Uganda

Kampala

Kampala: seven hills of chaos, colour and warm welcomes.

Local time: UTC+3
Population: 1.6M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Affordable

Food$$$$$About $15 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $32 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $3.3 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

UGX =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

EBBEntebbe International AirportMain gateway, about 37 km southwest of the centre.

How	Cost	Time
Boda-boda + matatuOld Taxi Park, city centre	UGX 7,000-8,000	1.5-2.5 h
Cheapest; boda to Entebbe town, then matatu to Kampala.
Ride app (Uber/Bolt/Faras)Anywhere in Kampala	UGX 80,000-120,000	45-90 min
Price depends on traffic and your hotel area.
Private hire taxiAnywhere in Kampala	UGX 75,000-150,000	45-90 min
Agree the fare before you get in.
Pineapple Express shuttleCentral Kampala	UGX 80,000 per person	1-1.5 h
Fixed departure times; book ahead.
Airport Express busCentral Kampala	from US$30	1-1.5 h
About ten trips per day each way.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Kampala

Getting around

Use Uber, Bolt or SafeBoda for most trips; matatus are cheap but crowded.

MetroNo metro or tram. Don't plan around rail in the city.
Matatu (minibus)Fixed routes from Old Taxi Park and other stages; fares roughly UGX 1,000–3,000. Cheap but crowded and slow in traffic.
Boda-bodaFast but risky. Agree the fare first, usually UGX 3,000–20,000 in town. App bodas like SafeBoda include helmets.
Taxi / ride apps ★Uber, Bolt, Faras and SafeBoda work in Kampala. Special-hire taxis rarely use meters; agree a fare, often UGX 15,000–20,000 for central trips.
Rental carDriving is possible but hectic. Traffic is heavy and rain slows it further.
WalkingFine by day in central areas. Use rides at night and in heavy rain.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: the Kasubi Tombs, a major mosque and the city market fill one day, so skip lakes and outer areas.

Best for

CultureMarkets, music, craft shops and the city's buzzing street life.
FoodRolex chapati rolls, luwombo and grilled tilapia by the lake.

Weather by month

27°18°Jan🌧 13d

28°19°Feb🌧 15d

27°19°Mar🌧 21d

25°19°Apr🌧 26d

25°18°May🌧 25d

25°17°Jun🌧 19d

25°17°Jul🌧 13d

26°17°Aug🌧 20d

26°17°Sep🌧 23d

26°18°Oct🌧 24d

25°18°Nov🌧 25d

26°17°Dec🌧 20d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Kampala sits near the equator: warm days, mild nights and rain in every month, heaviest from March to May and October to November.

Warm days, mild nightsHighs stay around 25–28°C all year and lows around 17–19°C. Light layers are enough.
Rain all yearEvery month has rain days, from about 13 in January and July to 26 in April.
Wettest monthsApril, May, October and November are the rainiest. Expect short, heavy afternoon showers.
Drier windowsJanuary, February and July have the fewest rain days. Still carry a rain jacket.
Rain and trafficHeavy rain slows traffic and floods some roads. Build extra time into rides in wet months.
What to packLight clothes, a rain jacket or umbrella, quick-dry shoes and mosquito repellent for evenings.

Landmarks 7

Must-see · 4

1
Kasubi Tombs
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the royal burial ground of the Buganda kings, this thatched-domed complex is the most important cultural site in Uganda. It is a must-see for understanding Buganda history and traditions. Practical tip: visit in the morning to avoid crowds; entry is by guided tour, and modest dress is appreciated.
2
Gaddafi National Mosque
One of Africa's largest mosques, it offers a striking blend of Islamic architecture and panoramic views from its minaret. The climb to the top is worth it for a 360-degree look over Kampala. Practical tip: dress conservatively (women should cover hair and shoulders), and avoid prayer times; a small entry fee applies.
3
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
A major pilgrimage site commemorating the 22 Ugandan martyrs, with a moving history and impressive modern basilica. It is especially vibrant during the June 3 pilgrimage. Practical tip: go on a weekday for a quieter visit; the site is about 12 km northeast of the centre and reachable by taxi.
4
Baha'i House of Worship
The only Baha'i temple in Africa, set in peaceful gardens on a hill with views over the city. Its distinctive nine-sided dome and tranquil atmosphere make it a refreshing stop. Practical tip: open daily, free entry, and easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Uganda National Museum.

