Running in Kampala
Bright colours, headbands and the tightly laced sneakers of a runner have become an everyday sight in Kampala’s landscape. John, a self-professed running addict, runs for 30 minutes most mornings through his neighbourhood in Naguru. He has been running for three years now and while initially the reason was to keep healthy now he runs because he enjoys it. When he goes three days without running he says he feels a little unbalanced. Whenever John runs, he now sees more people on the trail with him. To him, this is a good indication that more people are taking up running or that those already involved are being consistent with it.
Running is easy because there are next to no rules. John refers to it as the lazy man’s exercise. All you need, he says, is some road and to put one foot in front of the other. It is cheap and there is no special gear required. You do not even need a map although some runners choose to run designated trails. Like any venture he urges some caution. His golden rules are running in well lit places and carrying your cell phone.
For the aesthetic mind, a scenic route is a good choice. In Kampala, those interested in a bit of a challenge can run on hilly terrain. While there are a number of running trails in the city many people, like John, choose to run near their homes or workplaces for convenience.
WalkJogRun.net is a U.S. based website dedicated to mapping running trails. People from across the world can map their running or walking courses. Caitlin Seick, a marketing associate at WalkJogRun.net, confirms that they have some routes in Uganda which were all created by members on the site. Some of their routes can be found at: http://www.walkjogrun.net/running-routes/Uganda/.
Running goes beyond just exercise for WalkJogRun.net. They also partner with charity organizations to promote running events such as the recently held Run Awake 5k for the Achon Uganda Children’s fund.
For others, it is easier to run in a group. The Kampala Hash House Harriers are the most well-known running group in the city. Although they are dedicated runners it appears that running is their secondary objective – the primary one being to meet people and have a good time. As they say, they are drinkers, with a running problem or runners with a drinking problem.
The eccentricities of the group are widely detailed – members can be ‘punished’ for stretching before a run, or showing up with a new pair of shoes by having to drink a beer, or soft drink, out of one of their shoes. Punishments can range from having beer tossed at you to you having to wear a toilet seat around your neck while kneeling inside a circle of the other runners.
The Kampala Hash House Harriers meet on Mondays at 6pm at an earlier communicated place and run a trail set by the trail master. This can be anywhere in the city so the routes are posted online. Martin Fowler, known to the group as ‘Hacking Bush’ (nicknames/hash handles are another custom of the group) says membership is as easy as simply showing up with 8,000 UGX. The trails change constantly.
In addition to the weekly runs, the Hashers also hold a number of running events. In February, the Hashers tackle the 7 Hills Run around Kampala, an affair that is topped off by lots of celebration and drinking, of course. Another event on their calendar is the Jinja Relay in early July. The Hash Bash is the final running event of the year. All this fun also has some heart to it. At the end of the year they give a surplus of their collections to a charity of their choosing. Find them on their Facebook page.
Popular Marathons
There are annual Marathons in Kampala. The biggest group of runners in the city can be spotted at these events;
- Kabaka Birthday Run: This is organised in April every year in remembrance of the birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. This event normally runs on the Sunday before 13th April, the birthdate of the Kabaka. The event attracts thousands of Ugandans in Kampala and it has the 5km, 10km and 21km. There is always a Community cause for this event. More details about the Buganda Road race can be found on their site and Facebook page. https://www.bugandatourism.com/events/kabaka-birthday-run
- The MTN Kampala Marathon: The marathon is held in November every year and there is a particular cause to run for! It has the 42km, 21km and 10km legs. It also caters for disabled participation. Both professional and amateur runners dabble at the yearly event. Preparations for this are serious as there is a generous prize for the winner.
- The Buganda Road Race is another annual running event organised by the Buganda kingdom.
Organizations and communities such as the International School of Uganda also hold charity runs.
Read More
Top 10 Tourism Activities to Do in Kampala
The idea of spending a day in Kampala is good. After all you never want to visit a country like Uganda and depart without seeing its capital Kampala which grown big spreading over 21 hills. It is a busy city with a population of 1.4 million people, and during the day, some streets downtown can have traffic jam congestion and that’s why there are lots of boda bodas/ motorcycles (such as Uber, Safe Boda, Taxify) because it’s easy to use and ride to many sights and attractions within a short time.
Kampala’s top attractions such as are found in the city center within a walking distance while others are in a driving distance in its suburbs such as Kasubi, Mengo, Old Kampala, and Makerere University, Kamwokya. While you may expect to start early morning at around 9am, you may not see everything. So if you have got a day in Kampala, here are a few options to give you an itinerary of the places you would like to visit.
