Best 5 Places to Go Self Driving in Uganda
Uganda is one of the best destinations where travelers can enjoy self drive adventures. Boasting of ten national parks, the country is gifted with lots of attractions that tourists yearn for. Below are the most popular five places that are often crafted into tour itineraries for travelers taking self guided adventures;
Kibale Forest National Park
The popular Kibale national park is known to be the home to Chimpanzees and 13 other species. These are found in the great forest with unique plants and trees. The park is a neighbor to Rwenzori national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, semliki national park and visiting this place can be combined with the above mentioned tourist attractions.
It is possible to rent a car and drive yourself to this park. Even though Chimpanzee tracking is done on foot, you can park your car at the headquarter and then do the tracking.
There are two tracking sessions, the morning session and the evening session. When a client does the morning session, in the evening there is an option of visiting the Bigodi swamp. Besides Bigodi there are also other places you can visit like the Amabere gannyina mwiru, Crater lakes, Nyakasura hills etc.
Accommodation in Kibale for a self-drive client include, Kibale forest camp, Primate lodge, Kibale safari lodge, Isunga lodge, Then in fortportral, there is Kyanninga lodge, Raja hotel, Mountains of the moon and etc.
You can easily get your Uganda car rental and then drive to Kibale National park, Queen Elizabeth National park and then end with Gorilla tracking in Bwindi national park. Our 4×4 Jeep are reliable and you can visit all those parks with no problem.
Due to availability, tracking chimpanzees or habituation permits needs to be purchased prior. We can reserve for you the permit or purchase it from Uganda wild life Authority.
Camping is possible on some of the accommodations around the park. There are many other tourist destinations that can visited on self-drive in western Uganda. Some clients opt to track gorillas in Mgahinga national park which is near the border of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Just inquire with us, we have good cars.
Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls
Eastern Uganda is unique with different attractions and the landscape. Hire a car with us and drive yourself to Mount Elgon National Park. The park offer different routes/trails to reach Wagagai the highest peak and the most common one is the sasa trail.
The car can be left parked at the lodges or park headquarters and then hike the mountain. The park officials will organize for you the porters and guides to the highest peak.
The eastern region also offers the sipi falls located on Mountain Elgon. It is a series of three water falls found at the foot hills of the mountain. Sipi falls is one of the most visited sites in Uganda and one of the beautiful falls in Uganda.
Clients do nature walks to falls and enjoy the beauty and unique features there. Local people are the guides to the falls. On doing this activity you are helping the local people direct.
Sipi falls is found in Kapchorwa district near the border of Kenya. The mountain is shared between Uganda and Kenya and each country organizes hikes to the mountain.
From Sipi or mt Elgon, you can drive your car and visit the Nyero paintings, drive to Kidepo national park, Enjoy different cultures around the Bagisu, Sebei, karamanjong and many more.
Accommodation around Elgon include sipi sunset lodge, Mount Elgon guest house, Mt Elgon Hotel, Noah’s Ark hotel, Sipi river lodge, Mbale Resort hotel etc.
Camping sites are also available on some lodges and hotels around. You can hire a car and sleep in accommodation or go with camping equipment to cut the costs or enjoy sleeping on top of your car.
Eastern Uganda region is known for producing people good at athletics, the best people representing Uganda outside in athletics comes from Kapchorwa and the neighboring regions.
Lake Mburo National Park
The smaller Lake Mburo national park is one of the parks found near; you can drive there in one day and do the game drive or any other activity. The park is found in western Uganda and it can be visited on your way to Bwindi, or when coming back.
Though the park is not so big, it has many attractions and others cannot found elsewhere. Some of the animals the park offers include the Zebras, Giraffes, Impalas, Elands, Buffaloes, Defassa waterbuck, Leopards, Hippos, hyenas, topi and reedbuck. The park has the Lake Mburo where you can take a boat cruise and enjoy the sundowner.
There is horse riding at Mihingo lodge, Mountain biking, Then in the park, other activities include night game drives, cultural visits and etc. Among the accommodations in the park include,. Acadia cottages, Mihingo lodge, Lake Mburo safari lodge, Rwakobo Rock Kigambira safari lodge, Hyena hill lodge, pogo safari lodge, Mburo eagles nest and others.
