Kampala City and its Surroundings

A ride through Uganda’s culture and proud people with colorful history is rewarding.
Get the feel and taste of Uganda’s capital city, as we take you through historic sites, galleries, markets, shrines, restaurants and clubs.
Like in any big city, care should be taken, so rather walk in groups or with someone familiar to the city; preferably Eco-Specialists Tours guide. Leave all valuables and important documents in your hotel of residence or keep them with your guide. Be careful at the cash machines.
You will find the tour through the precious capital city of Uganda memorable.
The tour through Kampala city will possibly get you to the destinations below.
Nakasero Market- The lower street market full of spices, fresh fruits, legumes, grains and hand-made household items, beautifully arranged. Proceed to Crafts Village- If you wish to browse through bountiful, unique and witty souvenirs; made by Ugandans or imported from neighbouring countries, this is the place. Proceed to Owino Market- This is the place to buy designer clothes and shoes. The experience is fascinating and you will possibly be able to buy back something for your own! After this hectic movement; settle in a restaurant for lunch.
From here, the other better place to visit will be Kasubi Tombs- A huge dome-like structure that houses the remains of four former Buganda kings: Muteesa 1, Mwanga 11, Daudi Chwa 11, and Edward Muteesa 11. Constructed in a traditional fashion with thatched poles and reeds, the structure houses a variety of artifacts that belonged to the kings.
In the same line, you will enjoy a sight at the Naggalabi Buddo Coronation Site- The historic heart of Buganda at the panoramic hilltop. It was here that the Buganda kingdom began, at the dawn of the 14th century and it is here that every Kabaka (Buganda’s traditional leader) is still crowned to this date.
Wamala Tombs – the sacred burial place for Kabaka Ssuuna 11, who was a powerful Buganda ruler with a fearsome reputation for punishment. Kabaka’s Lake – This Lake was dug out on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga in the 1880’s as an escape corridor to Lake Victoria, but the actual link to the big lake was never achieved as he was driven from his capital by Moslem dissenters. This is the biggest excavated lake in Africa. It will depend on your choice whether to have a packed lunch or go to the hotel. From here you will proceed to the Kabaka’s Palace and Office – this interesting feature consists of two large palaces, connected by a straight road. It is the home to the ruling king of Buganda. You will wind up your day in the National Theatre – this is the home of a number of drama and dance troupes, and frequently stages new productions. The majority of visiting artists will perform here.
Martyr’s Shrine at Namugongo – The spot where in 1886 more 20 newly converted Christians were burnt alive following the command of Kabaka Mwanga 11, after refusing to renounce the white man’s religion. Most of them were Kabaka’s pages. From here proceed to St. Paul’s Namirembe Cathedral – This Anglican church was constructed between 1915 and 1919, with Kabaka Daudi Chwa 11 presiding over the ground breaking as well as the consecration ceremony. Next to that is the St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga - it beautifully graces the hilltop of Rubaga, previously the site for the royal palace of Kabaka Muteesa. Settle for lunch in Namirembe Guest House. Then move on to the Hindu Temple – this sand-stone building was built without a single nail. Adorned with ornaments and symbols, it lights up with thousands of fairy lights during the Diwali and other religious festivals. The Kibuli Mosque – surrounded by the serenity of the palm trees, this beautiful structure atop of Kibuli hill is the center of the Islamic faith in Uganda in Kampala. From here you will visit the Bahai Temple – this is the only temple of this religious sect in Africa. It was started in 1957 and opened in 1961. From its compound you have a superb panoramic view of Kampala and the surrounding country-side. This is such a beautiful site to see. The Orthodox Church – built on Namungoona hill by the donations from Greek and Cypriot families living in Uganda, this little church is located about twenty minutes from the city center.

A Visit to Makerere University may be a prerequisite – This is the oldest and most prestigious university in East and Central Africa. It stretches over Makerere hill and the Main Hall stands at the top, overlooking Kampala in all its grace and beauty. Shortly after here, you will drive to Uganda Museum – a unique collection of ethnological exhibits covering hunting, agriculture, war, religion, witch craft and natural history, as well as traditional musical instruments from all over the continent, and a library of Uganda’s history and culture.
Visit the UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE (UWEC); the world-class animal refuge, which has benefited from much international assistance in recent years. This is not a zoo and none of the animals here are exhibits: all are recovered from poachers and traffickers. Star attractions include; the first (white) rhinos in Uganda since the war, lions, chimpanzees and shoebill storks. A visit is rewarding while in Uganda.