Cultural

Other Religion 1

Islamic 1

Statue 1

Tomb 1

Christian 1

Museum 1

Activities

Food 1

Plans

Kampala rewards visitors with lively markets, green hills and a buzzing food and music scene. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One packed day of Kampala's history, markets and an evening show.

Stay: Nakasero. Central and walkable to the market, shops and offices; good mix of budget and business hotels.

Tickets & tours: ≈ UGX 75,000
Taxis: ≈ UGX 253,862

Day 1

Tombs, mosque and the old city

Tickets ≈ UGX 45,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 172,856

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 30 min · ≈ UGX 37,807
1

08:30–09:30 · ≈ UGX 10,000–30,000 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Kasubi Tombs Landmark quest

Start early before the heat. Dress modestly; check opening on the day.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00; check on the day · Source
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ UGX 34,152
2

10:00–11:00 · ≈ UGX 5,000–20,000 for visitors; check on the day

Gaddafi National Mosque Landmark quest

Short ride away. Climb the minaret for views; go outside prayer times.

Open Daily, outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ UGX 23,237
3

11:30–11:45 · Free

Independence Monument, Uganda Landmark quest

Quick photo stop in the city centre.

Open Always open
Taxi · 778 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ UGX 17,334
4

12:00–12:45 · Free to enter

Nakasero Market

Wander the produce stalls. Keep bags close.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ UGX 30,099
5

13:00–14:00 · ≈ UGX 8,000–25,000 per plate at local eateries

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Lunch: try matooke with a groundnut sauce at a local restaurant.

Open Most local restaurants roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ UGX 30,227

Day 2

Craft market and evening show

Tickets ≈ UGX 30,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 81,006

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 568 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ UGX 16,704
1

15:30–16:15 · Free to browse; haggling expected

National Theatre Craft Market

Souvenirs and crafts at the National Theatre.

Open Daily roughly 09:00–19:00
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ UGX 31,625
2

18:30–20:30 · ≈ UGX 20,000–50,000; check on the day

Ndere Cultural Centre show

Dinner and a dance and music show. Book ahead and check the schedule.

Open Shows on some evenings; book ahead
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ UGX 32,677

Day trip · Food

A day of markets, local dishes and a lake-side dinner.

Stay: Bugolobi. Relaxed suburb with a popular mall, restaurants and easy rides to the centre.

Tickets & tours: ≈ UGX 50,000
Taxis: ≈ UGX 225,077

Day 1

Markets and local lunch

Tickets ≈ UGX 15,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 120,204

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ UGX 31,813
1

08:30–09:15 · Free to enter

Nakasero Market

Morning is calmest. Look for fresh produce and spices.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00
Taxi · 1444 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ UGX 19,333
2

09:45–10:45 · Free to enter; bring small cash

Owino Market

Huge, busy market. Go with a guide and keep valuables hidden.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ UGX 32,829
3

12:00–13:00 · ≈ UGX 8,000–25,000 per plate at local eateries

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Lunch: matooke, beans and a rolex chapati roll nearby.

Open Most local restaurants roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 7 km · ≈ 29 min · ≈ UGX 36,229

Day 2

Cafes and the lake

Tickets ≈ UGX 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 104,873

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 630 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ UGX 16,890
1

15:00–16:30 · ≈ UGX 15,000–40,000 per meal

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Coffee and snacks on the cafe strip.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 38 min · ≈ UGX 44,722
2

17:30–19:30 · ≈ UGX 5,000–20,000 entry; check on the day

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Grilled tilapia by the water into sunset. Arrange a ride back.

Open Daytime
Taxi back to your hotel · 9 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ UGX 43,262

Day trip · Nature

Green hills, a quiet temple garden and the lake in one day.