From Lake Mburo national park, you can continue to Bwindi National park, Queen Elizabeth Lake Bunyonyi. And crossing the borders to Rwanda. We offer cars to cross the border but you need to inform us about it in an inquiry such that we give you necessary information and paper work to cross the car.
Some clients go to Lake Mburo with their families to enjoy weekends there. We have cars for families, both small and big and also in case the family need a good driver we have them for hire.
There are campsites in Lake Mburo national park where you can pitch your tent or park the car with rooftop tent. Weekend deals, Easter weekends, public holidays, Honey moon, all those services we offer and we have cars that can accommodate you. We have discount for Easter weekends and others even if the rental is short.
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Kampala’s Spicy Lingerie Shops
Unless you have been recently teleported in from the dark ages you are probably aware that women like to keep their lingerie collections updated – both because they like to buy and wear attractive garments but also adding a spark to their relationships. And, it’s not just a ‘women’s thing’. More men are starting to catch on surprising their girlfriends, fiancés, and wives with lingerie as presents and surprise gifts.
Obviously, when buying intimate apparel there are a few factors to be taken into consideration… things like knowing what color best suits a woman’s skin, her size, the type and quality of the lingerie she prefers are all important elements to be considered.
“Bottom line: men think lingerie is sexy, classy and feminine,” says Rachael Awori, a sales assistant at Kingspark Intimates explaining why lingerie is a good turn on for most men. “Most times the guys buy what they would love to see their women putting on and not necessarily what the women want or suits them and, as much as I find that a selfish act, it’s the act that counts”
Where to Buy Lingerie in Kampala
A lot of shops and boutiques around Kampala have notice the trend and demand for lingerie and have begun selling it. Where to the desired quality is another entire issue entirely.
Lauma Lingerie
Kingspark Intimates is a lingerie shop on the third floor of Garden City Mall and it also has a branch at Metroplex mall in Nalya. They specialize in two lingerie labels: Triumph and Sloggi. They deal in all kinds of lingerie ranging from ordinary panties and bras, to minimizers [which make a woman’s cleavage appear smaller and are not padded], Zero- to-Sexy [which gives cleavage a slight pushup], multi-way bras [which can be worn strapped, strapless, criss-cross and halter neck], glamorous bras [which are unpadded and netted], and push-up bras. They also carry bras for teenagers, and ‘tube tops’ [which have no padding, underwiring or straps]. Garters are often bought as women find them funky and more seductive.
Their range of other lingerie is broad and can be intimidating for the uninitiated with body stockings, bikinis, tangas, knicker shorts, french cuts, briefs, hipsters, high waist lingerie, edible panties, c-strings, beaded strings, t-stings, and body shapers (for those who want a flat midriff), bum enhancers, hip enhancers, breast enhancers, nipple covers as well as a wide range of lingerie for pregnant and expectant mothers. Prices range from 37,500 UGX to 120,000 UGX.
Another shop that sells lingerie is Stylz, found in Cham Towers on Kampala Road. They specialize in designer lingerie and deal mostly in the Marks & Spencers brand. Charity Lara, the shop attendant recommends women buy cotton lingerie as it absorbs heat and that they also consider comfort when choosing the kind of lingerie to buy.
Around the Ntinda area, the S&S Shop located on Capital Shoppers City Mall specializes in ordinary lingerie and nighties from the USA and UK as well as ‘body magic re-shapers’ for women which give a slimmer appearance as well as and re-shaper vests for men. Their prices range from 100,000 UGX to 150,000 UGX. Jenniner Kemigisha, the proprietor of S&S explains that ladies should buy high quality products which last longer so provide more value in the long run rather than cheap products which are uncomfortable and wear out quickly. S&S can be reached by email at: jenniner03@gmail.com
Woolworths is another great place where to shop for a wide variety of lingerie. Located in the Garden City Mall with branches at Metroplex Nalya and Tirupati Mall (in Kabalagala). Lingerie there ranges from 20,000 UGX to 300,000 UGX. They can be reached by phone on +256 (0) 414 240 102/ +256 (0) 792 764 119 or visit their website www.woolworths.co.za.