Sightseeing around Kampala
Kampala sightseeing bus is the only sightseeing bus tour service in Kampala. It offers the best way to see lots of sites of Kampala city in a short amount of time just 4-5 hours drive. The Kampala sightseeing bus is double decked and features Wi-Fi and a drink and snacks on board. It sets off by 10am at BMK house next to hotel Africana and the afternoon schedule begins at 2pm from the same venue. It moves slow to allow everyone take pictures of some of the sites of Kampala including the independence monument, Uganda parliament where you might spot some politicians, Sheraton hotel, Naksero market, kabaaka’s lake, Lubiri Kabaka’s palace, natawetwa monument, Bulange the parliament of Buganda kingdom, lubaga and namirembe cathedrals, kasubi tombs, Makerere University, mulago hospital among others. There are some stops for refreshments at selected places.
Go shopping at craft village at national theatre and Buganda road or around malls, supermarkets and food markets
Kampala has a thriving scene of arts and crafts, malls and supermarkets and food markets. If you are looking for arts and crafts, souvenirs, visit craft village at National Theatre and Buganda road, there you will find shop and stall after another full of colorful African arts and crafts made in Uganda and those imported from around the great lakes countries. Spend some time exploring the shops to buy your favorite items and remember to bargain for lower prices. Great shopping centers located within the city Kampala include Acacia mall, mega standard supermarket, shop rite and many other large supermarkets. If you want to see food scene or grab fresh fruits, Nakasero market uptown is a great starting point with a variety of fresh fruits.
Independence monument
Uganda obtained her independence from the British imperial government on 9th October 1962. The independence monument tells a story of freedom from British imperialist rule. Visitors will see a 6 feet monument portraying a woman holding and raising up a child to touch the sky. While the Ugandan independence occurred without any bloodshed, however the woman is depicted to be rising from the bondage of slavery and colonialism. No matter the political reasons associated with the site, the monument remains impressive and historical for Uganda. It is located in its garden between grand imperial and Sheraton hotel making the site difficult to miss.
Find some culture
Uganda museum located 1.5 km from Kampala along kira road in Kamwokya is a great place to start. Uganda museum was founded in 1902; it has over a million collections.
You will find a guide to take you through exhibitions to explore the history, culture, wildlife and traditional life of Uganda. For art, the Margret trowel art galleries in Makerere University and at national theatre are home to great paintings.
Gaddafi mosque
A day in Kampala would not be complete without a visit to Gaddafi mosque. The Uganda national mosque is situated on old Kampala hill. It is famous for its 50 meters high tower. When you climb at the top, take pictures and marvel at the spectacular views of the entire Kampala city straddling over 21 rolling hills.
Eating out
Eating out restaurants and options in Kampala are limitless. There are many restaurants cater to all prices, and are open all day long and at night making Kampala a haven for food lovers, with every type of cuisine found around the world. Besides, there’s a famous Royal dish of Buganda kingdom called “Luwombo, a blend of chicken, beef, G-nuts, Matooke wrapped and cooked in a banana leaves. Make sure to taste it if you really want to delight your food experience.
Book on your phone and order for food if you have Jumia app. It lists the favorites and gives discounts when you order online. Find the reviews of many restaurants is endless on trip advisor including Mediterraneo, Café Javas, Lawns, Fang Fang Restaurant for Chinese, Yuzo Izakaya for Japanese, African pot.
Explore Buganda Kingdom Palace and Parliament
The Lubiri (royal palace f Kabaka of Buganda and Bulange (parliament) are some of the most famous buildings in Kampala. The palace was built in 1922 and bulange in 1958. Visitors can tour the two historical sites by a guided tour to learn history, culture and traditions of Buganda. The torture chamber inside Bulange gate, tells the political history of Uganda during Obote and Idi Amin regimes.
The walk the royal mile walk which connects the entrance gates of the palace and Bulange features monuments of leopards, lion, monkeys, mud fish which you can learn about the culture and traditions of various clans of Buganda, the largest traditional kingdom that dates back from the 13th century when it was formed.
Kasubi royal tombs
This UNESCO world heritage site is a burial ground for the former 4 Kabaka’s of Buganda Kingdom. It was built in 1882 and remained intact until 2009 when it was destroyed by fire.
Read More6 Major Spots to Check Out in Kampala
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. Kampala was founded in the 19th Century, when the king of Buganda had his seat in the hills. The name “Kampala” originated from a British Lord Captain Frederick Lugard on which he built his fort. Originally, the city was limited to a small area of about 50 square kilometers. Historically, this city was dominated by wetlands and hills which form natural breeding grounds for Impala and other members of the antelope species. The Kabaka or King of Buganda ruled this place and turned the hills into his hunting grounds. To date, Kampala city is made up of five divisions namely: Kawempe, Nakawa, Central, Rubaga and Makindye division and each division is represented by a member of Parliament to enable services reach the common man.
As far as security is concerned, Kampala city is tightly guarded by a number of police posts and Army barracks among other security forces. Tight security in Kampala has enabled people to do a number of activities day and night however, less work at night in Kampala but chilling takes the bigger percentage. Would you like to take a tour in Uganda and experience Kampala Nightlife? If you’re ready to get your taste, here’s a look at six major spots you could check out during your visit to the city.
