Kampala Travel Guide: Getting Around and Top Sights

What Kampala is like

Kampala is built across a set of low hills, and the city reveals itself in layers: markets crammed into valleys, churches and mosques on the ridges, glass towers in the centre and a lot of traffic in between. It’s noisy, friendly and unpolished. Visitors who give it a day usually leave with a better feeling for Uganda than the airport-to-park route allows.

Kampala or Entebbe?

Most international flights land at Entebbe, on the shore of Lake Victoria, about 40 km south of Kampala. The two are linked by the Entebbe Expressway, which is quick at off-peak times. Entebbe is small, green and relaxed, with lakeside hotels, the Botanical Gardens and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Kampala is bigger, busier and has more sights.

A sensible approach for a short trip is a night in Entebbe on arrival, then a road transfer or flight to the parks. On your way out, add a night in Kampala if you have a day to spare.

Where to stay

Kololo and Nakasero are the upscale central areas, with embassies, restaurants and good hotels. Bugolobi and Muyenga are calmer and residential. Ntinda is close to the Ndere Cultural Centre. Munyonyo, on the lake, is far from the centre but has resort hotels. Ask about traffic and transfer times before booking, since a hotel that looks close on a map can be an hour away at rush hour.

Getting around

Traffic is heavy, and the pace is slow. Bolt and Uber are the easiest ways to get around, and SafeBoda is a motorbike-taxi app that supplies helmets. Boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) weave through traffic and are cheaper than cars, but accident rates are high. Minibus taxis are cheap and confusing. Hotels can hire a driver for the day.

What’s worth your time

Kasubi Tombs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial ground of the Buganda kings. The main building was destroyed by fire in 2010, and restoration work has followed. Check the current state of the site before you go. It has great cultural significance for the Baganda.

Uganda Museum. The oldest museum in East Africa, with collections of musical instruments, crafts and archaeological finds. It’s dusty but characterful.

Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine. A pilgrimage site for Christians who commemorate the martyrs of the 1880s, with huge crowds every 3 June on Martyrs’ Day.

Uganda National Mosque. One of the largest mosques in East Africa, on Old Kampala Hill, with a minaret that offers views across the city. Dress modestly.

Baha’i Temple. The only Baha’i House of Worship in Africa, in a quiet garden on Kikaaya Hill.

Owino and Nakasero markets. Owino is enormous and chaotic. Nakasero is calmer, with fruit, vegetables and crafts.

Ndere Cultural Centre. An evening of traditional music, drumming and dance from many Ugandan regions, with dinner. It’s a good introduction to the country’s cultural range.

Eating and drinking

Try a rolex (an omelette rolled in a chapati), matoke (steamed green bananas), groundnut sauce, grilled tilapia from Lake Victoria and luwombo, a stew steamed in banana leaves. Nile Special and Bell are the main local beers, and waragi is the local gin. Kampala has a good range of restaurants, including Indian, Ethiopian and international cuisine.

Day trips

Jinja, the source of the Nile, is a two-hour drive east and offers white-water rafting, kayaking and quiet river stays. Mabira Forest is closer and good for a short nature walk. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary lies on the route to Murchison Falls.

Safety and practicalities

Petty crime happens. Keep phones and bags out of sight near open windows, avoid walking alone after dark and use ride-hailing at night. Political events and rallies can cause disruption, so avoid them. Kampala uses the Ugandan shilling, and cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. MTN and Airtel are the main mobile networks, and tourist SIM cards are sold at the airport.

Onward travel

Kampala is the start of the road to Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi in the west. It’s also the gateway to Murchison Falls in the north. Consider flying from Entebbe or Kajjansi to the parks if you’re short of time, because the drives are long.

Kampala travel FAQ

Should you stay in Kampala or Entebbe?

For a first or last night, Entebbe is usually easier. It's quieter, greener and only 15 to 20 minutes from the airport. Kampala has more to do, but traffic is heavy and hotels are 40 to 90 minutes from the airport. Many travellers stay one night in each.

How do you get from Entebbe airport to Kampala?

By road it takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. The Entebbe Expressway shortens part of the trip, though a toll is charged. Uber and Bolt run from the airport, and hotels will arrange a pickup. At peak times, allow extra time.

Are boda-bodas safe?

They're the fastest way to get through traffic and they're cheap, but accidents are common. If you use them, choose an app such as SafeBoda, which provides helmets and tracks rides, and wear the helmet. For luggage and long trips, use a car.

What is a rolex?

It's a street-food wrap: an omelette rolled inside a chapati, often with tomato and cabbage. The name comes from 'rolled eggs'. You'll find one on almost every corner for very little money, and it's the standard Ugandan snack.

Is Kampala safe?

It's a large city with petty crime such as bag snatching and phone theft, especially at night and in crowded areas. Use ride-hailing after dark, keep valuables out of sight and avoid political rallies and protests. Hotels and operators can give you up-to-date advice.

What is there to do in Kampala in a single day?

Visit the Kasubi Tombs and the Uganda Museum, take a boda to Owino Market if you're curious, see the National Mosque and Namirembe Cathedral, then finish with an evening of traditional dance at Ndere Centre. Add the Baha'i Temple if time allows.

Trips that start or end in Kampala

Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big Game: 7 Days

A seven-day Uganda trip covering chimpanzees at Kibale, boats and lions at Queen Elizabeth and a gorilla trek in Bwindi, with a flight back to Entebbe.

7 daysMid-range