Still can’t find what you’re looking for – either for yourself or that special someone? There are smaller shops dotted around in Pioneer Mall on Kampala Road, in Ugandan House, King Fahd Plaza, and Kamu Kamu Plaza to mention but a few. There’s also quite a few second-hand lingerie shops popping up in outdoor markets around the city.
So, if you’re looking for lingerie you can certainly find it no matter the neighborhood you’re in an if you think of lingerie as expensive and hard to find, think again!
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Weekly Car Hire in Uganda
Clients have different tests and preferences, there those who prefer car rental for short periods. We also hire cars for short period starting from a day to more days. This can be done with a driver or self-driving.
Uganda has different attractions to offer, others are not so far. They can be visited by clients on weekly rentals. Some of them include, Lake Mburo national park, Murchison falls national park, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Jinja with white water rafting, Bungee Jumping, boat cruises and many more,
Some clients come for very shirt conferences, meetings like for weekends, and we have cars that can accommodate them. Luxury cars for VIP are available. Low consuming cars, Petrol car or Diesel, Manual and Automatic Transmissions.
Honeymoon rentals are available, you will just have to mention what you prefer in an inquiry and our representative will serve you accordingly. We can suggest for you good lodges for Honey moon, inform the lodges for special arrangements.
Some clients opt to go out for weekend rentals to a quiet place just to refresh their mind and reboot their life. We have weekend offers and we can suggest quite places to go like the Mabira forest, do some activities like Horse riding, visit the source of the Nile, zip lining and many more.
Places to visit around Kampala on short rentals include, Namugongo Shrine, Uganda museum, Buganda parliament, Bahai Temple, beaches at Entebbe, Mabamba swamp, gardens, Uganda wild life Education centre etc.
With short car rental in Uganda, the car can be big like land cruisers jeeps, or small SUV,s , it can be a camping safari whether rooftop or ground tents. Clients can decide to go with driver or on self-drive,
Some visitors come for business and they can get free time in the middle of their period of stay, you can use this time to explore what Uganda has to offer, ranging from wildlife, primates, birds, water activities like rafting, cruises, Zip lining and many more.
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12 Unique Hotels in Kampala – check them out!
Looking for where to stay in Kampala? Here are my 8 unique hotels in Kampala that i think you will love to stay in during your holiday in Uganda! – I thought choosing this shouldn’t be a problem and indeed it isn’t but the trouble is keeping it to 8. I am afraid I have got to say right from the start that this will be broken – no promises here!
What to Know about Kampala Hotels
Not different from Paris and London of this world, Kampala has got some of the finest to be proud of and by any standard these 8 or so hotels will leave their mark. The beauty; the surrounding, the layout and the type of rooms (not different from what you would find in Chicago or New York) is what makes them unique – the bonus is; they are crowned with a Uganda touch!
OK then, here we go with my 8 unique hotels in Kampala and with out following any order of merit;
Speke Hotel
First on my mind is the Speke Resort and Conference Centre. Right at the shoreline of Lake Victoria, it is the ideal place to chill out. It’s got a thrill that will grub you and particularly about Uganda’s beauty with a detailed touch of precision. Its Olympic size swimming pool is a plus (try it if you think you are good enough to represent your country). This resort simply graces the shore of the lake and for me, its very much a top 10 in Africa. You probably wouldn’t take your eyes off this one… and what a way to kick off these unique hotels.
It offers a range of facilities; A 5 star restaurant, excellent conference facilities, luxury cottages and the Speke equestrian Centre that will offer you a horse riding holiday including lessons if you wish which you could round off with a boat ride on Lake Victoria. Still looking for places for your honeymoon?
Protea Hotel Kampala
… While you are still at that, you can make your way to the Protea Hotel Kampala. Set in Kololo – an upscale suburb of Kampala, this 4 star hotel will gracefully give you 5 star services at no extra cost. 59 luxury rooms plus 11 lavish en-suites and a modern hi-tech gym will provide you with an amazing way to spend a night or two.