Centenary Park in Kampala central division –
Centenary Park is a small area of bars and restaurants off the side of a shopping mall. It’s more conducive to a few friendly drinks with friends than a night of shenanigans. Laftaz Comedy Lounge hosts events during the week, with plenty of lounge seating to kick back on with a cocktail and enjoy the show. Alternatively, bars like Kyoto are perfect for spreading out with some friends and a round of beers.
Acacia Avenue in central division –
Acacia Avenue is among the shinier streets in Kampala and home to the Acacia Mall and some few higher-end apartments and hotels. If you want to entertain your friend please add Acacia Avenue on your list because the place is littered with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. For me it was the perfect spot to catch up on some sports. Further along the avenue are bars such as The Wink and Casablanca, attracting a more local crowd. For this reason, they’re perhaps a little more intimidating for the regular tourist. The hustle and bustle of Kampala during the day transforms into vibrant nightlife after dark.
Ntinda in Nakawa division –
Not far from Acacia Avenue is the Ntinda area, which is somewhat of a more contemporary and chic area of the city. Its indie flavour makes it quite popular with students, and it’s also littered with little restaurants and bars (some of which are a bit high on the price scale). Koko Bar, filled with stylish students at night, blares music out its windows into the street. A few blocks away — just outside Ntinda — is the popular Cayenne, which doubles as a restaurant and is one of the more well-known bars in town.
Kabalagala in Makindye division –
Kabalagala is strategically situated at Ggaba road making it easier to connect to Gaba beach and other beaches at the shores of Lake Victoria. I wouldn’t say Kabalagala is dangerous, but it is definitely a different vibe than places like Acacia Avenue, and if it’s your first day on the continent, you may feel a little out of your depth. The clubs are big, loud, and crowded, so if that’s your scene, this is where you should head. Basic common sense is more than enough to keep you safe. There are also many venues to choose from, so it’s a good idea to head there with a local friend or guide to help you bar-hop through the best of them.
The Industrial Area in central division –
If you like your nightlife experience with a bit of flash, the Industrial Area is your best place to chill from. While in Industrial area expect to see blazers, high heels, short skirts, shiny sofas, and glitter. There are several clubs in this part of town, but Club Guvnor, Club Silk, and Club Play among others are the devilish trio that keep people sliding on the dance floor until sunrise.
Salsa nights –
Latin dance scene in Kampala. Salsa is big, along with other dances like bachata and kizomba. Almost every night of the week the dance community will gather in one of the bars around the city, usually starting with a free (or very cheap) beginner’s lesson followed by social dancing. This is a great way to meet new people, learn new things and meet Kampala to people up close.
Best 8 Weekend Trips You can Take from Kampala
Everyone desires to live in Kampala but time reaches when you will feel the need to escape from the city bustle. And weekend trips are definitely the best alternative to you that city escape and you will experience something unique. Choosing that one exceptional place for your weekend trips from Kampala may also seem challenging but with the check list below, you will get back home when filled with lots of memories.
Entebbe
Entebbe is that one place anyone planning for weekend trip from Kampala should consider a must-visit while on Uganda safari. A visit to Entebbe offers the best relaxation and chilling experience for anyone in need for affordable weekend trip. It is set on the scenic shores of Lake Victoria the world’s largest fresh water lake, approximately one hour’s drive off Kampala capital city. It is accessible by special hire taxi, private vehicle or matatu bus. Its strategic location makes it a perfect weekend/romantic getaway in Uganda. There are many places for visitors to stay, bars and restaurants as well as a lot more for you do including visiting the Botanical gardens, boat trip on Lake Victoria, visit to the reptile village, relax on its beautiful sandy beaches.
A visit to Entebbe also lets you explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Center where most rescued wildlife species are taken care of. Move around or embark on an exceptional behind the scene tour for you to interact with locals.
Jinja
Popular as adrenaline adventure capital in East Africa, Jinja prides itself as a home to the source of the Nile. Jinja is about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kampala capital city and straddles just on the banks of the River Nile. A weekend trip in Jinja lets you take part in various thrilling adventure experiences including white water rafting, kayaking, boat cruise, boat cruise, jet boating, bungee jumping, horseback riding around the local communities adjacent the Nile.
Sipi Falls
Head out to Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda to explore and experience this scenic site. The Sipi Falls is comprised of 3 magical waterfalls and it is approximately 6 hours’ drive from Kampala. It is set at elevation 1775 at th foothills of Mount Elgon and it is perfect to explore on Uganda safari especially by enthusiastic hikers. Hiking to the Sipi Falls lets you feel and refresh yourself with fresh air and get the best of its breathtaking sceneries.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is 4 hours’ drive away from Kampala making Uganda’s most accessible park. Its easy access makes it the perfect weekend getaway from Kampala capital city. Lake Mburo National Park was established in 1983 and sits in an area of about 270sq.kms which also makes it one of the smallest national parks in Uganda.
