This 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour takes you to Uganda’s capital City. Kampala is the largest metropolitan area in the country with a population of over 2,000,000 people. Before the British and Arabs came to Uganda, Kampala was reserved as a hunting ground for the Kabaka. It had one of the largest populations of Impala in the country and that is where the name Kampala (“The hill of the Impala”) comes from. The rolling hills, valleys and wetlands were perfect habitat for antelopes. The Kampala city was built on 7 hills (Old Kampala, Kololo, Mengo, Rubaga, Nsambya, Namirembe and Kibuli) initially but has now grown to cover over 20 hills because of the growth of the city and you will get to visit most of the Kampala hills when on your 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour when you visit Uganda for the breathtaking Uganda gorilla tour, Uganda tours, Uganda safaris, or Uganda wildlife safari tour with Nungi safaris
Kampala is Uganda’s major industrial and commercial city. The central business area is composed of shopping malls, banks, forex bureaus, insurance companies, hotels, restaurants, casinos and government offices. Although Luganda is the main language spoken, the population in the city is diverse and you can find people from all parts of Uganda. Almost everyone in Kampala can understand and speak English so don’t worry about language when booking this 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour. The people are drawn to Kampala because it is where all the action, social services and opportunities can be found. The weather in Kampala is great and warm for most of the year because of its location along the equator. For a foreigner, Kampala is the best place to learn and appreciate the cultural diversity in the country Uganda.
This 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour ends in the evening, so if you still have time in the country, please ask your guide to take you for Kampala nightlife tour. If you request for a Kampala nightlife tour, expect to be taken to the top night clubs, casinos and restaurants. Kampala is known a “city that never sleeps”. Folks party up to the wee hours of the morning from Monday to Sunday.
This 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour is always escorted by our local Guide. The Guide/Driver will ensure that you are safe amidst all the chaos and activity in the city center when on the 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour. Lunch is included in this 1 Day in Kampala City Tour and the Guide will ensure that you eat some local food like Luwombo, Matooke or rolex. Traveling will be by car but you will walk on foot to most of the landmarks. By the end of this 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour, we hope you would have had a good understanding of the unique culture, behavior, traditions and lifestyle of Ugandans. This 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour can start and end anywhere in Kampala.
Please Note that This 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour can be combined with a general Uganda safari tour, Uganda gorilla tour, Uganda wildlife safari, Uganda safari tour or Uganda bird watching tour to see mountain gorillas, the big 5 mammals, whitewater rafting in Jinja, plenty of bird species and so much more.
Major tourist attractions to visit when on this 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour
The Gaddafi Mosque/ Old Kampala Mosque: While on this 1 Day Kampala City Tour, you will visit the Gaddafi Mosque which lies on top of one of the prominent hills in Kampala. It was built in 2006 with funds from the Libyan government. The Mosque was commissioned by the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and can accommodate about 17,000 people. From its 90-meter tower, the mosque provides one of the 3 best views of Kampala city center. Apart from the great views of Kampala, the mosque is built with Moroccan architecture and furnished with beautiful carpets which you can only get to see when on this 1 Day in Kampala City Tour with Nungi Safaris while on you Uganda safari tour or Uganda gorilla trekking safari
The Kabaka’s Palace and Buganda Parliament in Mengo: Also known as the Lubiru, the Kabaka’s palace is just one of the several homes of the Kabaka of Buganda. This particular palace is significant because it houses the parliament of Buganda Kingdom – also known as “twekobe”. There are other cultural sites within the palace establishment and you will learn about them from a resident Guide when on this 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour. The local Guide will share information about the Kingdom – dating back to over 800 years ago.
In the early 1960’s, this particular Mengo palace was attacked by government forces under the orders of president Obote. The ruling Kabaka at the time escaped to exile where he remained till his death. Because of the tragic history of the palace, the new Kabaka never spends the night there. President Idi Amin Dada later used the palace grounds as a torture chamber for some of those who were suspected of opposing him. Inside the main gate is a fire source that has remained on since the Kingdom was founded. It only goes off when a King is dead.
Although the Kabaka doesn’t spend the night in the Mengo palace, the parliament building remains within the palace compound. The Kabaka, his ministers and clan heads meet here regularly to discuss all issues affecting the Buganda Kingdom.