Serena Hotel Kampala
And then the hotel for Mother Nature lovers – kept to the thyme of depicting Uganda’s greenery and beauty, the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Right in the heart of Kampala with an artistic impression that brings out Uganda’s lakes and rivers, this 5 star hotel blends the African flair, social style and business consistency that will keep you coming back for more… It has a rock sculptured pool deck and water falls with over 150 world class rooms that will guarantee your memorable stay in Uganda.
Emin Pasha Hotel Kampala
Finding its way into my 8 unique hotels is the Emin Pasha hotel – have you been there? Yah right! You could be one of the ‘been there done that’ but wait a minute; this little cosy, with a rich ambience hotel will take you by surprise.
It’s got no attributes to the big chains and yet has a character of its own. Its Fez Brasserie and Wine bar is probably the finest to eat and drink in Kampala.Try it…
Hotel Le Petit Village
With exactitude, the Hotel le Petit Village is a piece of class. Someone has called it the ‘charming oasis’. This lovely family-friendly hotel is the perfect way to escape from the rush of Kampala. Lovely food too and the out door pool adds to the flair.
Sheraton Hotel Kampala
Then comes the controversial one – Yes! In a sense that you will have to prove me wrong on this. The Sheraton Hotel Kampala certainly squeezes its way through to my 8 unique hotels. It’s stood the taste of time! One will say it’s passed its glory days but wait a minute, you won’t beat its location (right in the heart of Kampala) and just when you step in, it welcomes you with that ever relaxed ambience.
It’s with in reach of the central business centre of the Capital and as a meeting point; it will give you the ideal atmosphere to crack that business deal.
Lake Victoria Serena Resort
Oh, and here comes probably my best; The Lake Victoria Serena Resort – right at the shoreline (am I just obsessed with the lake view? – hmm!). They say; ‘it’s styled to replicate the lines of a classically rustic roman villa’. This luxury residential complex is magnificent. Lovely poolside and great service! …
…I however have my reservations on the roads that lead to the complex – they are in serious need of some TLC but don’t let that kill the excitement, once you over come the bumpy roads, paradise will break loose!
Grand Imperial Hotel
And while you are pampered at the Serena Resort, you can make your way to Grand Imperial Hotel – its history stems way back to the colonial times as one of the first hotels to be built in Kampala. With over 100 elegant rooms, the grand imperial is right in the heart of the central business centre of Kampala. Look no further if you are looking at a stay for business – it’s quite ideal.
Mosa Court Apartments
Does that make my 8 unique hotels? Sorry there is just one more; Mosa Court Apartments – thought I should say something about this little paradise. For business or pleasure and particularly if you are looking at a long stay – this is the ideal place which will save you a few $s too. Its location is very central to the Capital.
Hilton Garden Inn Kampala
Little known by tourists, this is one of the new hotels to watch in Kampala.
Conclusion
…Did I say one more? This list will go on and on irresistibly but last but not least, the Speke Hotel in Kampala. The Bar at the Rock Garden is certainly my best – you will love the ambience there. And talking about Kampala nightlife, if you are the kind that loves a bit of dancing, you can catch some music here at the weekends. Nice place to entertain your clients/visitors!
My 8 unique hotels in Kampala are not cast in stone and a lot of things could have changed as I finish writing this. A lot of new hotels are also coming up. You will see lots of reviews and stories about these places and more here, make you choice – I trust for most of it, you will agree with me.
Go on and tell me what you think about my 8 unique hotels in Kampala – you could have a thing or 2 to share about your experience at these places or any other – any thing that you think will help the other visitors OR have you discovered Kampala’s new paradise?
Write Your Story
Do you have a story about my Unique Hotels in Kampala? OR do you want to tell about your new found paradise in Kampala? Go on then, any thing but imagination and fiction… Share it
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Best 10 Religious Sites to Visit in Kampala
For faithbased travelers, Uganda also features as one of the best destinations for faith tourism. Within Kampala alone, there are many religious sites that are all worth visiting. In this article, we highlight the best religious touristic sites that are worthy visiting in Kampala. This list is growing and and we are still adding more sites onto the list!