A visit to Lake Mburo National Park while on Uganda safari lets you explore and experience its diverse wildlife species which sprawl in its vast savanna grassland including among others lions, leopards, buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, impalas, warthogs, klipspringer, burchells zebras, hippos, topis, elands, jackals and over 350 bird species including martial eagles and red-faced barbets in the acacia-wooded savannah, pelicans, fish eagles, herons, papyrus yellow warblers and African fin foots in the wetlands, bronze tailed starling, crested crane, Coqui Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, blue napped coucal, Nubian woodpecker, pennant winged nightjars, swamp flycatchers, go away bird, bronze tailed starling, shoebill stork.
A weekend gateway to Lake Mburo National Park allows you take part in different activities including game drives through its magical savannas, bird watching, boat cruise, horseback riding to mention but a few.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Founded in 1997, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is set in Nakasongola district about 7 kilometers away from the Kampala-Gulu highway and about 176 kilometers from Kampala. It is where the wild Rhinos thrive which makes them the major attractions within the Sanctuary. However, it also inhabits about 300 species of birds including among others the African pied wagtails, Barred warblers, Curlew Sandpiper, African pygmy kingfisher, Fan-tailed widow cuckoo, the Dark-caped yellow warblers, the double-toothed barbets, Eurasian Hobby, Emerald-spotted wood Dove, Africa morning Dove, Egyptian goose, Common waxbills, African open-billed storks, crested francolins, the African Paradise Flycatcher, Augur buzzard, Crowned hornbills, Dusky tit, Bare-faced go-away bird, Black and white Manikin, Eastern grey plantain eater, Barn swallow, Bat Hawk, Red-knobbed coot, the red-rumped swallow, Red-throated Wryneck, red-winged Doves, Ross’ turaco, Sacred Ibis, Rufus-billed herons, Saddle-billed storks, the Sand Martins, Black and white shrike flycatcher, Goliath Herons, Black-crowned waxbills, giant kingfishers, yellow-fronted canary, black crowned Tchagra, foxes weaver, the black-bellied Bustard, shoebill storks, Red-headed weavers, Scaly-throated honey guide, Scarlet-chested sunbirds, sedge warblers, wood sandpiper, semi-colored flycatcher, the grey-backed fiscal shrike, Blue-napped mouse bird, grey-backed Camaroptera, blue-cheeked bee-eater, Green wood hoopoe, blue-breasted kingfisher, green crombec, white0winhged terns, Black-winged bishop, greater blue-eared starlings, black-shouldered kites, great sparrow hawks, black kites, grey crowned cranes, great reed warblers, great egret, black-headed gonoleks, yellow-billed shrike, grassland Pipit, black Cuckoo, Senegal Coucal.
Visitors on Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the best stopover point. While here, you can embark on rhino tracking, nature walks among other activities.
Murchison Falls National Park
Set in Northwestern Uganda about 4-5 hours’ drive away from Kampala, Murchison Falls National Park is of no doubt a premier safari destination in the pearl of Africa. It is an exceptional weekend gateway destination worth exploring while on Uganda safari. Murchison Falls National Park sits in an area of about 3840 square kilometers which makes it the largest of all the ten national parks in Uganda. Its iconic tourist attraction is Murchison falls-which is one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls which you can witness squeezing itself in a narrow gorge of not more than 8 meters before plunging about 43 meters. A weekend trip in this national park offers you a chance to explore its huge concentration of wildlife including among others the African bush elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, warthogs, as well as over 451 bird species including the rare shoe-billed stork, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, white-thighed hornbill and great blue Turaco.
Kibale Forest National Park
Set in Western Uganda, approximately 5 hours’ drive away from Kampala, Kibale Forest National Park is another most incredible site worth exploring on weekend trip. It is a perfect site to visit by primate lovers, especially if you are interested in chimpanzee tracking experiences. Kibale Forest National Park is the ultimate destination for primate safaris in Uganda given its unique concentration of 14 different primate species. It sits in an area of about 795sq.kms, inhabiting about 13 primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, pottos, bush babies, olive baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys as well as over 350 bird species.
Ssese Islands
Ssese Islands are magical islands on Lake Victoria and comprised of 8 different islands. They feature untouched pristine rain-forest with Bugala Island being the largest of all, about 3 hours by ferry. These islands are perfect for weekend trips and offer the best relaxation and chilling environment for you and your dear ones. Others include Banda Island which is about 4 hours boat ride from Entebbe, Bulago Island to popular Pineapple Bay Resort.
In summary, think of weekend gateway and think not beyond the above listed places and you won’t be left regrets in your life!
