What to see and do on your self drive tour in Kampala
Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, has a rich and diverse history spanning over 1,000 years. The city was founded by the Buganda Kingdom, with its name derived from the Luganda word “Kasozi K’empala,” meaning “Hill of the Impala. It served as a major centre for the Buganda Kingdom, with the Kabaka (King) of Buganda residing on Mengo Hill.
In 1890, Kampala was declared the capital of the British Protectorate of Uganda and the British colonial administration developed Kampala’s infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and amenities. When Uganda gained independence in 1962, Kampala maintained its position as capital and since then, it has undergone significant modernization efforts, including infrastructure development, economic growth, and urbanization.
Today, Kampala is a thriving metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, a diverse population, and a strong sense of resilience and togetherness. It is a sight to see and the best way to move around is by hiring a car for self drive. Let us explore some of the things you can’t afford to miss seeing in Kampala.
Kasubi Tombs: Located about 5km North West of Kampala, the Kasubi tombs are the royal burial grounds for Buganda Kingdom. They were built in 1882 as a palace for the kings, but after the death of King Muteesa I in 1884, it was converted into a royal burial ground. The site is home to the tombs of four kings; Muteesa I, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II, and Sir Edward Muteesa II.
The main tomb building, known as the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, is a circular structure with a dome-shaped roof, made from traditional materials such as wood, thatch, reeds, and wattle. The building is surrounded by several smaller houses, including the “wives’ houses” for the deceased kabaka’s widows.
The Kasubi Tombs were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, recognizing their cultural and historical significance. However, in 2010, the site was damaged by a fire, and it was added to the List of World Heritage in Danger. Restoration efforts were undertaken with the help of the Japanese government, and the site was removed from the danger list in 2023. The tombs are an important part of Uganda’s cultural heritage, and they offer a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of the Buganda Kingdom.
The Uganda Museum:
The Uganda Museum is located about five kilometres northeast of Kampala’s city centre, on Plot 5, Kira Road.
The museum is open to the public from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. It’s a great place to learn about Uganda’s cultural and natural heritage, with a collection of over one million specimens, including ethnographic and fossil exhibits.
The entrance fees vary, but you can expect to pay around 5,000 to 10,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately $1.50 to $3 USD) for adults, with discounts for students, children, and seniors.
The Kabaka’s palace: Also known as the Lubiri Palace, the Kabaka’s palace is located on Mengo Hill in Kampala. It serves as the official residence of the Kabaka (King) of Buganda, the largest kingdom in Uganda.
The palace has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century. It was built in 1885 by Kabaka Mwanga II and has since been the seat of the Buganda Kingdom. The palace features a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture. There is a serene lake within the palace grounds, offering a peaceful escape and visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances by local artists. The tour of the palace is guided giving visitors insights into the history and culture of Buganda Kingdom. Visitors are expected to dress modestly; preferably long dresses and remove their shoes before entering certain areas of the palace.
Ndere Cultural Centre:
The Ndere Cultural Centre is a renowned cultural hub located in Ntinda, 10km from the city centre where you can experience the rich cultural diversity of Uganda and East Africa.
It was founded in 1988 by Stephen Rwangyezi, a Ugandan anthropologist and cultural enthusiast. The centre’s mission is to promote, preserve, and develop Uganda’s cultural heritage through music, dance, drama, and art. The centre hosts traditional music and dance performances showcasing Uganda’s traditions. Explore exhibitions featuring local and international artists, showcasing Uganda’s vibrant art scene and take a stroll through the centre’s cultural village, which replicates traditional Ugandan homes and settings. The restaurant at the centre serves tradition cuisines and local drinks from all around the country.
The centre hosts the international cultural festive that brings together people from all around the world to celebrate Uganda’s cultural diversity and this festival features performances, exhibitions and workshops.
The Ndere Cultural Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Ugandan culture, music, and art.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo:
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo is a sacred site located in Namugongo, about 15 kilometers northeast of Kampala. This shrine is a place of great historical and spiritual significance, commemorating the lives and martyrdom of the Uganda Martyrs.
In the late 19th century, the Buganda Kingdom was a major power in the region but with the arrival of European colonialists and Christian missionaries, tensions arose between traditionalists and those who had converted to Christianity. In 1886, King Mwanga II ordered the execution of several Christian converts, including 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs, who were burned alive at Namugongo.
The shrine is a major pilgrimage destination in the world with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims trekking hundreds of Kilometers to celebrate the martyrs on 3rd June. The Catholic Shrine was built in 1968 and can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers.
The shrine also features a monument marking the spot where the martyrs were executed and a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Uganda Martyrs.
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo is a powerful symbol of faith, courage, and sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of adversity, a perfect destination for Christian visitors to reflect and meditate.
Downtown Kampala: Downtown Kampala is the busiest part of Kampala filled with vibrant markets, historical landmarks and a diverse range of shops and restaurants. Some of the largest and most famous markets in the country are found in downtown Kampala including Owino, Nakasero, and St. Balikudembe.
There, you can find unique, handmade crafts, such as wood carvings, baskets, and textiles. Get to enjoy traditional Ugandan cuisine, like chapati, Rolex and matooke in the small restaurants downtown.
However, be prepared for large crowds and chaos, especially in the markets and keep a close eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing is common in crowded areas.
Downtown Kampala is a fascinating and exciting place to explore, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and daily life.
Buganda Road African Market
This is a bustling marketplace located on Buganda Road offering a wide range of African crafts, souvenirs, and local products, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. You can find unique, handmade crafts, such as wood carvings, baskets, and textiles and browse through a variety of traditional African clothing, including dashikis, kaftans, and batik prints. Pick up souvenirs, such as masks, sculptures, and jewelry, to remind you of your trip to Uganda..
Bars and night clubs: For someone that loves a good party, Kampala is the place to be. Kampala has one of the best nightlife experiences in East Africa with vibrant rooftop bars, night clubs, live music venues and lounges.
Some of the popular nightlife spots in Kampala include Kabalagala, Kololo, Gaba, Bugolobi and Najjera.
For a better an unforgettable experience in Kampala, contact GoFurther 4×4 Car Rental for all your vehicle needs bearing in mind that our vehicles are well maintained and in perfect mechanical condition.
A piece of advice; avoid driving in Kampala during the morning and evening rush hours to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Also keep an eye on your personal belongings especially in crowded places to avoid being robbed. Note that Uganda is a very Conservative country so dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions. Park your rental car in a designated parking area like the street and malls make sure you pay for your parking tickets and finally, respect all the traffic rules and guidelines to avoid getting into trouble with the law.