Rubaga Cathedral
The Rubaga cathedral is one of the most visited sites. Also known as St. Mary’s Cathedral, this is the seat of the catholic church in Uganda. It is located within one of the most stunning hills in Kampala, the Lubaga Hill. It is famous for its memorials of the first African catholic bishop who was martyred for introducing Catholicism to Uganda. This is also the headquarters of Catholic Church in Uganda and there is a rich history to go through if you take a guided tour around the cathedral! The building is also stunning since it was built in the gothic style!
The Bahai Temple
You can also pay a visit to the Baha’i temple which features as the only Baha’i temple for the whole continent of Africa. It comes in stunning domed cathedral on Kikaaya hill off the Gayaza road. It features beautiful green gardens where you can relax and meditate during your visit. There are also some birds that include brown parrot, palm nut vulture, pied crow, black and white casqued hornbill, hadada ibis, double toothed barbet, speckled mouse bird, laughing dove, blue spotted wood dove, ring necked dove, black kite, great blue Turaco, woodland kingfishers, stripped kingfisher, scarlet chested sunbird, fort tailed drongo, ruppels long tailed starling, red billed fire finch and many more.
The Gaddafi Mosque
Gaddafi mosque is another area that you should consider visiting for the excellent views of Kampala as a whole. The mosque is spectacular on its own way and visitors can walk around while taking photos. It was established by the former Libya leader Colonel Gaddafi and it is the biggest in Kampala.
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo
Don’t miss paying a visit to the Uganda Martyrs shrine in Namugongo. This is a world class attraction and the most known religious site in Uganda. From here you can explore more about faith tourism in Uganda and the Uganda Martyrs who were murdered for denouncing the Kings powers at a time.
The shrine is situated about 15 kilometers east of city centre along Jinja road. It from this place that about 14 out of 22 Uganda martyrs sacrificed their lives to Christ on the orders of King Mwanga in 1886 when they refused denounce their Christianity. The site has become an incredible tourist attraction and thousands of pilgrims from different region gather here every year on 3rd June to pay pilgrimage in this area.
Would you like to tour these sites? There are many sightseeing tours in Uganda that are available.
Going on a Self Guided Trip:
You can also plan a self guided tour with a rental car from Self Drive Uganda, a local car rental agency based in Kampala.
Guided Tour:
See Kampala in a new perspective by booking a guided tour today!
Best Kampala Bridal Wears
Diane Komunda is one of Kampala’s most accomplished designers. Her shop, Ever After Limited, is found in Bukoto. Before Ever After, she learnt her skills with Arapapa, another big fashion house in Kampala. With a career spanning almost a decade, she is comfortably suited to understand what the trends of wedding garments will be even in the future. We asked her what drives Kampala’s brides when they are seeking a wedding dress.
What brides’ gowns are trending these days, in your opinion?
From the Cinderella/ ball gowns that seemed timeless not so long ago, about three to five years back, the trends are now more into fitted gowns; the ‘Silhouettes’ that fit from the bodice to just bellow the hip area and then it builds up from that point .
How are today’s garments different from the past?
People are now more aware of their bodies and growing more confident, not afraid to show their African shape. Thus, they are able to follow the trends as they come, which was not the case in the ‘90s and early 2000’s. The hemline, for example has moved up several inches from mid leg to knee and now to mid thigh and this is on the streets of Kampala cutting through all classes of people. The neck line has moved up as well. There is a lot of covering around the bodice. Sleeves are back, especially the Lady Gaga ones. Brides are now into the one-arm sleeve detail and Bird Cage veils, moving away from the traditional all covering veil. The color is changing from all white to ivory, champagne, and a dash of the brides choose colour.
Have you noticed any other trends influencing today’s brides’ choices in attire (like less money or just world styles)?
Brides are now more into unique or fashion forward styles. Most brides are looking to be different so the tailored gowns are becoming a good choice for many as they can get exactly what they want.