Read More14 Tourist Activities to Do in Kampala
Looking to exploring Kampala, the capital of Uganda? There are lots of interesting things to do in the city of hills. From leisurely activities to interesting cultural tours, there are amazing activities that you can engage in while in Kampala. Here are 14 things to do in the city;
Go Shopping
Kampala is an exciting city for shoppers as everything you may need is readily available. Most shopping in Kampala is concentrated in shopping malls and up market large chain supermarkets and shopping centres. Beautiful views, good restaurants, malls like Village mall, Oasis mall, Acacia, Garden City for shopping are found in Kampala. Then go street shopping in Kikubo, Gazaland, Galilaaya for new stuff, Super markets like Aponye, Freedom city, Nakumatt, Tuskys, Shoprite. Places like Lugogo, Nakumatt, Garden city, make someone feel and atmosphere of typical western shopping malls, with a mix of supermarkets, luxury goods and fast food outlets. If you want luxury goods, especially European and American brands, then the following malls are probably your best bet if you like to do all you’re shopping in one place.
Craft Markets
While Uganda may not be known within Africa for its crafts, there are good markets where you buy souvenirs after taking a Uganda Safari. There are local souvenirs as well as those imported from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are various craft markers within Kampala to find craft markets that offer good options for souvenirs. The largest craft market is on Buganda Road, Central Kampala and is open 7 days a week. Be careful to shop around and haggle before buying anything. Cheaper and often better, however, is the Jukali handicraft village commonly known as the ‘Friday craft market’ up in Nsambya, off Gabba rd. It operates to some extent every day but as you can guess from the name only really comes into full force on Fridays. It has a good selection of artwork, jewelry, wooden and stone sculptures as well as a small amount of fabrics.
Visit the Bahai Temple
There are thousands of people in Uganda that practice the Bahai faith and there are only seven Bahai temples in the world. One of these temples is located on the outskirts of Kampala, on top of one of Kampala hills. You can walk through the beautiful gardens or get a short tour and information about the Bahai faith and other related information. It’s a very peaceful and serene environment with great views. Just pay a visit as long as you are in Kampala.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe
The Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe is another place of worship with a great view of the city of Kampala. Being the oldest cathedral in the city, Namirembe Cathedral is the regional cathedral of the Church of Uganda. The current building, which was constructed using bricks, is the fifth to be built, as previous structures were ruined. It is almost 100 years old and is held to be one of the most noteworthy places of worship in Africa.
Kasubi Tombs
There is much history to be explored in Kampala. Kampala is a part of the Buganda Kingdom which is currently ruled by Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II. With the four Kabakas buried at the same site, the Kasubi Tombs became to be known as an important Shrine in Buganda’s history. Each prince and princess who is a descendant to any of these four Kings is buried at Kasubi behind the main shrine. More so, the site has also become culturally important as the cemetery of the royalty of the Buganda Kingdom.
Rubaga Cathedral (Saint Mary’s Cathedral)
There are many cathedrals and other places of worship in Kampala, and at least one is always included in visitors’ itinerary of things to do in Kampala. Rubaga Cathedral is located on one of Kampala’s original hills, Lubaga. It’s the base of the Catholic Church in Uganda. The Cathedral was built in the early 20th century, on land donated by the King of Buganda to missionaries and a Bishop. The views from the cathedral are amazing; the cathedral’s exterior and the building itself are very grand and well built. There’s also a statue of St. Mary in the front and a memorial to the first African Catholic bishop in Uganda.
Uganda National Mosque (the Gaddafi Mosque)
This mosque provides one of the best views of Kampala and is located on top of Kampala Hill. The building is huge and beautifully constructed with a winding staircase that brings you to the top of the prayer tower. It’s the biggest mosque in Kampala, accommodating up to 35,000 people in its main seating area, gallery and terrace. Visitors are allowed to tour and photograph the building. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi contracted to have it built and then gifted it to Uganda for use by the Muslims. The mosque was originally named after Gaddafi but was changed to Uganda National Mosque after his death.
Makerere University
The first university in Kampala and also in Britain’s East African colonies, Makerere is still the most highly regarded. The university boasts interesting architecture and wide-ranging gardens. Alumni include prime ministers and well known intellectuals. Nobel Prize-winning author V.S. Naipaul spent time here as a writer-in-residence, and American travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux once taught from the University.
Mengo Palace
Built in 1922, the palace is the former home of the king of Buganda although it has remained empty since 1966 when Prime Minister Milton Obote ordered an attack to remove Kabaka Mutesa II, the then president. The Kabaka’s Palace sits on Mengo Hill. It’s also called the haunted mansion, because so many were killed on the grounds in Idi Amin’s torture chambers. The palace is mostly uninhabited and being repaired, so it’s inaccessible to tourists, but guided tours of the prison chambers are available.
Owino Market
Owino Market is a chaotic, yet organized marketplace where you can find unique souvenirs, beautiful African print fabrics and any other thing you can think about. There are all types of second hand clothing and shoes in very good condition and tailors abound for any alterations you may need. You can also sample the local cuisine as you wait your clothes from tailors.