Stay: Kololo. Quiet, leafy hill close to the centre; many embassies, cafés and mid-range to upscale hotels.

Tickets & tours: ≈ UGX 60,000
Taxis: ≈ UGX 249,134

Day 1

Hills and gardens

Tickets ≈ UGX 25,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 126,009

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ UGX 30,133
1

09:00–09:45 · Free

Baha'i House of Worship Landmark quest

Quiet gardens and views. Morning is cooler.

Open Daily; check on the day
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ UGX 29,393
2

10:15–10:45 · Free

Kololo Hill viewpoint

Short stop for city views across the hills.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ UGX 21,372
3

11:15–12:45 · ≈ UGX 5,000–15,000; check on the day

Uganda National Museum Landmark quest

Indoor break with gardens. Closed Monday.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–18:00; closed Monday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ UGX 21,060
4

13:00–14:00 · ≈ UGX 8,000–25,000 per plate at local eateries

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Lunch nearby before heading south.

Open Most local restaurants roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ UGX 24,051

Day 2

Afternoon by the lake

Tickets ≈ UGX 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 123,125

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 13 km · ≈ 47 min · ≈ UGX 52,693
1

15:00–17:00 · ≈ UGX 5,000–20,000 entry; check on the day

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Relax by the water; ask about a short boat ride. Check on the day.

Open Daytime
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 38 min · ≈ UGX 44,722
2

18:00–19:30 · ≈ UGX 15,000–40,000 per meal

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Dinner on the way back into town.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ UGX 25,710

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

One packed day of Kampala's heritage: tombs, mosque, museum and an evening show.

Tickets & tours: ≈ UGX 85,000
Taxis: ≈ UGX 141,023

Day 1

Tombs, mosque and market morning

Tickets ≈ UGX 45,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 85,233

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:00 · ≈ UGX 10,000–30,000 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Kasubi Tombs Landmark quest

Go early before the heat. Check opening on the day.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00; check on the day · Source
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ UGX 34,152
2

10:30–11:30 · ≈ UGX 5,000–20,000 for visitors; check on the day

Gaddafi National Mosque Landmark quest

Short boda or taxi ride. Dress modestly; visit outside prayer times.

Open Daily, outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ UGX 20,982
3

12:00–12:45 · Free to enter

Nakasero Market

Fresh produce and busy street life. Keep bags close.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ UGX 30,099
4

13:00–14:00 · ≈ UGX 8,000–25,000 per plate at local eateries

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Lunch at a local restaurant near the market.

Open Most local restaurants roughly 10:00–22:00

Day 2

Museum, crafts and Ndere show

Tickets ≈ UGX 40,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 55,789

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

14:30–16:00 · ≈ UGX 5,000–15,000; check on the day

Uganda National Museum Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Taxi to Kololo.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–18:00; closed Monday
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ UGX 24,164
2

16:30–17:15 · Free to browse; haggling expected

National Theatre Craft Market

Souvenirs at the National Theatre. Bargain politely.

Open Daily roughly 09:00–19:00
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ UGX 31,625
3

19:00–21:00 · ≈ UGX 20,000–50,000; check on the day

Ndere Cultural Centre show

Dinner and a cultural show. Book ahead and check the schedule.

Open Shows on some evenings; book ahead

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

Markets, local staples and a lakeside dinner for first-time eaters.

Tickets & tours: ≈ UGX 50,000
Taxis: ≈ UGX 127,837

Day 1

Markets and street food

Tickets ≈ UGX 15,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 83,115

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–09:45 · Free to enter

Nakasero Market

Morning is calmest. Look for fresh fruit and spices.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00
Taxi · 1444 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ UGX 19,333
2

10:15–11:15 · Free to enter; bring small cash

Owino Market

Huge and busy. Go with a local guide if you can.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ UGX 32,829
3

12:00–13:00 · ≈ UGX 8,000–25,000 per plate at local eateries

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Try matooke with groundnut sauce at a local restaurant.

Open Most local restaurants roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ UGX 30,953
4

13:30–13:45 · Free

Independence Monument, Uganda Landmark quest

Quick photo stop nearby.