When do you have to be more creative – is there a time in the year when designs change drastically?
The wedding season starts when Lent is over – about April – but starts to peak in July to December; December being the highest. That is the time you have to really get creative as you cannot have two bridal parties looking alike. Kampala is too small; they will share some guests.
What are your strengths as a unique designer?
I think it is the ability to work with different materials and not being afraid to try different colours together. Simplicity: less is always more. I try not to crowd the design. Most times, people want three dress designs in one, which just kills the design. Simple but elegant is the secret as far as I am concerned.
How much money on average does the average bride need to spare to get decent attire?
On average, 1500,000 UGX when it is tailored and 1200,000 UGX if one wants to hire.
Do brides come up with their designs most times or do you have to do that with the package?
If it’s tailored, the bride wants something specific. I usually have to come up with a design to suit her body and her desires.
To contact Ever After call: 0712190352
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Top Places to Eat the Best Pizza In Kampala
Kampala the capital city of Uganda has endless choices for places to eat the best pizza. You can spend around 60 cents USD, all this depends on your taste and budget. Here are some of the restaurants that have been carefully handpicked and are preferred by many travelers and culinary enthusiasts. Many of the restaurants are reasonably priced for the foreign travelers and they are quite cozy and suitable for individuals, families and larger groups of travellers. These restaurants include the following;
Domino’s pizza
This is a sort of copy of the domino’s pizza in the United States of America but there is no comparison. You won’t fail to like their pizza, it’s the best, the cheese and Domino’s price ranges from US$5.99 for the large pepperoni pizza. It is a perfect value for money and one of the best pizzas in town.
Café Roma
This is a great restaurant with great tasty food and their pizza is without doubt excellent. It does have pepperoni but the salami instead is extra lovely.
Palm café pizzeria and bar
This has got the wood fire oven pizza, great toppings, crispy crust and the best price. It kind of reminds you of the New York style pizza and there is lots of cheese. It is located before the Reste corner on the left up from Kabalagala.
Antonios grill
This attracts a crowd of majorly young revelers and it is just about everything in between. This restaurant is filled with the conversations of nearly a hundred people eating, drinking and chilling. Their main cuisine is pizza but they also serve African, international and burgers. They open every day from 7:00am to 11:00Pm. Antonios provide free parking, takeaway, family friendly and home / office delivery. It is suitably located in Nakasero, central Kampala.
Café Ceylon is a restaurant and a café
This prepares and serves a unique fusion of gourmet, art and culture around Kololo. It surely stays so true to its authentic dishes like Lumprais and also swaying away to serve you with delicious French pastries. The cuisines served include pizza, café and burgers. They work every day from 6:30am to midnight and it is located at Kira road Kamwokya, a suburb in Kampala. They offer facilities like free parking lot and takeaway.
Cayenne Restaurant and lounge
This is located in the Centre of Bukoto and it offers various cuisines ranging from Indian dishes, Italian and Pizza to continental options. One can enjoy their pizza while relaxing at the cool breeze of the swimming pool and cozy up in the style low-slung or one may feel more comfortable chilling at the high car bar counter. Their main cuisine is pizza, burger and multi cuisines. They are open the whole week from Monday to Saturday and facilities offered include; free parking lot, happy hour, full bar, delivery, family friendly and takeaway.
Mr. tasty
This is a new definition to fast foods, everything related to the good chicken, delicious pizzas, burgers and good fries are what define Mr. tasty. Whenever you are just go try them out because it has many branches like Mr. tasty Ntinda, Mr. tasty freedom city, Mr. tasty Lugogo and Mr. tasty Shoprite clock tower. They operate every day from 8:00am to 10:00 pm. The facilities offered include free parking lot, delivery, take away and dine in.
Taste Budz restaurant
This is located on the capital shoppers building in Ntinda. It is the very first thing one sees due to its perfectly colored banners in white and red. The seats are very cosy and comfortable as one sees in through the glasses. It serves fast foods only like pizza, burger and chicken. They provide facilities like the free parking, take away, dine in, disabled access and also family friendly.