The market sells nearly anything you can think of, but the best buys for foreigners are on the African print fabrics sold here by length, and the wide range of second-hand clothes and shoes, including many designer labels. There is also quite an interesting Voodoo market, selling all sorts of wonderful things if you can manage to negotiate the maze and find it! As always make sure to haggle and keep your personal belongings close and don’t wear any obvious jewelry or big handbags.
Visit the Kabaka’s Lake
The Kabaka’s lake is located in Ndeeba along Rubaga road a few kilometers from kampala the city centre. It is neighbored by Rubaga Miracle Center and St Lawrence University. It is one of Uganda’s and Africa’s longest-surviving man-made lakes. The lake occupies an area of 2 km2 and estimated 200feet deep.
Apart from the unique history and tradition that is attached to this lake, it also attracts people as they go to relax there. It is also a home to different bird species. The lake can easily be accessed from the city center. Taxis are available in both old and new taxi park that can drop you to either Ndeba or along Rubaga Road.
Read MoreFun Things For Kids at Wonder World
For a decade, Kampala citizens have had a weekend experience that can include the whole family. This came about with the introduction of Wonder World Amusement Park in Kansanga. Before, the few options included taking the family out to a soccer game with programmes like the Totos or Kampala Kids League.
Wonder World started out as Didi’s World. It is an amusement park in every sense of the word. Unlike other efforts before, such as the Egyptian travelling circus or a small business holding with dangerously squeaking swings and slides, Wonder World has brought the amusement park to Kampala.
For the last 10 years, families have made it a date to go to Wonder World during the weekend or school holiday. On any given Saturday the place is a whirlwind of activity with squealing children riding the slides and calling out their excitement.
The park is huge. It has a movie theatre and a theatre auditorium, which are a draw any time during the week since many clients come calling for conference space or for other such meetings. They have boasted of having East Africa’s largest auditorium, although this is debatable.
Visitors to the park are struck by the sense of bigness and full on fun at the gates. Ornately decorated and perhaps sometimes bordering on the extreme, it is one intriguing design after another right from the entrance to the end. No matter if it is rides or sitting and meeting spaces, details go into everything.
The foyer, the main meeting space, used to be rented out by universities to sit large numbers of students during examinations, giving you a sense of how expansive it is.
At the park, families are familiar with the Polipo octopus ride, a Chinese made contraption that has served for years as Wonder World’s biggest draw. Children around town, when they try to get their parents to take them there many times say they want to go on the Polipo. Others include the Pirate Ship and the different types of swings.
There are over 30 games and slides at Wonder World with children often spoilt for choice on what to choose. Between the bouncy castles, clowns, go-karts, water slides, bumper cars and many other attractions, for children full of energy, it is a delight. For parents, it can result in a child that is so exhausted, they actually go to bed without a fuss.
Getting in is easy because all you have to do is pay the entrance fee of 10,000 UGX, get checked at the security point then everything you decide to do thereafter is up to you. This is the price for each individual. School groups have a package where the first 10 pupils and their teacher enter for free.
Other attractions at the park include comedy nights every Friday evening (8pm) for which one pays 5,000 UGX and dramas in the theatre at 5,000 UGX over the weekend. These are also at 8pm.
The park has a number of restaurants where snacks and food are served. Drinks can also be accessed as there is a bar, for those looking for liquor or just pop for the children. Prices range from 5,000 UGX for a plate of food or fries and goat meat. The prices can go as high as 15,000 UGX for the different spirits on sale.
Face painters and those selling different items have prices in the range of 5,000 UGX to 10,000 UGX.
To get to Wonder World from Kampala City, get on the Kansanga, Bunga, Ggaba matatu in the Old Park. This will cost you about 1500 UGX. Just as you enter Kansanga, past the International University of East Africa campus, you will be at Wonder World. It is on a road called Soweto Road.
Phone: +256-041-4274706, +256 41 4270311, +256 4270196/230
Cell: +256 0712-202443,+256 753 202 443 .+256 750 401 518
4 Famous Places to Visit in Kampala
Kampala city is one of the places you can’t miss to visit ounce on your safari to Uganda, it’s known as the busiest and most entertaining places for tourists as well as urban dwellers. Many entertaining places are located within the city including nightclubs, historic sites, luxury hotels, road side bars, restaurants and many others; all these places draw a variety of tourists all over the world to visit these places. Get a night out and visit the ever raging night clubs, you can hire a car in Uganda plus a driver and drive you around town most of the drivers know each and every good place to go. You will be amazed by what you will find in the city. Here are some of the interesting places to visit within Kampala Uganda’s capital and largest city.
