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Uganda Kampala travel guide
20 things to do in Kampala, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Kampala
- Kasubi Tombs — Grass thatched round house containing the tombs and insignia of Mutesa I, and three northern subsequent rulers of Buganda (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Uganda Museum — museum in Kampala, Uganda (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Rubaga Cathedral — Catholic cathedral in Uganda (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Namirembe Cathedral — Anglican Cathedral in Kampala, Uganda (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Mother Temple of Africa — Bahá'í House of Worship in Kampala, Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Kibuli Mosque — Mosque in Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Aga Khan Mosque — a mosque that is located in Old Kampala (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Kampala Mosque — mosque in Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs — Christian basilica in Namugongo, Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine — Roman Catholic shrine and minor basilica in Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Watoto Church — church in Kampala, Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Miracle Centre Cathedral — Pentecostal church in Kampala, Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Wamala Tombs — Grass thatched round hut very similar to Kasubi tombs, containing the tombs of Ssuuna II of the Buganda kingdom 1856 (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Busega Martyrs Memorial — The Church is adjacent to the location where the first 3 Christian Martyrs where killed under the order of king Mwanga 2 of Buganda Kingdom (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Fort Lugard — building in Kampala, Uganda (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Independence Monument — statue representing Uganda's independence in 1962 (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Twekobe Palace — Official residence of the Kabaka of Buganda within the palace grounds (Lubiri) (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Grand Imperial Hotel — One of the oldest hotels in Kampala, initially known as Grand Hotel (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Mapeera Church — 1st catholic church in Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
- All Saints' Cathedral, Kampala — anglican cathedral in Uganda (visit ≈ 30 min)
2-day Kampala walking itinerary
Starting point: Kololo. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.9 km · 13,350 steps · 2 h 12 min on the way): Uganda Museum → All Saints' Cathedral, Kampala → Watoto Church → Fort Lugard
- Day 2 (≈ 8.1 km · 10,890 steps · 1 h 48 min on the way): Aga Khan Mosque → Grand Imperial Hotel → Independence Monument → Kibuli Mosque
Where to stay in Kampala
- Kololo: Calm, green and safe hilltop area with embassies and boutique hotels.
- Nakasero: The smart area closest to downtown, with large hotels.
- Kisementi / Acacia: Cafés, restaurants and bars; lively at night.
- Muyenga: Hill with lake views and calm guesthouses.
Getting from the airport to Kampala
- Entebbe (EBB): Taxi or Uber/Bolt via the expressway ≈ 45–60 min.
Getting around
Matatu minibuses and boda-boda motorbike taxis are everywhere but can be risky. Use SafeBoda, Uber or Bolt, especially at night.
Classic places to eat
- The Lawns: Game meat and grills in a garden in Kololo.
- Haandi: North Indian food; Kampala’s long-established Indian restaurant.
- Mediterraneo: Garden Italian restaurant in Acacia.
- Endiro Coffee: Local coffee and breakfast in Kisementi.
- Fang Fang: Kampala’s well-known Chinese restaurant since the 1990s.
Romantic views
- Namirembe Cathedral (Sunset): From the hilltop cathedral grounds you see the city's hills at sunset.
- Uganda National Mosque (Sunset): Around the mosque on Old Kampala Hill the city view is broad.
- Ggaba Beach (Sunset): Watch the sunset among fishing boats on the shore of Lake Victoria.
Good to know before visiting Kampala
- Fine: Civilians may not wear military uniforms or camouflage clothing.
- Fine: Photographing military sites, airports, bridges and government buildings is prohibited.
- Warning: A 2023 law imposes very severe penalties for same-sex relations; check official travel advice.
- Warning: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on entry.
- Warning: Traffic drives on the left.
- Warning: Malaria is a risk; ask your doctor about prevention and use repellent.
- Emergency: 112 (police 999)
- Plugs: G, 240V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Uganda, Wikivoyage — Uganda, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Kampala travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Kampala?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Kampala?
- Highlights: Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum, Rubaga Cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral and Mother Temple of Africa. The map has 20 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Kampala?
- Kololo: Calm, green and safe hilltop area with embassies and boutique hotels. Other options: Nakasero, Kisementi / Acacia and Muyenga.
- How do you get from the airport to Kampala city centre?
- Entebbe (EBB): Taxi or Uber/Bolt via the expressway ≈ 45–60 min.
- How do you get around Kampala?
- Matatu minibuses and boda-boda motorbike taxis are everywhere but can be risky. Use SafeBoda, Uber or Bolt, especially at night.
- What is the emergency number in Kampala?
- Emergency: 112 (police 999).
- Do you tip in Kampala?
- About 10% is customary.
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