Sponsored by hotels Uganda
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5 Must See Landmarks in Kampala
Kampala doubles as the major town and capital city of Uganda where all people from walks of life meet. For the very first time with in the city you will meet vast number of land marks ranging from the magnificent building structures, monuments and so many features. Most notable land mark in Kampala include;
The parliament of Uganda
It is located on the on-Parliament Avenue the junction which intersects Kampala Road at Nando’s. Parliament building was built between 1956 and 1961 housing the legislative arm of Uganda’s government. The building can be Identified and visible in a distance, it’s from this building that the legislators pass the constitutional laws.
Ghadaffi mosque
Standing upon one of the Kampala seven hills a visible dome is recognized and that it is the old Kampala mosque commonly known as Ghaddafi mosque in remembrance of his hand of support upon its construction. The magnificent mosque is on old Kampala hill with a sitting capacity of more 4000 people. The mosque is open for tourists for viewing but the only condition is long skirts or covering for ladies and removing shoes as you walk into the mosque. The beautiful views usher you to the top of the mosque where you will view Kampala at 360 angle degrees.
Independence monument
Kampala holds a number of monuments each symbolizing something different but one independence monument stands out to hold a lot of meaning attached to it. Uganda was colonized by the British and held slaves that the common man had no say for the future not until Uganda gained their freedom from the British rule on the 9th October 1962. The monument symbolizes a woman standing on ground while lifting a baby in air, the woman with a roping around her body looks at a little boy in her hand who raises his hands in jubilation that is free from the bondage of colonialism.
Rubaga cathedral
The two-tower roman catholic church is not outstanding because it’s on one of the seven hills but the architecture alone is beautiful. The land on which the church sits was formerly Kabaka Mutesa I palace not until it was burnt down by fire and he relocated to Mengo hill. His son kabaka Mwanga 11 donated the land to the French missionaries who had come to preach the gospel and they set up the church. In 1914 the missionaries began constructing a modern cathedral at Rubaga and Construction was completed in 1925 consecrated on 31 December 1925. Inside the church building the remains of the first African Catholic Bishop and Archbishop of Kampala Diocese lie.
Kasubi royal tombs
These are the recognized burial grounds for the Kabaka’s in Buganda and other royal clan members. In Buganda they believe the Kabaka doesn’t die but thus disappear in the forest. The kasubi tombs were built towards the end of the 19th century, the Kasubi Tombs site is a notable Kampala landmark and well worth a visit, particularly if you are interested in Buganda cultural history or traditions. The tombs themselves are housed within ‘kabakas’, buildings made from reeds and bark. Buried here is Kabaka (King) Muteesa I and his royal descendants, Sir Daudi Chwa II and Edward Muteesa.
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The Lawns: Try Wild Game & Exotic Meats in Kampala
Are you tired of the same old steaks, ribs and chops? Ever thought about wildebeest, or crocodile as a main course? Well why not live dangerously and these meats a try at The Lawns.
The restaurant is set in a spacious garden on Impala Avenue, off Upper Kololo Terrace. The Lawns is a venue for a variety of occasions from lazy Sunday afternoon drinks, cool evening jazz, date night with your partner or happy hour from 5-7pm with colleagues. The Lawns ticks a number of boxes in the Kampala restaurant stakes.
There are comfortable sofas on the lawn in which you can hide, and a covered dining area for a more intimate dining experience that shelters you from the elements as well as a cosy bar with screens for those wanting a venue to watch that all-important match without the crush of the crowds in other places. During big sporting fixtures, such as the World Cup and Wimbledon, a large screen is erected for better viewing. To entertain the children, there are a number of semi-tame rabbits who hop across the lawns. As yet, they only appear outside and not on the menu!
While the pleasant ambiance is a draw the Lawns is best known for the exotic options on its menu.