Kasubi Tombs: The Kasubi Royal tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top Uganda cultural tourist attractions. The tombs are the main burial grounds for the Kings (Kabaka’s) of Buganda and hence of great spiritual importance. The Baganda look at the Kasubi tombs with pride because they help preserve their rich culture. Once you get to the tomb while on this 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour, the caretakers will take you around and share information about the place and other important cultural regalia. The key attraction is the main building (Muzibu Azaala Mpanga) where the kings are buried. This building is an architectural wonder because of its rare shape and material used. The building is made of reeds, wood, grass, and other local materials. You will be left in awe by the unique artifacts and architecture of the tombs. Four kings are buried in the main building but there are also graves for other royals to be seen in a separate site. However, the kasubi tombs are still out of bounds until the reconstruction is done because Parts of the Kasubi tombs were destroyed by a fire in 2010. The government, UNESCO and the Buganda Kingdom have teamed up to renovate the destroyed structures. Once it is complete, it will look even better and will be open to visitors on the 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour
Baha’i Temple: The Baha’i Temple in Uganda is the biggest in Africa. Built on top of Kikaaya Hill, the temple is a unique architectural wonder. From the temple one can get great views of the city center and surrounding areas. Many city residents go to the temple just to rest on its beautiful lawns and gardens. On a typical visit, tourists are taken around the facility to learn more about the Baha’i faith. After exploring the inside, visitors are taken for a stroll around the gardens to take photos as they catch beautiful views of Kampala city or spot birds while on this 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour
Main Local Markets: One of the best ways to understand the culture of a new place is to visit the main markets. It is where you get to hear the latest gossip and get insight into how the local people do business. The main markets in Kampala are St. Balikuddembe Market (Formerly known as Owino Market) and Nakasero Market. It is possible to find almost anything in these markets. Owino Market is known for second hand clothes but one can also find electronics, fresh fruits/vegetables, spices and grains. Nakasero market is known for electronic and hardware shops. If you are interested in buying something from these Ugandan local markets, you must understand the art of bargaining while on the 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour with Nungi Safaris
Ndere Center: The Ndere Cultural Center is arguably the best place to learn about the culture of the various tribes in Uganda. Expect to find other tourists, a large diplomatic and expatriate community all gathered to watch cultural performances from all corners of Uganda. The best time to visit the Ndere Center is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the evening hours as you climax your 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour
The Uganda Martyrs shrine: The Martyrs Shrines are found in a Kampala suburb known as Namugongo. The shrines are being about 22 Catholic Martyrs were burnt alive when they refused to denounce Christianity. Every 3rd June, over one million pilgrims from all over the world visit the shrine for prayers and celebrations in remembrance of the Martyrs. Apart from the amazing architectural works, one can also visit a well surrounding the shrine where pilgrims draw water that is believed to provide divine healing and blessings when on this 1 Day in Kampala City Tour
Uganda National Museum: The Uganda National Museum is one of the key attractions in Kampala city which you must visit when on this 1 Day Kampala City Tour. This is where the country’s key historical, ethnological and cultural exhibitions are kept. The Museum was built in in 1908 on the orders of Governor George Wilson so as to preserve all articles of interest in the country.
Makerere University: This is the oldest, largest and most prestigious public University in Uganda which you can have a chance to visit when on this 1 Day Kampala City Tour. Most of the prominent Ugandans have passed through Makerere. Makerere University has also produced over 7 presidents and some of the most respected professors in Africa (Prof. Ali Mazrui) and great Authors (Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Paul Theroux). Driving inside, the university rewards visitors with beautiful sites of new gigantic structures and the older colonial buildings.
Rubaga Cathedral: This cathedral is found on the top of Lubaga Hill and is the oldest catholic cathedral in Uganda. It is where some of the most senior catholic clerics reside. The first African Catholic Bishop and first African Catholic Cardinal are buried here. Visitors to the Cathedral get to learn a lot about the history of the influential Catholic Church. You will also have opportunities to marvel at the beautiful design of the church when you visit the cathedral on this 1 Day Kampala City Tour. Because of its location on top of one of Kampala’s prominent hills, visitors can get beautiful views of the city center.
Namirembe Cathedral: This is the oldest Christian Cathedral in Uganda. It is built on Mengo hill and is the most important seat of the Anglican Church in Uganda. The Church was constructed in 1915 to replace a simple structure built in 1903 by Craftsmen from the Buganda Kingdom but that was brought down by lightning. From the Cathedral, tourists can get beautiful views of the city Center when they visit this cathedral on this 1 Day in Kampala City Tour
Optional activities to also look out for when on this 1 Day Kampala City Tour
There are countless amazing activities that one can engage in while in Kampala and that can be included in case you are not interested in any of the ones listed above. They include: –
Local Artisan/Craft shops: There are countless artisan shops in Kampala city where you can buy souvenirs in form of jewelry, paintings, wood carvings and local fabrics. The most popular ones are the Craft market along Buganda Road, Outside the National Theatre, and Outside the National Museum and close to Garden City. Always ask your local guide for the 1 Day Kampala City Tour to take you to some of the local craft shops in Uganda
Old Kampala: Before Kampala increased in size, most of the administrative and residential areas where in Old Kampala. As the city expanded, Old Kampala was left with its ancient buildings and more modern structures were built in other parts of the city. Tourists love visiting this part of the city because of the eye-catching Indian style architectural buildings.
Mandela National Arena: Also known as Namboole Stadium, this is the place to go to if you want to watch Uganda’s popular sports teams in action. It is also a venue for crusades, music concerts and a lot more. If you are interested in other sports grounds, you can visit the Lugogo Indoor stadium for cricket, tennis and basketball. Rugby fans can visit the Lugogo Rugby Club.
Our Guide come to pick you up at your hotel, residence or agreed point and briefs you about this 1 Day Kampala City Tour. The order of the tour depends on your location and main areas of interest because there is so much to cover, we always pick out the key areas to visit based on our recommendations and your interests.
Please Note: The evenings and nights can be spent at the Ndere Cultural Centre, Theater La Bonita or one of the prominent and safe nightclubs. The evening section of the 1 Day Kampala City tour is a separate arrangement that you can request for at the time of booking this 1 day best of Kampala city tour –Kampala free walking tour –Uganda one day tour