Kasubi Tombs
Uganda is a home to very many cultural sites; however it’s very difficult to visit all of them when on a safari to Uganda. However the easiest to visit is the kabaka’s palace. It’s located just a few kilometers from Kampala. It’s a burial place for over 4 kings of Buganda, so a visit to this place will give you an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Buganda plus also step in the shoes of the King. The Kasubi tombs have been burnt down in previous years (2010 & 2013) but reconstruction is almost through and reopening of the tombs might take place this year.
Kabaka’s Palace
Uganda is known as a cultural melting spot with over 50 tribal groups, The Buganda kingdom is the largest and considered the most popular tribe in Buganda with a charming history and a language used by half the population within Kampala (the central is majorly dominated by Baganda tribe). A visit to the kabaka palace will offer you a chance to learn more about the history, Buganda culture, and how the Baganda live. The palace is situated in mengo just about 20 minutes from the capital center, depending on your means of travel, you can hire a car from a car rental company either on self-drive or with a driver, or you can get there by a tax or a boda-boda.
Discotheques
Kampala is a place to very many night clubs, a visit to one or more will give you a nice experience on a Ugandan safari. You will see how Ugandans dance, from the beautiful Ugandans girls to the vibrating African and urban music, don’t hesitate to dance on the tunes of African vibes. Many Ugandans and tourists always want to finalize their day at a popular night club and have fun from there with their friends, loved one plus meet new friends and just enjoy the night. Some of the popular night clubs around the city Kampala include Angenoir, Amnesia, Ambiance, Fat Boys, comrades Bar, Gavnor among many others
Christian cathedrals
For those who want to visit religious sites Namiremebe and Lubaga Cathedrals are the best places to go and are the most popular Anglican churches in Uganda. The Catholics and Protestants are the major religions in Uganda constituting to over 70% of total Uganda population. The cathedrals are well designed being designed by the Europeans in the late colonial era and still stand to this day, ounce here learn more about the catholic and Anglican religion and how the religion was brought in Uganda. So don’t miss to visit a holy places an experience you wouldn’t miss.
If you are Interested in exploring Kampala City, just book with us through info@ugandaselfdrive.com, we will be more than pleased to organize to any of the above mentioned tourist attractions in Kampala. Or rent a self-drive car from us and explore by your self.
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Best Place To Buy Art And Crafts In Kampala.
Practical items such as toothpaste, soap and batteries should be easy to find across the country and these are well displayed in supermarkets and in many towns, though tourists are advised to bring any more unusual items which they may need foristance medication from home. There are markets and stores that focus on a wide variety of Art crafts and souvenirs where you can buy and remind yourself during your stay in the pearl of Africa. When purchasing these arts and crafts you will impact the lives of those who created it and their families and the person you purchased from. Handmade drums of various sizes, weapons such as spears can be taken apart into a suitcase and curved items using bark cloth and banana leaves.
Someone can readily tell the items from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo – most visitors however will not – at the end of the day you are taking home a piece of Africa as a souvenir or gift for someone as a reminder of your visit to Uganda.
Arts and crafts do exist in Kampala and these include exposure Africa, Uganda art and craft village, Friday craft market and Nommo gallery among others. At exposure Africa which is the craft market next to Daisy’s Arcade in Kampala along Buganda Road stands as the biggest with over 30 stalls and with almost every item found here is shipped from Kenya and many Ugandan sellers always want to know about that. There are many stalls that are filled with tourists which include handmade items from Uganda, Rwanda and even Congo and you can find a big range of handcrafts from wood carvings to leather items from Ugandan shirts and dresses, nicely carved with chairs and tables.
There is a Friday craft market in Nsambya on Ggaba Road where one can practice bargaining skills with the artists and creators of the products and every Friday, there is another option for buying crafts carvings and African style shoes plus sandals which are made locally and even Kenyan items such as soapstone chess sets and many other items. The prices seem to be a bit lower and here they are compared to those of other markets and banana boat which has three exciting shops in Kampala which are easy to find and less than 10 minutes apart from one another and each shop is different and if you are looking for tribal art, the banana boat shop in Kisementi has the biggest selection. They all have smart local items such as better batiks and jewellery, carvings and metal plus stuff from Uganda and several African countries.
There are many other shops which are found in better shopping malls which include Garden city Mall along Yusuf Lule road, Shoprite Lugogo on Jinja road and kisementi along Kisementi on cooper road. There are fair trade shows around the world and also run a local crafts store where
Many visitors to Uganda go for a variety of Ugandan, Congolese and Kenyan art and craft pieces. One of the good things is that when you purchase an item you will be supporting the underprivileged such as the widows who are living with HIV, single mothers and those with minimal education as well as people with physical disability.