Open Always open

Day 2

Cafes and lakeside dinner

Tickets ≈ UGX 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 44,722

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

17:00–18:30 · ≈ UGX 15,000–40,000 per meal

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Cafe strip for coffee and snacks before dinner.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 38 min · ≈ UGX 44,722
2

18:45–20:45 · ≈ UGX 5,000–20,000 entry; check on the day

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Grilled tilapia by the water into sunset. Arrange a taxi back.

Open Daytime

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want the city's history, markets and an evening of music and dance.

Stay: Nakasero. Central and walkable to the market, shops and offices; good mix of budget and business hotels.

Tickets & tours: ≈ UGX 85,000
Taxis: ≈ UGX 283,645
Hotel: UGX 300,000–900,000

Day 1

Arrive and central heritage

Tickets ≈ UGX 40,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 130,453

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 630 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ UGX 16,891
1

14:00–14:15 · Free

Independence Monument, Uganda Landmark quest

Quick photo stop in the city centre. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ UGX 25,096
2

14:45–16:15 · ≈ UGX 5,000–15,000; check on the day

Uganda National Museum Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Start here for context on the city.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–18:00; closed Monday
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ UGX 24,164
3

16:45–17:30 · Free to browse; haggling expected

National Theatre Craft Market

Browse crafts at the National Theatre. Bargain politely.

Open Daily roughly 09:00–19:00
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ UGX 31,625
4

19:00–21:00 · ≈ UGX 20,000–50,000; check on the day

Ndere Cultural Centre show

Evening show; book ahead and check the schedule.

Open Shows on some evenings; book ahead
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ UGX 32,677

Day 2

Tombs, mosque and markets

Tickets ≈ UGX 45,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 153,192

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 30 min · ≈ UGX 37,807
1

09:00–10:00 · ≈ UGX 10,000–30,000 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Kasubi Tombs Landmark quest

Go early before the heat. Check opening on the day.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00; check on the day · Source
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ UGX 34,152
2

11:00–12:00 · ≈ UGX 5,000–20,000 for visitors; check on the day

Gaddafi National Mosque Landmark quest

Visit outside prayer times. Dress modestly; women cover hair.

Open Daily, outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 1102 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ UGX 18,305
3

13:00–14:00 · Free to enter; bring small cash

Owino Market

Busy and lively. Keep valuables close and go with a guide if unsure.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ UGX 32,829
4

14:30–15:30 · ≈ UGX 8,000–25,000 per plate at local eateries

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Late lunch of steamed green banana at a local restaurant.

Open Most local restaurants roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ UGX 30,099
5

16:00–16:45 · Free to enter

Nakasero Market

Produce and spice market; calmer than Owino.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00

2 nights · Food

Visitors who plan the day around markets, local dishes and a lakeside dinner.

Stay: Bugolobi. Relaxed suburb with a popular mall, restaurants and easy rides to the centre.

Tickets & tours: ≈ UGX 75,000
Taxis: ≈ UGX 300,565
Hotel: UGX 400,000–1,100,000

Day 1

Markets and local plates

Tickets ≈ UGX 40,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 161,339

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ UGX 31,813
1

09:00–09:45 · Free to enter

Nakasero Market

Morning is best. Look for fresh produce and spices.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ UGX 30,099
2

11:00–12:00 · ≈ UGX 8,000–25,000 per plate at local eateries

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Early lunch of matooke with groundnut sauce.

Open Most local restaurants roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ UGX 32,829
3

13:00–14:00 · Free to enter; bring small cash

Owino Market

Huge market; go with a local guide and keep bags zipped.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ UGX 21,287
4

15:00–15:45 · Free to browse; haggling expected

National Theatre Craft Market

Coffee and snacks nearby while you shop.

Open Daily roughly 09:00–19:00
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ UGX 28,421
5

19:00–20:30 · ≈ UGX 15,000–40,000 per meal

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Dinner on the cafe strip. Book popular spots.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 630 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ UGX 16,890

Day 2

Lake day

Tickets ≈ UGX 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 139,227

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 9 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ UGX 43,262
1

13:00–15:00 · ≈ UGX 5,000–20,000 entry; check on the day

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Afternoon by the water; grilled tilapia is the classic order.

