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Tour overview
This 1 Day Kampala City Tour takes you to Uganda’s capital. Kampala is the largest metropolitan area in the country with a population of about 1,800,000 people. Before the British and Arabs came to Uganda, Kampala was reserved as a hunting ground for the Kabaka. It had one of the largest population of Impala in the country and that is where the name Kampala (“The hill of the Impala”) comes from. The rolling hills, valleys and wetlands were perfect habitat for antelopes. The city was built on 7 hills (Old Kampala, Kololo, Mengo, Rubaga, Nsambya, Namirembe and Kibuli) initially but has now grown to cover over 20 hills.
Kampala is Uganda’s major industrial and commercial city. The central business area is composed of shopping malls, banks, forex bureaus, insurance companies, hotels, restaurants, casinos and government offices. Although Luganda is the main language spoken, the population in the city is diverse and you can find people from all parts of Uganda. Almost everyone in Kampala can understand and speak English. The people are drawn to Kampala because it is where all the action, social services and opportunities can be found. The weather in Kampala is great and warm for most of the year because of its location along the equator. For a foreigner, Kampala is the best place to learn and appreciate the cultural diversity in the country.
This 1 Day Kampala city tour will be led by our local Guide who is also the driver. The Guide/Driver will ensure that you are safe amidst all the chaos and activity in the city center. Lunch is included in this tour and the Guide will ensure that you eat some local food like Luwombo, Matooke or rolex. Traveling will be by car but you will walk on foot to most of the landmarks. By the end of this 1 day tour of Kampala city, we hope you would have had a good understanding of the unique culture, behavior, traditions and lifestyle of Ugandans. The city tour can start and end anywhere in Kampala, Entebbe or Jinja.
Note: This 1 Day tour of Kampala can be combined with a general Uganda safari to see mountain gorillas, the big 5 mammals, whitewater rafting in Jinja and so much more.
Included
- Transport with driver
- Entrance Fees
- Local City Guide
- Lunch
- Bottled Drinking Water
Not Included
- Tips & Gratuities
- Any meals and drinks not mentioned
- Any activities not mentioned
- Any items of a personal nature like laundry
Some of the Places we shall Visit
Uganda National Mosque (Formerly Gaddafi Mosque):
The Gaddafi mosque lies on top of one of the prominent hills in Kampala. It was built in 2006 with funds from the Libyan government. The Mosque was commissioned by the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and can accommodate about 17,000 people. From its 90-meter tower, the mosque provides one of the 3 best views of Kampala city center. Apart from the great views of Kampala, the mosque is built with Moroccan architecture and furnished with beautiful carpets.
The Kabaka’s Palace and Buganda Parliament in Mengo:
Also known as the Lubiru, the palace is just one of the several homes of the Kabaka of Buganda. This particular palace is significant because it houses the parliament of Buganda Kingdom – also known as “twekobe”. There are other cultural sites within the palace establishment and you will learn about them from a resident Guide. The local Guide will share information about the Kingdom – dating back to over 800 years ago.
In the early 1960’s, this particular Mengo palace was attacked by government forces under the orders of president Obote. The ruling Kabaka at the time escaped to exile where he remained till his death. Because of the tragic history of the palace, the new Kabaka never spends the night there. President Idi Amin Dada later used the palace grounds as a torture chamber for some of those who were suspected of opposing him. Inside the main gate is a fire source that has remained on since the Kingdom was founded. It only goes off when a King is dead.
Although the Kabaka doesn’t spend the night in the Mengo palace, the parliament building remains within the palace compound. The Kabaka, his ministers and clan heads meet here regularly to discuss all issues affecting the Buganda Kingdom..
Baha’i Temple:
The Baha’i Temple in Uganda is the only one in Africa. Built on top of Kikaaya Hill, the temple is a unique architectural wonder. From the temple one can get great views of the city center and surrounding areas. Many city residents go to the temple just to rest on its beautiful lawns and gardens. On a typical visit, tourists are taken around the facility to learn more about the Baha’i faith. After exploring the inside, visitors are taken for a stroll around the gardens to take photos as they catch beautiful views of Kampala city or spot birds.
The Uganda Martyrs shrine:
The Martyrs Shrines are found in in a Kampala suburb known as Namugongo. The shrines are being about 22 Catholic Martyrs were burnt alive when they refused to denounce Christianity. Every 3rd June, over one million pilgrims from all over the world visit the shrine for prayers and celebrations in remembrance of the Martyrs. Apart from the amazing architectural works, one can also visit a well surrounding the shrine where pilgrims draw water that is believed to provide divine healing and blessings.
Makerere University:
This is the oldest, largest and most prestigious public University in Uganda. Full day Kampala city tourMost of the prominent Ugandans have passed through Makerere. Makerere University has also produced over 7 presidents and some of the most respected professors in Africa (Prof. Ali Mazrui) and great Authors (Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Paul Theroux). Driving inside, the university rewards visitors with beautiful sites of new gigantic structures and the older colonial buildings.
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