Kampala City
Kampala is the capital and oldest city in Uganda. It is located within the central region, neighboring Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa. It is one of the best cities to live in and one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. Kampala is one of the administrative cities that is made up of several hills. It derives its name from the Luganda word” Akasozi k’empala’’ which means the mountain of impalas. In the 18th century, Kampala was a grazing yard for impalas.
This city was an administrative center for the colonialists during the colonial time since they first arrived in the Buganda region. Later, the administrative center was transferred to Entebbe in 1905 after constructing the Entebbe airport, which is about 45 kilometers from Kampala city center.
This city of several hills is administered by the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA), a government body that ensures the’ proper and smooth running of daily activities.
The climate of Kampala City
Kampala’s climate is unique. It is tropical and characterized by two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The city experiences heavy rainfall in April, May, and November, while the rest of the year is marked by abundant sunshine. However, the rainfall is unpredictable, occurring throughout the year and often leading to flooding in the city’s downtown area.
An Administrative Hub
Kampala, now Uganda’s administrative and commercial city, has a parliament, state house, and government ministries for administration. The city also has over 25 commercial banks for economic development. It also has several hospitals, malls, and local markets for fresh fruits. Kampala is divided into the Rubaga, Nakawa, Mengo, and Kira Divisions. The town is approximately 45 kilometers away from the Entebbe International Airport. It can be accessed by road by driving 45 to 55 minutes, depending on the traffic.
What to see on a Kampala city tour?
While on your Uganda safari in Kampala, you will see various attractions. These include;
The National mosque
The national mosque, also known as the Gaddafi Mosque, was constructed by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the former president of Libya. It is the largest mosque in the East African region, built using African, European, and Asian architecture. The mosque is located on one of Kampala’s seven hills. The old Kampala Hill offers the best views of the city from the mosque’s viewing point.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine
Uganda Martyrs Shrine is located on Namugongo Hill. It is one of Uganda’s iconic religious sites. This historical religious site is where Kabaka Mwanga of the Buganda kingdom killed over 45 martyrs of Christianity as a form of rejecting the religion. Every 3rd June, the Uganda martyrs are usually remembered and celebrated at this shrine in Namugongo. Travelers on their Uganda safari can visit this shrine at any time of the year.
Makerere university
This is one of Africa’s oldest universities, started in 1922 as an institute for academic excellence. The university is located on Makerere Hill. It has one of the best educational historical backgrounds in the country. You can also do birding during your visit to this university and your Uganda safari. You will spot birds like the marabou stork. The place offers serene places for relaxation and has the biggest library in East Africa.
Uganda National Museum
This historical site holds most of Uganda’s equipment and architecture. It is located on Kitante Hill within Kampala. The Uganda National Museum was started in 1903. This place is a collection of Uganda’s traditional, wildlife, political, and music collections that travelers on their city tour will see. While on your Uganda safari, travelers will have one of the best histories of the country on their visit to this museum.
Kabaka’s Lake
This is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. It was constructed for the kabaka by the 52 clans of the Buganda kingdom. The kabaka built the lake to provide him with an escape route in case of any external attacks. It also has scenic views of Lake Victoria. This lake is 200 feet deep and was made during the regime of Sekabaka Mwanga 2. The lake was constructed between 1885 and 1888 for the kabaka as an escape route and to create a channel to Lake Victoria. The lake has no outlet, with only underground inlets.
Namirembe Cathedral
The Namirembe Cathedral is one of the oldest religious sites in Uganda. It was started in 1890. It was initially known as the St. Paul Namirembe Cathedral on Namirembe Hill, which belonged to the Church of Uganda. The church was built on Namirembe Hill. It accommodates over 10,000 people. The Cathedral has been reconstructed several times since it was usually affected by termites, swampy areas, and strong winds.
The Independence Monument
The Independence Monument, a significant symbol of Uganda’s history, was erected in 1962 to mark the country’s independence from British rule. The monument, located near the Sheraton Hotel in the city center, depicts the unwrapping of a child, symbolizing Uganda’s newfound freedom. It also offers a picturesque backdrop for photography.
Ndere cultural Centre
The Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1986, the Centre offers diverse artistic performances, from storytelling to dances and poetry. It unites Uganda’s diverse tribes and celebrates their cultural diversity.
What is the best time to take a Kampala City Tour?
Kampala can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to see on your Uganda safari is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. I recommend booking an amazing Kampala city tour in advance.
Where to stay in Kampala City?
Kampala has a wide range of accommodation facilities, located around the city. These facilities range from luxury to midrange and budget.
Luxury facilities offer high-end services that are desirable and expensive. The luxury facilities in Kampala include: Kampala Serena Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, Mestil Hotel, Munyonyo Commonwealth Hotel, and many more.
Midrange facilities offer the usual service during the Uganda safari in Kampala. The facilities include Hotel Africana, Dolphin Suites, Eureka Place Hotel, Arcadia Suites, and many others.
Budget facilities are designed to provide a safe, clean place to stay with services for those on a tight budget during their Uganda safari. These facilities include Acacia Villas, Kampala Suburbs Apartments, Bon Bini Residence, and many others.
Can you get to Kampala?
Kampala is located in the central region of Uganda near Lake Victoria, and access to Kampala is mainly through road transport from Entebbe International Airport, which is about 45 kilometers away. While on your visit to Kampala, it will take you about 45 minutes to drive from the Entebbe International Airport to Kampala to enjoy your Uganda safari. Additionally, Entebbe International Airport connects Kampala to multiple states in different parts of the world. Several International flights take place at the airport. These include flights to the Middle East, Europe, and America. Could you talk to us about your Kampala safari so that you get the best advice here?
