours for this island.
If you are looking for more Kampala points of interest, check out the section below.
Things to do in Kampala
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Kampala
- Kasubi Royal Tombs
- Uganda Museum
- Uganda National Mosque
- Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Basilica
- Baha’i House of Worship
- Kabaka’s Palace
- Namirembe Cathedral
- St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga
- Independence Monument
- Kibuli Mosque
- Afriart Gallery
- Wamala Tomb
- Nommo Gallery
- Fort Lugard
- Shri Sanatan Dharma Mandal Temple
- Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine
- Baha’i Temple
- Destreet Art Gallery
- Clock Tower
- Ssemagulu Museum
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Kampala
- Kabaka’s Lake
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lutembe Bay
- Murchison Bay
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Kampala
- Mayfair Casino
- Bunga Leisure Garden
- Kids Waterworld Park
- Kavumba Recreation Center
- Casino Simba
- Sheraton Gardens
- Uganda Reptile Village
- Kampala Casino
- Centenary Park
- Festino Cite
- Bambu Sea Park
Shopping in Kampala
- Owino Market
- Nakasero Market
- Metroplex Shopping Mall
- Buganda Road
- Garden City Shopping Mall
- Kampala Fair
- Wandegeya Market
- Pioneer Mall
- Crafts Village
- Victoria Mall
- Freedom City Shopping Center
- Acacia Mall
- Lugogo Shopping Mall
- Mukwano Mall
Beaches in Kampala
- Lutembe Beach
- Ggaba Beach
- One Love Beach Busabala
- KK Beach
- Mulungu Beach
- Miami Sand Beach
- Bulinguge Island
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Kampala
- Wildlife Safaris
- Lake Victoria Cruise
- Hiking
- Trekking
- River Rafting
- Bungee Jumping
- Jet Boat Ride
Sightseeing in Kampala
- Kampala City Square
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Kampala
- The Bistro
- Cafe Javas
- 2K Restaurant
- Yujo Izakaya
- The Lawns
- Mediterraneo
- Tamarai
- La Cabana
- Mythos Greek Tervana
- Piato Restaurant
- Le Chateau Brasserie Belge
- Holy Crepe
How to Reach Kampala?
By Air
The closest airport for Kampala travel is Entebbe International Airport, which is about 45-50 kms away from the city. You can rent a car, get a cab or get a bus to reach Kampala from the airport. The journey would take about an hour and a half by road. You can get tickets online or at the bus stop.
By Road
The train station in the city is connected to several towns and cities in Uganda. The bus network is better connected to reach several places in the connected as well as to visit Kampala.
The biggest highway connecting to Kampala is A109. Other routes include Kampala-Masindi Road, Kampala-Hoima Road, Masaka Kampala Road, Kampala-Entebbe Road and Bombo Road.
By Water
You can get a ferry for Kampala trip from Mwanza in Tanzania, which is across Lake Victoria.
Image Reference
- Wildlife Safari – Christian Wicki / PixaBay
- Kasubi Royal Tombs – notphilatall / Flickr
- Lake Victoria – Reinout Dujardin / PixaBay
- Crafts Market –
- Uganda National Museum – Kent MacElwee / Flickr
- Afriart Gallery –
- Wandegeya Market –
- Owino Market – Alvinategyeka / Wikimedia Commons
- One Love Beach Busabala –
- Rubaga Cathedral – Ibossa2 / Wikimedia Commons
- Kabaka Palace – NatureDan / Wikimedia Commons
- Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe – Enoch Kazibwe / Wikimedia Commons
- Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs, Namugongo – Isabelle Prondzynski / Flickr
- Bahá’í House of Worship – Bxtst / Wikimedia Commons
- Bulingugwe Island –