Open Daytime
Taxi · 13 km · ≈ 47 min · ≈ UGX 53,247
2

17:30–18:00 · Free

Kololo Hill viewpoint

Sunset over the hills on the way back.

Open Always open
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ UGX 25,829
3

19:30–21:00 · ≈ UGX 15,000–40,000 per meal

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Second dinner option if you want variety.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 630 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ UGX 16,890

2 nights · Nature

Travellers who want green hills, open views and time by Lake Victoria.

Stay: Kololo. Quiet, leafy hill close to the centre; many embassies, cafés and mid-range to upscale hotels.

Tickets & tours: ≈ UGX 60,000
Taxis: ≈ UGX 248,539
Hotel: UGX 500,000–1,400,000

Day 1

Hills and gardens

Tickets ≈ UGX 25,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 125,413

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ UGX 30,133
1

09:00–09:45 · Free

Baha'i House of Worship Landmark quest

Quiet gardens; morning is cooler. Check opening on the day.

Open Daily; check on the day
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ UGX 29,393
2

11:00–11:30 · Free

Kololo Hill viewpoint

City views from the hill. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ UGX 23,672
3

12:30–13:30 · ≈ UGX 8,000–25,000 per plate at local eateries

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Lunch before the afternoon heat.

Open Most local restaurants roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ UGX 21,060
4

14:00–15:30 · ≈ UGX 5,000–15,000; check on the day

Uganda National Museum Landmark quest

Indoor break if it rains. Closed Monday.

Open Tue–Sun roughly 10:00–18:00; closed Monday
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ UGX 21,155

Day 2

Lake Victoria

Tickets ≈ UGX 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ UGX 123,125

Taxi from your hotel · 13 km · ≈ 47 min · ≈ UGX 52,693
1

13:00–15:00 · ≈ UGX 5,000–20,000 entry; check on the day

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Afternoon by the water; ask about boat rides on the day.

Open Daytime
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 38 min · ≈ UGX 44,722
2

18:30–20:00 · ≈ UGX 15,000–40,000 per meal

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Dinner on the way back to town.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ UGX 25,710

Swap in instead

Add a day for the Uganda Museum and the Kasubi Tombs area (check opening hours on the day).
Take a boat trip on Lake Victoria or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe.
Shop for crafts and fabrics at the National Theatre craft market and Owino market with a local guide.

Getting around

No metro or tram; public transport is matatu minibuses, boda-bodas and special-hire taxis.
Matatus run fixed routes from the Old Taxi Park and other stages; fares are roughly UGX 1,000-3,000.
Boda-bodas are fast but risky; agree the fare first, usually UGX 3,000-20,000 in town.
Uber, Bolt, Faras and SafeBoda apps work in Kampala; app bodas include helmets.
Special-hire taxis rarely use meters; agree a fare, often UGX 15,000-20,000 for central trips.
Driving is possible but hectic; walking is fine by day in central areas, and there is no ferry service.

Where to stay

Kololo · ≈ UGX 250,000–700,000 a night
Quiet, leafy hill close to the centre; many embassies, cafés and mid-range to upscale hotels.
Nakasero · ≈ UGX 150,000–450,000 a night
Central and walkable to the market, shops and offices; good mix of budget and business hotels.
Bugolobi · ≈ UGX 200,000–550,000 a night
Relaxed suburb with a popular mall, restaurants and easy rides to the centre.
Munyonyo · ≈ UGX 300,000–900,000 a night
On Lake Victoria; resorts and lake views, but 20–40 minutes by car from the centre.

Food & drink

Start with a rolex: a chapati rolled with eggs and vegetables, a cheap street breakfast or lunch.
Try luwombo (meat or chicken steamed in banana leaves) and matoke at a local restaurant.
Eat grilled tilapia by Lake Victoria in Munyonyo or at lakeside spots; check the price per fish first.
For cheap eats, look for local cafeterias serving beans, rice and posho; a meal is often a few thousand UGX.
Drink bottled or filtered water, and be cautious with raw salads and street food if your stomach is sensitive.

