Uganda city tours take place in Kampala which is an urban center and also the capital city located in the central region of the country. Kampala is also referred to as the city of seven hills because of its unique landscape and the seven hills of the city include Kibuli hill, Nakasero hill, Mengo hill, Makerere hill, Old Kampala hill, Namirembe hill and Rubaga hill.
There are different UNESCO sites which tourists can enjoy visiting during the city tours in Kampala while enjoying the bustling city life.
There is a lot to see during the city tour in Uganda including the following;
- Makerere university
The Makerere University is one of the oldest universities in Uganda and was established around 1922. It is also among the prestigious institutions in Africa.
- Uganda museum
Uganda museum is the go to place for the ethnological and historical exhibitions of the country’s past during a city tour in Kampala.
A lot of items are exhibited at the Uganda museum including beadwork, armory, musical instruments, ceramics and many other tribal artifacts.
- Kasubi tombs
The Kasubi tombs are the burial place for the kings of the Buganda kingdom and also one of the historical sites in Uganda.
The tombs are built in form of huts and on there is bark cloth on the inside of the Kasubi tombs.
- Nakasero market and Owino market
The Nakasero market is located on the Nakasero hill and is one of the markets with fresh fruit and many other food stuffs at an affordable price.
Another central market located in Kampala city is Owino market which has different kinds of merchandise at very affordable costs.
- Kabaka’s palace
Visiting the Kabaka’s palace is an experience that provides insight into the cultural heritage of the Buganda culture.
The Kabaka’s palace is located in Mengo which is one of the suburbs of Kampala and this palace was built in 1922. It is also referred to as the Lubiri palace and was the home of the king of the Buganda kingdom.
The Buganda kingdom has five original clans which include Ffumbe, Lugave, Ngonge, Njaza and Nyonyi. Currently, there are over 52 clans of the Baganda and they include Abalangira, Butiiko, Babiito-Kooki clan, Kayozi clan, Ffumbe clan, Kasimba clan, Lugave clan, Mbogo clan, Mbwa clan, Mamba clan, Musu, Mpologoma, Nakisinge, Ndiga, Ngabi, Ngeye, Ngonge, Ngo clan, Nkejje clan, Njovu, Njobe, Nkima among others.
- Craft markets
Going to the different craft markets around Kampala is among the experiences to enjoy during a city tour in Uganda.
These craft markets in Kampala display many local crafts and art works such as paintings, jewelry, clothing, shoes, baskets, wood carvings among others.
- Ndere cultural center
At the Ndere cultural center, tourists get a feel of the different cultures of Uganda during different forms of cultural performances including Larakaraka, Amatimbo, Amagunju, Bakisimba, Tamena, Olunyege, Ekitagururo among others.
Tourists can also enjoy the local cuisine during the visit of Ndere center which is open on Sundays, Fridays, and Wednesdays.
- Religious sites
Some of the religious sites to visit around Kampala during a city tour include the Namugongo martyrs shrine, Namirembe cathedral, Bahai temple, Old Kampala mosque among others.
The Namugongo martyrs shrine is a religious and historical site where about 22 martyrs were killed by Kabaka Mwanga because of their faith. The Uganda martyrs are celebrated every 3rd June and they were killed because they refused to denounce Christianity.
Tours around the Uganda martyrs shrine is among the activities to do during a city tour in Kampala. The martyrs include both catholic and Anglican martyrs.
Namirembe cathedral is an Anglican church which is found on Namirembe hill and is also one of the oldest cathedrals in Uganda. The cathedral was built in 1890 and from the church, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the rest of Kampala city.
The old Kampala mosque is also known as the Gadhafi mosque and is located in the Kampala city center. Tours around this mosque provides insight on Islam in Uganda and also takes visitors around the mosque to the top floor while enjoying the architecture of the mosque which is also one of the largest in Africa with views of Kampala city. Decent dressing while covering the hands and head is what is expected of tourists visiting the mosque.
- Local restaurants
City tours in Uganda involve visiting different restaurants around Kampala to try out the local food such as Luwombo, Matoke among others.
Tourists can also learn how to prepare the local food in Uganda during these city tours in Kampala city.
Walking tours in Kampala
There are different activities to do during city tours in Uganda including walking tours and also cycling tours.
Exploring Kampala on foot during city tours is very exciting and makes it easier to get closer to experience the daily way of life in the city and also avoid traffic while getting to the different places around the city.
Walking tours in Kampala involve exploring different places around the city including the old taxi park and the local markets, visiting the Independence monument which is a symbol of the freedom of Uganda from colonial rule among other places. These tours in Kampala are done with the help of a local guide and cost about 10 USD to 30 USD depending on the duration of the city tour.
Cycling tours in Kampala
Cycling around Kampala is among the ways to move around the city and the bikes used for the tour can be hired and safety equipment such as helmets are provided.
How to get around Kampala
There are different forms of transport which can be used when touring Kampala and these include private transportation, using boda bodas as well as public transportation.
Public transportation in Kampala can be got from different parks including the old taxi park and the new taxi park where taxis can be got to various places around the city.
Using boda bodas are the easiest and fastest way of getting around Kampala during city tours.
