17 Best Things to Do In Kampala

Did you know that Kampala was initially built on seven hills?

Yes. It was built on Old Kampala Hill, Mengo Hill, Nakasero Hill, Namirembe Hill, Lubanga Hill, Kololo Hill and Makerere Hill.

Pretty awesome, yeah.

That’s why it has the tag City of Seven Hills.

But today, the greater Kampala sits on at least 21 hills

Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Kampala.

If you love history, the Baha’i Mother Temple offers a unique chance to travel down memory lane. The temple was the first and the sole Baha’i house of worship on the African continent until early 2021.

Perched on the Kikaya Hill of Kampala, this religious site will offer a serene retreat away from the bustling and noisy City. Tour the temple to learn about the Baha’i faith and even picnic on the temple’s lawn. You can also join the faithful in one of their services and make your visit memorable. 

This particular shrine is one of the biggest Christian pilgrimage sites on the African continent. The famous Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine Namugongo is dedicated to the 22 Martyrs who were murdered under the command of the former Kabaka Mwanga II. The incident is believed to have taken place between 1885 – 1887.

June 3 is a national public holiday in Uganda. On this day, the country celebrates Martyrs’ Day, commemorating the 23 Anglican and 22 catholic martyrs murdered during that period. If you are lucky to be in Kampala around this time, you will see thousands of people make their pilgrimage to the shrine.

Popularly referred to as Lubiri and Kabaka’s Palace, the Mengo Palace is the famous abode of the Buganda King (kabaka). As much as you won’t be allowed to go inside the palace, you can visit the site and have a great view of the plush grounds, besides getting a history lesson regarding the Buganda kingdom.

While in Mengo, you may also have a chance to see the tunnels used by dictator Idi Amin to detain and torture his political prisoners. Within the Royal Mile stretch, you might also see two of the oldest tortoises in the world, living in Uganda.

Your visit to Kampala will only be complete with a tour of the Uganda National Museum. Touted as one of East Africa’s oldest museums, the facility offers a broad look into the country’s history, putting it atop the list of the best things to do in Kampala. The historic facility displays a wide range of pre-colonial African history and traditional musical instruments. It also showcases the traditional lifestyles of different tribes in Uganda and its ethnography. You’ll need to visit the museum to understand Uganda’s past. 

Constructed as a gift from the late Libyan President, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the Gaddafi Mosque is one of Kampala’s most popular tourist destinations. The iconic house of worship is home to a 272-stair skyscraper. When you are in Kampala and want to enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the city, visit the Gaddafi Mosque. It is on your list of the best things to do in Kampala.  

The Kasubi Tombs are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kampala. The huge hut, made out of organic material, is a former burial site for four Buganda kings (Kabakas) and several other royal family members. The tombs present an excellent example of traditional architecture. They are yet another good opportunity to learn more about the history of the Buganda kingdom.

Undoubtedly, the Ndere Cultural Centre is home to the best dance troupe in Uganda. The dance groups usually perform cultural music and dances from various tribes nationwide. Apart from the dance and music, they also do comedies and serve guests a sumptuous dinner buffet and barbeque. Make a reservation if you plan to attend the show in Kampala.

Besides being the biggest tropical lake in the world, Lake Victoria is also famous for being the source of the great River Nile. The lake is home to diverse species of sea life, and picturesque shores are always teeming with fishing activities. Hence, it is an ideal getaway from the busy capital life. Set one day aside for a trip to the biggest inland water mass on the African continent and have lots of fun. And

The Uganda National Cultural Centre in the Ugandan capital is not only home to the Ugandan National Theatre but also houses the Nommo Gallery. The cultural center offers a platform for performances – a performing stage, a cinema hall, and a gallery showcasing both local and foreign artists. If you love art, you can’t miss to include a visit to the center as one of the best things to do in Kampala. 

Whenever we travel, we all love to take souvenirs back home as a reminder of the places we visit. If you are out to get souvenirs, some additions to your wardrobe, or home goods, the craft markets in Kampala are where you can find a good bargain.

 Visiting any local craft market is a lot of fun as it allows you to hone your bargaining skills. The Craft Village, located right behind the National Theatre at the Uganda National Cultural Centre, is one of Kampala’s most popular craft markets. 

The Uganda Independence Monument is in the heart of Kampala City, next to City Square Park. The monument depicts a wrapped-up man standing erect while holding a child aloft. If you love historical structures, you should include the Independence Monument as one of the best things to do in Kampala. 

It is among the most prominent landmarks within the Ugandan Capital. The monument was constructed by Maloba, a Kenyan student studying at Makerere University, just before Uganda gained its independence in 1962.

Like in most East African countries, Boda Boda (motorbikes) are a popular means of transport. However, the noisy Ugandan Boda Boda scene is uniquely captivating. One of the reasons why Boda Bodas are in demand is because they can reach most interior parts of towns and villages where vehicles cannot navigate. If you want to feel like a local, taking a Boda Boda ride around town will do the magic.

Expos and festivals are always a creative way of bringing people together; there are plenty of such events in Kampala. Several festivals and expos take place in the City, where people can display various businesses, tourism, agricultural products, innovations, and fashion ventures in the country. Visiting one such event might be one of the best things to do in Kampala. 

Taking a walk in Kampala is the best way to tour some of the major sites within the City and have a natural feel of the local scene. There are several walking tour guides in Kampala that you can hire at an affordable fee. Some places to explore on foot include popular markets and the old taxi park. You can also sample Kampala nightlife by taking guided walks through some of the popular nightspots and bars in the City. 

You can crown your visit to Kampala with a tour of the most prestigious university in Uganda. Prominent people, including Kenya’s former President, the late Mwai Kibaki, and other well-known figures from the East African region, are former students of Makerere. 

Established in 1922, the institution is located on Makerere Hill, about 3km from Kampala city center. The university has a rich history as Africa’s first and oldest institution of higher learning. A visit to the university can give you a first-hand experience of the Kampala lifestyle from a student’s perspective.

Nakasero Market is your one-stop shop for everything from souvenirs to fresh produce. It is a perfect place to experience Ugandan culture and haggle for some bargains.

The Nile River is one of the longest rivers in the world and an excellent place to go white-water rafting. Several companies offer rafting trips for all levels of experience.

Which of these best things to do in Kampala will you try first? I love rafting on the Nile River. If you want someone to take you around, you got it. Drop us an email or call, and we’ll get you some of the most incredible packages.