Art, culture, history, shopping, nightlife, wildlife and adventure – Kampala, has it all. This 3-day itinerary packs in some of the city’s best sights.
With flowering trees lining the streets and hills that offer incredible panoramas, Kampala is an insta-worthy metropolis that seduces with its dynamism and grandeur.
The City of Seven Hills gets its nickname from being founded on seven hills. Over time, it expanded, and today it lies spread out over more than twenty different hills.
Its teeming streets can sometimes feel overwhelming to the uninitiated, but the warmth of its population and many attractions more than make up for the traffic jams. And if the hustle gets too much, the natural wonders of Lake Victoria are only a short drive away.
Kampala day 1: Historical sights
Your first day in Kampala will be dedicated to its history and culture. Start with one of the most emblematic spots in the city’s history: the royal tombs of the kings of Buganda.
Located on Kasubi Hill and covering nearly 30 hectares, the tombs were originally built as a palace for the Kabakas (kings) of the Kingdom of Buganda. Today they are the resting place of the last four kings. The site is an important spiritual centre (especially for the Baganda people) where rituals and ceremonies are still practiced. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site and a celebrated example of traditional African architecture.
If you’re ready for more history and culture after visiting the tombs, you can head to the Uganda National Museum for a treasure trove of artefacts and displays on Uganda’s cultural heritage.
For lunch, try Kampala’s quintessential street food, the Rolex. Sold on street corners across the city, the Rolex is an omelette wrapped in a chapati. You can also sample local Ugandan cuisine at The Roots restaurant (Plot 4, Kafu Road. Opposite DFCU Bank Headquarters Exit Gate). For something more cosmopolitan, try The Bistro (15 Cooper Road, Kisementi, Kololo).
After lunch, head to the Uganda National Mosque on Old Kampala Hill. Also called the Gaddafi National Mosque, this is the biggest mosque in East Africa. It can accommodate up to 16,000 worshippers. Visit for the beauty of the building, its columns and its monumental minaret that offers fantastic views over the city.
Next stop, the Namirembe Cathedral. The oldest Anglican cathedral in the country is located on the hill of the same name. Beyond the beauty of the building, a visit here also offers travellers a chance to dive into the history of Christianity in Uganda.
When the sun starts to set, you can head over to the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) where you can catch everything from theatre shows to dance performances, film screenings and music concerts. End your day with dinner with a view at SABA restaurant & Terrace at Onomo Hotel Kampala.
Kampala Day 2: Shopping, art and nightlife
Your second day of sightseeing in Kampala will be an opportunity to mingle with the locals, stroll around the city and discover the local art scene.
Start the day with a walk through the Owino market. This busy market is the largest in the city and is the ideal place to buy local products at good prices or simply soak up the vibe. To get there, take a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to avoid traffic jams.
After the market, continue your shopping spree at Acacia Mall, Forest Mall or Garden City Mall. Or visit the East African Craft Village in Buganda Road for handmade souvenirs, including paintings. For a well-curated collection of African fashion, homeware and accessories, try Bold in Africa (Plot 13 Cooper Road, Kisement).
To regain your strength, a lunch break is a must. Head to Faze 2 (Plot 10, Nakasero Road) and try one of their succulent meat dishes accompanied by a local Nile beer. For traditional Ugandan flavours that won’t break the bank, there’s also 2K restaurant (256 Hoima Road).
In the afternoon, go gallery hopping. Two top choices are Afriart Gallery (110-112 7th Street, Industrial Area, Kampala) and Gallery Antique (Lubowa Terrace). Afriart has a strong international reputation, participating in major international exhibitions and art fairs like Art X Lagos (Nigeria) and the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair (held annually in London, New York, Marrakech and Paris). Gallery Antique specialises in African tribal art and antiquities (with a focus on East and Central Africa).
You can’t leave Kampala without a taste of the city’s nightlife. Your second night in Kampala will be the perfect time to visit a Kafunda (informal roadside bar). Acacia Avenue in Kampala’s posh Kololo neighbourhood is a popular choice for night owls. Other hip and happening city bars are Banana Bar (26 Luthuli Rise, Bugolobi) for Afro-Miami Beach vibes, and The Alchemist Kitchen and Bar (31A Bandali Rise, Bugolobi) for craft cocktails and good times.
Kampala Day 3: Nature and adventure
On your last day, leave the city behind and discover the beauty of Lake Victoria and surrounds. First stop: Entebbe, about 1 hour from Kampala. Enjoy the calm of the lake shores, take a stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens (local lore has it that scenes of the original Tarzan film were shot here) and visit the Ugandan Wildlife Conservation Education centre, a sanctuary for rescued and endangered animals like lions, hyenas, rhinos and giraffes.
A tour of the Ssese Islands is another highlight to add to your Kampala bucket list. This archipelago of 84 stunning islands promises tropical forests, wildlife and sandy, secluded beaches.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a drive to Jinja. Located 2 hours from Kampala on the banks of the Nile, it’s the ideal spot for rafting or canyoning enthusiasts. Those not enticed by the river’s rafting thrills, can opt for a hike along its banks.
Where to sleep and other tips
A good area to stay when visiting Kampala is the Nakasero district. In addition to being centrally located on one of the city’s hills, the district is also a hotspot for business and shopping. Onomo Hotel Kampala on Nakasero Hill is a great choice for families, couples and business travelers.
For more ideas and tips to prepare for your trip to Uganda’s bustling capital, head on over to our destination guide.
