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About this guide
Nestled along Lake Victoria, Kampala, Uganda, offers a unique beauty in its culture and people. Known as the "City of Seven Hills," Kampala is the capital metropolis where traditional charm meets creative modernity. Visitors can explore town marketplaces, indulge in award-winning cuisine, and experience the city’s rich heritage through museums and landmarks. Nature lovers will appreciate the lush gardens and nearby wildlife adventures, while those seeking a night on the town enjoy lively music and entertainment. Kampala promises a memorable journey near one of Africa’s most culturally diverse and fastest-growing urban cities.
- Best time to travel: June to August, December to February (peak season), May and November (off-season), March to April, September to October (shoulder season)
- Time zone: East Africa Time (EAT)
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
- Language(s): English, Luganda, Swahili
- Noteworthy: Rolex Festival (August), Nyege Nyege Festival (September), B-Global Indigenous Hip Hop Festival (September), Nile Gold Jazz Safari (October)
- Best for: East African Culture, Outdoor Adventure Seekers, Eco-Friendly Getaway, Festivals and Nightlife
Get Away: Getting To And Around Kampala, Uganda
By Air
Book a flight to Kampala through Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main gateway, located about 25 miles from the city. Major airlines like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates offer international flights to Entebbe from destinations worldwide. From the airport, travelers can reach Kampala by taxi, ride-hailing services, or private airport transfers, which typically take about an hour depending on traffic.
By Car
Getting around Kampala by car is convenient, but requires patience due to heavy traffic during peak hours. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available and offer affordable and reliable transportation. For a more local experience, opt for special hire taxis or hire a private driver for greater flexibility and comfort when exploring attractions.
By Public Transit
Public transit in Kampala is an adventurous way to explore the city with matatus (shared minibuses) being the most common option. These minibuses follow set routes and are an affordable choice, though they can be crowded and require some familiarity with local landmarks. For shorter distances, boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are a quicker alternative. Prioritize safety by choosing reputable services like SafeBoda, which provides helmets and adheres to safety standards.
Explore Kampala, Uganda On Foot
Walk pedestrian-friendly areas like downtown Kampala, Nakasero Market, and Buganda Road with plenty of sights, shops, and street food vendors. Due to Kampala’s hilly terrain and congested traffic, it’s best to walk during daylight hours when possible. Just remember to stay aware of the surrounding area and book a guided tour to get a full experience of Kampala.
Quick facts
East Africa Time (EAT)
Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
English, Luganda, Swahili
Good For
East African Culture
Outdoor Adventure Seekers
Eco-Friendly Getaway
Festivals and Nightlife
Keep in mind
- Rolex Festival (August)
- Nyege Nyege Festival (September)
- B-Global Indigenous Hip Hop Festival (September)
- Nile Gold Jazz Safari (October)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In Kampala, Uganda
The Lawns Restaurant crafts a menu of unique recipes with the freshest ingredients served in a garden setting. Enjoy a variety of options like breakfast favorites, burgers, soups, salads, grilled entrees, curries, and more.
Take a breakfast, lunch, or dinner break at Café Javas with healthy food options like smoothies, green juices, salads, and veggie bowls. Known for its friendly service and relaxed atmosphere, it’s also an ideal spot for a quick coffee and pastry in Kampala.
For an impressive selection of sake and craft beers imported from Japan, Yujo Izakaya serves fresh sushi and unique hot dishes. Don’t forget to visit their Little Kobe Japanese Market for authentic take-home items like miso pastes, wasabi, and Japanese spices.
Exceptional dining meets panoramic 360° views of Kampala’s skyline at the Golden Hill Restaurant and Lounge. Enjoy breakfast at the café, cocktails at the rooftop bar, and fine dining for a special or romantic evening.
Indulge in a world of flavors at one of Uganda's leading restaurants, Piato Restaurant, where each meal is a culinary journey to France, Mexico, Greece, and beyond. Dishes include American and English breakfasts, vegetarian choices, and international-inspired dishes for every course.
Savor freshly baked bread, pastries, and gelato at La Patisserie, perfectly paired with expertly crafted coffee and continental dishes. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials and famous regional desserts.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Kampala, Uganda
Book Kampala’s Best Experience Walking Tour for a half-day adventure to the iconic Uganda National Mosque and Independence Monument. Local guides take visitors through artisan markets and share insightful commentary about the area.
The One-Day Jinja Tour and Nile River Experience explores Lugazi's sugarcane and tea plantations along the majestic Ssezibwa River Falls. Guests stroll through Mabira Forest and cruise the origins of the Nile at the Mahatma Gandhi monument in Jinja.
Take a guided cycling tour across Lake Victoria for an active and scenic adventure that combines biking with a boat ride. With bikes and helmets provided, expert guides lead guests through dirt trails to explore hidden and historic areas.
Take an exhilarating 12-mile full-day whitewater rafting adventure through the Nile’s thrilling rapids in Jinja with complimentary transportation. Choose between grade three or five rapids with free GoPro helmet footage to experience the Source of the Nile.
Embark on the Gorilla Trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This all-inclusive, multi-day journey also includes scenic stops at Lake Bunyonyi, Mbarara, and the Equator at Kayabwe.
Join this hands-on cooking class for typical Ugandan food and master the art of preparing traditional dishes like matooke. This half-day small group experience teaches guests how to make a delicious homemade meal with vegetarian staple dishes.
Unwind with a Luxury Spa Day in Entebbe, perfect for recharging after adventurous activities around Kampala. Amenities include saunas, a steam room, massage packages, and hand and foot treatments with unlimited refreshments.
Soar on the zipline adventure with obstacle course across Extreme Adventure Park Busika’s two 147-meter ziplines with breathtaking views. Visitors can test their agility on the obstacle course, perfect for beginners and advanced skill levels.
