Kampala walking tour & city guide

Hills and downtown

Old Kampala hill is topped by the Uganda National Mosque, still widely known as the Gaddafi Mosque, whose minaret gives a view over the whole city. Namirembe and Rubaga hills have the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals, and Mengo has the Lubiri palace of the Kabaka, the Buganda king.

The central business district along Kampala Road is the place for banks and shops, while Kololo and Nakasero are greener, with embassies, hotels and restaurants.

A classic day

Climb the minaret of the National Mosque in the morning for the view, then visit the Kasubi Tombs, the burial ground of the Buganda kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, head down to Owino (St. Balikuddembe) Market and the taxi parks to feel the energy of downtown, and end the day by Lake Victoria at Munyonyo or Ggaba.

Good to know

Boda-boda motorbike taxis are the fastest way through traffic; use an app that provides helmets. Kampala has a pleasant climate all year, with drier months from December to February and June to August. Jinja and the source of the Nile are about two hours away.