Meat: Wild meats to be specific. The Game Platter (52,000 UGX) is perhaps the most famous menu item, with a selection of 10 oz of wild meats, including kudu, impala, crocodile, wildebeest, ostrich, springbok and blesbok. Helpfully, the meat arrives with flags bearing the name of each meat. The platter is served with potato wedges, sautéed vegetables, and a range of delicious dips such as tamarind, garlic mayonnaise and chilli chutney. The meat is well cooked but tender and in the case of boks, carry such subtle and delicate flavours, that the dips are almost overpowering. Not all of the wilder options are available every day, so if you are after one in particular, it is worth phoning ahead to check the supply.
In addition to the mixed platter, unusual meats find their way into fusion dishes elsewhere on the menu. Ostrich works well in a burger, providing a moist, but not fatty, alternative to the regular beef variety. It also works surprisingly well as meatballs in a traditional Indian kofta curry sauce. For those in the market for a really wild night with friends or family, there is an option of a crocodile tail at 150,000 UGX. This is definitely one for sharing, and must be ordered in advance.
If you prefer your wild animals in a park rather than on a plate, there are plenty of other good choices on the menu. A range of sizzlers give an interesting twist on the usual muchomo, and there is a distinctly Indian influence which provides for exciting fusion dishes. Vegetarians might find their selection limited but the Paneer Shaslick (14,000 UGX) comes highly recommended for veggies and non-veggies alike.
The restaurant is open seven days a week from lunch time until reasonably late and just launched a new lunchtime menu for those who don’t have the time to linger before returning to their desks. Since service can be a little slow at times, this could lure a number of busy professionals from their nearby offices. However, with lunch starting at UGX 30,000 for two courses, this might not be an everyday lunch choice!
The entire venue is available for private function hire, and there is an air-conditioned conference room for corporate events.
It is worth heading to The Lawns fairly early to take advantage of happy hour, and to ensure a space in the limited car park. For those arriving a little later, there is on-street parking in Impala Avenue with askaris.
The restaurant has a website: http://www.thelawns.co.ug/ but better to check their Facebook page which is kept regularly updated with new items and specials: https://www.facebook.com/thelawns.kampala. Should you wish to phone, the numbers are: +256 (0) 414 250 337 or +256 (0) 312 515 373.
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5 Reasons You Deserve a Car Rental in Kampala
Whether you are going for a safari trip or a business conference, there are loads of reasons to hire a car in Uganda. Hiring a compact car or a large 4×4 SUV offers the standard mode of transportation to take you from one place to another. If you need a means of travel that is convenient, fast, and exquisite, car hire will serve you right.
Here are the five reasons that would make you rent a car in Kampala for your travel adventures.
- Car rental offers exclusivityOne of the major merits of renting a car is that not so many people can afford it. You will be one in a million to use the services. And we all love to stand out from the rest. It even gets better when you rent a luxury car such as a Landcruiser V8. You might find out that you are among the few people on the road cruising in such an exquisite car. Additionally, it will only be you to use the rental car. You will not have to share it with anyone else unless you have an entourage you may have traveled with.
- Rental cars are cleanerThe covid-19 pandemic may have taught us how important hygiene is. Luckily enough, rental cars are not shared, so there is a good opportunity to find them cleaner. Normally, before it is delivered to the client, it is taken to the washing bay and thoroughly cleaned up. A clean car provides a conducive traveling atmosphere which every traveler would very much want to have.
- Car hire is safeSafety is one of the most important aspects one has to look at while traveling especially in a foreign destination like Uganda. Car rental will guarantee that. The rental cars are always in great mechanical condition. The car rental is also private, you don’t share it with strangers who may steal your belongings. More so, if you are booked a car and a driver, the drivers have a good tracked discipline record and they can also offer you protection in case of any threat.
- car rentals are all-roundWhether you wish to go for a safari, business trip, wedding, birth party, prom night, dinner date or visit family and friends, car rental serves you. This kind of transport service is not restricted, you can use it for any kind of travel venture as long as it is legal.
- Renting a car commands esteemPeople going on a business trip should hire a luxury vehicle. It will not only create a good impression of you among your clients but also boost your confidence. Meeting your clients in glamour and pomp creates an aura of confidence which everyone needs when cutting any business deal.