Tips

Use the SafeBoda app to hire motorcycle taxis whose riders provide helmets and obey traffic laws
Eat a 'Rolex', the legendary Ugandan street food consisting of an omelette rolled inside a chapati
Traffic is incredibly slow, so factor in significant buffer times for any car journey
Visit the Kasubi Tombs (if open) and the massive Gaddafi National Mosque
English and Luganda are the primary languages spoken

Sources for prices and hours

Kasubi Tombs

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

Gaddafi National Mosque

Independence Monument, Uganda

Uganda National Museum

Walk through the city centre with a local guide
Stop at key monuments and the national museum
82 reviews · 4.8 rating

Top ratedSmall group

City Guided walking sightseeing Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (82)

$22View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Gaddafi National Mosque

Independence Monument, Uganda

Explore Kampala from a female guide's perspective
Cover central sights and viewpoints on foot
57 reviews · 4.9 rating

Female guideTop rated

Inside Kampala: Female-Guided Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (57)

$35View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Gaddafi National Mosque

Walk through Katanga slum with a resident guide
See everyday life and local initiatives up close
26 reviews · 4.9 rating

Local guideCommunity visit

Katanga Slum Guided Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (26)

$25View tour

Search for the rare shoebill in Mabamba Swamp
Glide through wetlands by canoe with a guide
21 reviews · 4.8 rating

BirdingBoat trip

Rare Shoebill Birding Tour at Mabamba Swamp

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (21)

$120View tour

Souvenirs

Ugandan Arabica coffee

UGX 25000–45000250g · estimate

Coffee grown in Uganda, sold in Kampala's cafés and shops. It is a popular gift from the country.

Where: Endiro Coffee, Kisimenti–Kololo

Check the farm origin and roast date on the bag before you buy.

Bark cloth small decor

UGX 30000–80000about 30–50cm, 1 piece · estimate

Bark cloth is a traditional fabric made from tree bark by the Baganda people. It is a symbol of Ugandan craft.

Where: Banana Boat, Kisementi

Use it as a handbag lining or a framed wall piece.

Flights

Hotels

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Popular hotels

eSIM

Get an eSIM for KampalaStay connected in Uganda from day one · Airalo

1 GB3 days$7 USDSelect plan →5 GB30 days$27 USDSelect plan →10 GB30 days$49 USDSelect plan →

Compare all 3 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in KampalaDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 7

Must-see · 4

Kasubi Tombs

Gaddafi National Mosque

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

Baha'i House of Worship

Cultural

Other Religion 1

Islamic 1

Statue 1

Tomb 1

Christian 1

Museum 1

Activities

Food 1

Plans

Kasubi Tombs Landmark quest

Gaddafi National Mosque Landmark quest

Independence Monument, Uganda Landmark quest

Nakasero Market

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

National Theatre Craft Market

Ndere Cultural Centre show

Nakasero Market

Owino Market

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Baha'i House of Worship Landmark quest

Kololo Hill viewpoint

Uganda National Museum Landmark quest

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Kasubi Tombs Landmark quest

Gaddafi National Mosque Landmark quest

Nakasero Market

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Uganda National Museum Landmark quest

National Theatre Craft Market

Ndere Cultural Centre show

Nakasero Market

Owino Market

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Independence Monument, Uganda Landmark quest

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Baha'i House of Worship Landmark quest

Kololo Hill viewpoint

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Independence Monument, Uganda Landmark quest

Uganda National Museum Landmark quest

National Theatre Craft Market

Ndere Cultural Centre show

Kasubi Tombs Landmark quest

Gaddafi National Mosque Landmark quest

Owino Market

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Nakasero Market

Nakasero Market

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Owino Market

National Theatre Craft Market

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)

Kololo Hill viewpoint

Bugolobi food and cafe strip

Baha'i House of Worship Landmark quest

Kololo Hill viewpoint

Matooke (steamed green banana) Landmark quest

Uganda National Museum Landmark quest

Lake Victoria beach (Munyonyo side)