Kampala City Guide
🇺🇬 Uganda
From the food market to the old taxi park, this all-round tour will get you munching on local delicacies and learning about Uganda's history.
Full Day Self-Guided Walking Tour
Kampala is not a city made for walking. The roads are eaten up by floods and poor maintenance and the pavements are shared with boda boda (motorcycle) drivers trying to weave their way out of afternoon traffic. However, you can’t say you’ve been to the city if you haven't gotten a bit of dust under your feet. So if you want a genuine feel for the hustle and bustle, the warm hospitality, and the youthful buzz at the heart of The Pearl of Africa then this is the best place to start.
This guide is self-paced. I encourage you to start in the mid-morning after the school/work traffic.
📍Stop 1 Bugolobi Market
Shopping
Our journey starts at this bustling food and vegetable market with just about everything you can imagine. I grew up wandering the insides and outside of the building for hair oil and bootleg CDs. In one corner, there are phone repair shops and butchers, and on the other are hairdressers and wedding designers. Weave your way through the stalls on the ground floor and find the lady selling kabalagalas. These are Uganda’s beloved deep-fried banana pancakes. I can guarantee you’ve not had anything quite like it!
Here stands one of the few schools still standing since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1962. The school sits on Kintate Hill alongside the museum. In 2007, Queen Elizabeth included a spot here as part of her visit
Fun fact: My mother and all her siblings went to primary school here.
The national museum is among the oldest in East Africa. It offers educational workshops and exhibitions year-round. Though not a regular stop for the common man, I would be remiss not to include it. There is a small entrance fee.
Uganda’s comedy and theatre scene is sustained by the events held herein the center of town. It is a must-see for its modernist architectural style which was revolutionary for its time. It has grown to include a cultural center as well as art exhibitions. Bonus: There is a popular craft market across the street!
At the center of the old business district, this taxi hub has been an important part of commuters for years. The spectacle of cramped minibusses is a wander to the eyes from afar but can be a bit stressful when you are caught in the middle of the chaos. Tread carefully.
This concrete and aluminum sculpture was unveiled on October 9th, 1962; the day Uganda gained independence. It depicts a child being held up by their mother and father. It is symbolic of the progress we have made and the political strife we continue to overcome as a developing country.
Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from the tower. If you time it right, you can enjoy the view of the sunset or hear the call for prayers ringing over the speakers. The mosque offers guided tours as well.
📍Stop 2 Kitante Primary School
Education
📍Stop 3 Uganda Museum
History/Culture
📍Stop 4 Kampala National Theatre
The Arts
📍Stop 5 Old Taxi Park
Transportation
📍Stop 6 Independence Day Monument
History
📍Stop 6 Gaddafi Mosque
Religion
add these stops directly to your Google Maps and follow along
Transport
If at any point, it is too far to walk or you feel unsafe, there are ride-share options available like Uber or Bolt. Alternatively, you can adventure with a boda boda ride or a taxi (the white and blue minibuses) they will get you wherever you need to go though they might change you more if you dont speak the language.
Duration
The trip is approximately 13.7 kilometers with stretches of steep incline. With breaks for lunch and dinner, shopping, and tours in the museum or mosque the whole trip could take up to 6-7 hours.
What to bring:
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Light clothes (nothing too short)
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A hat
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Cash
Travel light. The city has pickpockets so it is best to keep your valuables in your accommodation or concealed in a backpack. You will likely buy water along the way as tap water is not ready to drink. The local currency is the Uganda Shilling. Most businesses will only accept cash.
As always don’t exchange currencies at the airport!
Restaurant Suggestions
Coffee @ Brood
After your first stop, you can stop for a coffee and a small bite at brood bakery located in Village Mall.
Lunch @ St Anthony
To get out of the harsh midday sun, try the country's local delicacy- steamed mashed bananas also known as matooke
Dinner @ Cafe Javas
End the day with a hearty continetal meal at everyone's favourite restaurant