Kampala City
Kampala city is the main capital city and the 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 hill of impalas. In the 18th century, Kampala used to be 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 on, the administrative center was transferred to Entebbe in 1905 after the construction of the Entebbe airport which is about 45 kilometers from Kampala city center.
This city of several hills is under an administrative organization called the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA). This is a government body that ensures the proper and smooth running of daily activities within the city.
The climate of Kampala City
Kampala city receives a tropical type of climate which is characterized by the two rainy seasons and dry seasons. During April, March, May, and November, the city experiences a lot of rain. On the other hand, during other months, Kampala experiences a lot of sunshine like other places in Uganda. The rainfall in the city is unpredicted since the city receives rainfall throughout the year. The heavy rains affect the downtown of the city due to heavy rain waters.
An Administrative Hub
Kampala is now the administrative and commercial city in Uganda with 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 different divisions like the Rubaga, Nakawa, Mengo, and Kira Divisions. The city 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, there are a variety of attractions that one has to see. 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 which was built on African, European, and Asian architecture. The mosque is located on one of the 7 hills of Kampala. The old Kampala hill offers the best views of the city at the viewing point of the mosque.
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 that was started in 1922 as an institute for academic excellence. The university is located on Makerere Hill. It has one of the best historical backgrounds about education in the country. On your visit to this university on your Uganda safari, you can also do some birding. You will spot birds like marabou stork. The place offers serene places for relaxation and has the biggest library in East Africa.
Uganda National Museum
This is a historical site that holds most of the equipment and architecture of Uganda’s history. 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 man-made lakes in the world. It was constructed by the 52 clans of the Buganda kingdom for the kabaka. The kabaka constructed the lake to provide him 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 the 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 the underground inlets.
Namirembe Cathedral
The Namirembe cathedral is one of the oldest religious sites in Uganda started in 1890. It was initially known as the St. Paul Namirembe Cathedral on Namirembe Hill belonging to the church of Uganda. The church was built on the Namirembe Hill. It accommodates over 10000 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 was constructed in 1962 when Uganda got her independence from the British government. The structure of the monument shows the unwrapping of the child which means that Uganda is now free. The monument is located in the city center near the Sheraton Hotel. It also has one of the most impressive views of photography.
Ndere cultural Centre
The Ndere Cultural Centre is located in Kampala with one of the most diverse cultural performances. This Centre was founded in 1986 with the major aim of starting cultural performances like storytelling, dances, poetry, and many others. This center was majorly started up for uniting Uganda’s diverse tribes since the UN in 2019 considered Uganda as a culturally diverse state.
What is the best time to take a Kampala City Tour?
Kampala can be visited throughout the year but the best time to visit Kampala on your Uganda safari is during the dry season. This runs from June to September and December to February. It is highly recommended to book in advance for an amazing Kampala city tour.
Where to stay in Kampala City?
Kampala has a wide range of accommodation facilities and these facilities are located around the city. The accommodation facilities in Kampala range from luxury to midrange and budget facilities.
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 Common Wealth 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 facilities designed to provide a safe, clean place to stay with services on a tight budget on their Uganda safari. These facilities include; Acacia villas, Kampala Suburbs Apartments, Bon Bini Residence, and many others.
How to 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, Kampala is connected to multiple states in different parts of the world by Entebbe International Airport. Several International flights take place at the airport. These include flights to the Middle East, Europe, and America. Talk to us about your Kampala safari so that you get the best advice HERE.
