Tourist attractions in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, are phenomenal. They contribute immensely to the growth and development of this city as a tourist hub in East Africa.
Kampala sits on rolling hills about 10 kilometres off the northern coasts of Lake Victoria. Surprisingly, it is less densely populated and less chaotic than some of its regional equivalents.
However, Kampala has the classic contrast of a tight high-rise city center rising from a leafy suburban sprawl. It becomes increasingly organic as one approaches the rustic perimeter.
Kampala, is Uganda’s economic and social center, with a population of 3.1 million people. The city was originally built on seven separate hills.
With its juxtaposition of modern city activity and time-warped tropical languor, it creates quite a mood. Entebbe International Airport is connected to the Ugandan capital via a smooth-surfaced highway that passes through a lush cover of isolated forest pieces and expanding residences on the mountainous landscapes.
So, what tourist attractions in Kampala should you be ready for? See Africa Today highlights this and much more.
Kololo hilltop neighborhood in Kampala. Photo/Mansion Global
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What Uganda Has to Offer to Tourists?
The famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park, Murchinson Falls National Parks are among the best tourist attractions in Kampala, Uganda.
Others in the vicinity of Uganda include Ruwenzori Mountain National Park, Queen, and Elizabeth National Park.
Even better is the amazing cultural, intellectual nightlife that Uganda offers. These three facets of Uganda’s life throb in Kampala.
Its location at the crossroads of the long-distance bus network, both domestically and internationally, makes it an ideal starting point for solo travellers interested in seeing urban Africa.
Kampala Cultural History
Camp on Kampala Hill is a major tourist attraction. It was built in 1890 by Captain Fredrick Lugard. Nonetheless, the surrounding hills were the political headquarters of Buganda Kingdom for several decades before to Lugard’s arrival.
In the 1850s, Kabaka Suuna II briefly ruled from Kasubi Hill – only 2.5 kilometers northwest of Kampala. From 1882 to 1884, it became the official residence of Kabaka Mutesa I.
Mutesa’s successor, Mwanga, established Mengo Hill as Uganda’s capital.
As the Luganda phrase ‘Kosozi Kampala translates to “Hill of Antelope,” the name Kampala was born. Impala antelope were kept as pets at Mengo during the reign of Mutesa in the 1880s.
There are many ethnic groups in Uganda, but none are more populous than Baganda. They make up the majority of the population in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. This cultural diversity tops tourist attractions in the Kampala list.
What is There to do in Kampala on Sunday?
St. Paul’s Cathedral in Namirembe hill. Photo/ExploreUganda
There are a number of interesting places within a day’s drive in Kampala. Besides the Kasubi Tombs and the National Museum, there is so much more.
Rafting along the White Nile
For example, you could take a raft through the White Nile’s grade five rapids near Jinja. Alternatively, you could head out to see chimpanzees on Ngamba Island.
Entebbe Botanical Garden
Another plan for a Sunday is touring Entebbe Botanical Garden or, the Mabira and Mpanga forest reserves. The Mabamba Swamp wetlands have great scenery too.
Kampala neighbourhoods
You could also visit the city’s less-known neighbourhoods for an eye-opening look at the good, the bad and the ugly of African neighbourhoods. This journey brings you close to popular landmarks in the city.
Many of the hills in the Greater Kampala area have landmarks that ensure that you will never get lost.
Nakasero Hill
Nakasero Hill, the city’s modern, multi-story hub, serves as the city’s most prominent landmark. Surrounding markers on neighbouring summits are more subtle but no less distinctive.
On the east side of the city, Parliament Avenue, is home to the most notable collection of architecturally significant structures. It is dotted by acacia trees.
Across the street from the Kampala City Council’s White House, is the National Theatre. It is an African Crafts Village.
Kampala Railway Station
The Railway Station, located on Jinja Road is arguably the most outstanding tourist attractions in Kampala. It is more beautiful than any of the aforementioned attractions. Built in the 1920s, the passenger train to Namamve was dormant for decades.
It was originally constructed to honour King George VI’s Diamond Jubilee.
Kampala has a lot to offer. Weekends are great to head out for sightseeing in the city.
