Exploring Kampala: 10 of the Best Sights and Activities
Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda, located at the southern end of the country’s Central Region. As the largest and most populous city in the country, Kampala is a vibrant and bustling city, offering a great variety of sights and activities for visitors to explore. From ancient sites to modern shopping centers and from lakeside resorts to wildlife parks, Kampala has something for everyone. Here is a list of the 10 best sights and activities in Kampala.
1. Visit the Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cultural sites in Uganda. Located on a hill in the city center, the tombs were built in 1881 as a burial place for the Kabaka (king) of Buganda. The complex consists of four royal tombs, a palace, and several huts. The tombs are an important site for spiritual rituals and ceremonies, and visitors can observe traditional music and dance performances taking place in the complex.
Book a tour of the Kasubi Tombs
2. Shop at Nakasero Market
Nakasero Market is one of Kampala’s main markets, located in the city center near the Nakasero Plaza. The market is well-known for its wide selection of fruit, vegetables, and spices, as well as its numerous restaurants, clothing stores, and souvenir shops. Visitors can spend hours wandering through the market’s narrow alleyways, bargaining with vendors, and sampling local delicacies.
Book a tour of Nakasero Market
3. Take a Boat Ride on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake and the source of the River Nile. The lake is located just outside Kampala and is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore its many islands and enjoy its beautiful scenery. Visitors can take a boat ride around the lake, go fishing, or visit one of the many islands to experience local culture and wildlife.
Book a Lake Victoria boat ride
4. Explore the Uganda Museum
The Uganda Museum is located in Kampala’s city center, near Nakasero Plaza. The museum is a great place to learn about Uganda’s history, culture, and wildlife. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits about Ugandan art, culture, music, history, and more, as well as take part in special workshops and events throughout the year.
Book a tour of the Uganda Museum
5. Go Wildlife Spotting in Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba Swamp is a beautiful wetland located just outside Kampala. The swamp is home to an incredible variety of birds, including shoebill storks and other rare species. Visitors can take a boat ride through the swamp to spot these birds, as well as other animals such as monitor lizards and otters.
6. Visit Lubiri Palace
Lubiri Palace is a historic palace located in Kampala’s city center near Nakasero Plaza. The palace was originally built in 1885 as a royal residence for the Kabaka of Buganda and is now open to visitors. The palace complex consists of several traditional buildings, including a palace, meeting hall, dance hall, and many huts. Visitors can explore these buildings and learn about traditional Ugandan culture and customs.
7. Explore Buganda Kingdom
Buganda is an ancient kingdom located in central Uganda that was once ruled by a powerful Kabaka (king). Visitors can explore the kingdom’s ancient sites such as Kasubi Tombs, Lubiri Palace, and various other cultural sites to learn more about traditional Ugandan culture and customs.
Book a tour of Buganda Kingdom
8. Go Shopping at Garden City Mall
Garden City Mall is one of Kampala’s largest shopping malls, located just outside the city center in Kololo. The mall has an impressive selection of international brands, including clothes stores, electronics stores, furniture stores, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and more. Visitors can spend hours exploring the mall’s many shops and dining options.
Book a tour of Garden City Mall
9. Visit the Uganda National Mosque
The Uganda National Mosque is one of Kampala’s most iconic buildings, located near Nakasero Plaza in the city center. The mosque was built in 1906 and is an impressive example of Islamic architecture with its grandiose domes and intricate designs. Visitors can explore the mosque’s interior to admire its beautiful artworks and learn more about Islamic culture and customs.
Book a tour of the Uganda National Mosque
10. Visit Mabira Forest Reserve
Mabira Forest Reserve is a large rainforest located just outside Kampala on Lake Victoria’s shores. The forest is home to an incredible variety of plants and animals, including monkeys, butterflies, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can take hikes through the forest to spot wildlife or simply relax in its peaceful atmosphere.
Book a tour of Mabira Forest Reserve
Kampala offers visitors a great variety of sights and activities to explore during their stay in Uganda’s capital city. From ancient sites to modern shopping centers, from lakeside resorts to wildlife parks – there’s something for everyone in Kampala! Use this guide to explore some of the best sights and activities that Kampala has to offer during your visit to this vibrant city!
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