Read MoreBest Cycling Holidays in Uganda
Uganda, “The Pearl of Africa”, is blessed with a wide variety of tourist attractions such as rafting on the upper Nile, hiking up Mt. Elgon, climbing Mountain Rwenzori (the Mountains of the Moon), tracking gorillas and chimps and with so many activities across the country both inside and outside the national parks and game reserves. Rhinos can be approached on foot at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Mabira Tropical Rain Forest (Uganda’s largest natural rain forest), a thick, dense canopy covered forest on the Kampala – Jinja highway, provides hiking and cycling trails and with an ideal Rain Forest Lodge good enough for vacation. It is a national forest reserve and its credentials are impressive by any standards. It consists of 312 shrubs and tree species, 287 types of butterflies, 316 species of birds – many of them endemic, 23 species of reptiles, 97 species of moths, and in contrast to other listed inventories some 51 mammal species.
When cycling across any of the four mapped – out trails, a fair number of bird sightings, and mammals, can be recorded. During enroute stops; trees, shrubs, orchids, and insects can be inspected close up. Mabira Forest also offers Uganda’s first zip-lining option, located near the Griffin Falls and can easily be accessed by bike on one of the trails, or via the town of Lugazi by car. Lugazi, has a golf course open to the public should any of the golf-addicted visitors passing through and having time to spare, wish to play.
Adventuring on a bicycle is an upcoming activity/ tourist practice in Uganda’s tourism industry. Borrowing the idea from Rwanda , a country that has benefited so much from this activity since its introduction, cycling is fast becoming an extra activity that tourists take after taking a gorilla safari in Bwindi Impoenetrable National Park and there are many challenges offered by local tour operators in Bwindi. This activity can be done in other areas as well where cyclists can enjoy asightseeing on a ride! Visitors can go around or even through a national park, game reserve/ sanctuary, climb a mountain and even a lake using a two wheeled vehicle (the bike/ bicycle).
Currently, cycling is gaining ground in Uganda that the Uganda Cycling Association has organized a cycling event (Kampala Adventure Cycling 2015 Event – 16/August/2015) along with other associations like The Uganda Tourism Board and Kampala Capital City Authority. Cycling trails and trips are now available covering distances of between 13.3 to 40 kilometers. Anyone visiting Kampala on business and fancying a day out on a bike, this should be one of your options for a workout. Trailing through her rural areas, where there’s little vehicle traffic and safer than cycling along main roads or in the city itself while at the end of it having a serene lake-side setting for a sun downer, a meal, or even a refreshing dip into the swimming pool.
Read MoreEnjoying a Weekend Break in Kampala City
Are you marooned from home, have your money but do not even know what to use it for or where to go over the weekend?Have no one to talk to about this whole thing; the only answer is to go around Kampala probably during the weekend with your family or couple. Renting a car is a solid way to see the best of Kampala. The benefit of a car rental in Kampala is that you have more self-determination and choice at your clearance. Cruising around Kampala in a rental car, will give you the perfect chance to immerse it all in during theWeekend since over the weekend there is less traffic Jam in Kampala compared to the working days.
There are quite many ways of washing away that stress you are having and by this you can drive and visit a number of places within and around Kampala. Some of the places you can visit include: – Golf Course at Kololo and engage in Playing Golf,Visit the Buganda historical Sites Kasubi Tombs, The King’s manmade lake in Ndeeba (KayanjaKaKabaka), Visiting the art and Craft Markets one at Kampala Road and another one at National theater, Shopping at either Nakumatt, Garden City or Shoprite, Some may wish to visit the local markets around at Kampala like the Nakasero,Wandegeya and Kasubi Markets. Others may wish to visit the top religious sites in Kampala that is Bahai Temple, Christ the King Church, Lubaga Church, Namirembe Cathedral or Namugongo martyrs shrine. Cultural dances and drama may also make your weekend perfect and we can find these at Ndere Troupe Center in Ntinda.
For those who love Night life may indulge in going in night clubs like Club Ambiance, Club Silk, Amnesia , Nyondo Pub, Guvnor among others and see how Ugandans party.
Apart from these one can decide to escape Kampala and go to quite places around Kampala with the family. These amazing places that could make your weekend awesome include:-
Jinja (A lot activities can be done in Jinja including White water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Visiting the source of Nile, Fishing, Birding in Mabira Forest)
Entebbe(For those who love fun goes to Entebbe, You can go to the beaches around Entebbe like Lido Beach, Spinner Beach, Resort Beach, Water front Beach, Aero Beach Entebbe, Ssese Gateway Beach among others. Also a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Center or Ngamba Island and see the orphaned chimps may reward your weekend.)
All of the above could only be possible with your rented car from the ultimate car rental company based in Kampala that can offer you with great discounts and the most reliable vehicle (s). For the couple you can opt for a small vehicle (SUV) that carry 2-4 passengers and for the family of about 5 people a Toyota Super custom that carries up to six passengers is quite perfect.
There are two options either to rent a car for self-drive or you can rent a car with a professional driver for instance if you are not familiar with driving on African roads you cannot drive in Kampala. Adrive within or around Kampala would really transform you indeed over the weekend.
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