Kampala

Kampala, the City of Seven Hills, is the capital city of Uganda and is, by a very large margin, the largest city in the country. Secondary to it is Jinja to the east and Entebbe to the south. Kampala is in the south central part of Uganda, near the northern shores of Lake Victoria.

The people of Kampala, and Ugandans in general, are very kind, friendly and approachable.

Kampala, with a population of approximately 2.5 million, is by far the largest city in Uganda. Although a smaller city with less suburban sprawl than Nairobi or Lagos, the traffic jams and pollution can be every bit as bad. If you are travelling around the city, plan your days carefully to avoid spending many hours in the city traffic.

Uganda, as the recipient of massive amounts of Western aid money, hosts many non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Most of these are based in Kampala, so there is an established expat scene in the city.

The Kasubi Tombs, the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially damaged by fire in 2010.

• National Theatre, De Winton St (next to Parliament, +256 414 254 567. A big cultural centre with a theatre that also hosts dance shows/lessons/events, comedy, movies, concerts, jam sessions, improv and discussion nights. The current program can be found at the entrance or on-line . There's also a library, a restaurant and a large African Crafts Village with dozens of shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and also some stuff that is more artsy then all the stuff you can find everywhere else. Worth visiting.
• Nommo Gallery, Victoria Ave (next to State Lodge, 400m north-northwest from Sheraton Hotel, +256 414 254 567. Uganda’s National Art Gallery. Calm, spacious, green oasis in the middle of the city with art exhibitions (paintings and sculptures that can be bought) and two restaurants frequented by government employees.
• Uganda Museum, Kira Rd (4km north of city centre, to the west of Kololo hill behind the golf course, +256 414 267 538. Daily 10AM-6PM. A natural history museum, with some static displays commencing from the stone age and moving forward to Ugandan traditional life. USh Entrance: 5,000 (Ugandans), 10,000 (residents), 15,000 (non-Ugandans) - May 2019..
• Uganda National Mosque, Old Kampala Hill (on top of the hill next to the new taxi park. Big, beautiful modern mosque commissioned by Muammar Gaddafi, the ex-Libyan despot, as a gift to Uganda and completed in 2007. Said to be second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Great, relatively close-up bird's-eye view of Kampala from up the minaret/tower. USh 10,000 to go inside and up the minaret with a guide.
• Bahai Temple, Kikaya Hill (8km north of city centre, probably best to take a boda-boda or taxi, +256 312 262 680. Daily 9AM-5PM. Beautiful and incredibly peaceful place. Nice view too.
• Kasubi tombs, Kasubi Hill (5km north-west of city centre along Hoima Rd, +256 412 736 00. Burial ground of four Kabakas (kings) of Buganda and important place for the Baganda people. UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearly completely destroyed in a 2010 fire, but largely reconstructed with foreign aid.
• Wamala tombs, +256 414 501 866. Tombs where the remains of some of the earlier Buganda kings were buried including Kabaka Ssuuna 11 (1836-1856). During his time he had 148 wives and produced 218 children! The single tomb building was also completely destroyed by fire in 2012, and has now been reconstructed. Meaning there are no original tombs left in the city. No fixed entrance fee. USh 20,000 charged by security. May be negotiable..
• Buwama, Namirembe Hill (on hill 1km west of Gaddafi Mosque. By European standards, a small Anglican cathedral. Not very interesting of itself, but good view of the city.
• St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga Hill (1 km west of Mengo Hill. Another cathedral, Catholic this time.
• Lubiri, Mengo Hill (large empty hill 1km south of the city centre, seen from most places. Royal compound of the Kabaka/king. Historically significant place, but not much to see. The original Lubiri was destroyed in 1966 when Milton Obote took power and the Kabaka fled the country.
• Parliament of Uganda, Parliament avenue (from the taxi parks walk east along Kampala/Entebbe Rd until you reach Parliament Ave. Designed to represent the whole country and with visitors/tourists in mind; eg, look at the gate with the symbols of Uganda's different tribes or the giant carved wood art covering the lobby walls.
• Independence Monument, Speke Rd/Nile Ave (between Grand Imperial and Sheraton hotels. Small monument, but of large symbolic importance.

National Theatre, De Winton St (next to Parliament, +256 414 254 567. A big cultural centre with a theatre that also hosts dance shows/lessons/events, comedy, movies, concerts, jam sessions, improv and discussion nights. The current program can be found at the entrance or on-line . There's also a library, a restaurant and a large African Crafts Village with dozens of shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and also some stuff that is more artsy then all the stuff you can find everywhere else. Worth visiting.

Nommo Gallery, Victoria Ave (next to State Lodge, 400m north-northwest from Sheraton Hotel, +256 414 254 567. Uganda’s National Art Gallery. Calm, spacious, green oasis in the middle of the city with art exhibitions (paintings and sculptures that can be bought) and two restaurants frequented by government employees.

Uganda Museum, Kira Rd (4km north of city centre, to the west of Kololo hill behind the golf course, +256 414 267 538. Daily 10AM-6PM. A natural history museum, with some static displays commencing from the stone age and moving forward to Ugandan traditional life. USh Entrance: 5,000 (Ugandans), 10,000 (residents), 15,000 (non-Ugandans) - May 2019..

Uganda National Mosque, Old Kampala Hill (on top of the hill next to the new taxi park. Big, beautiful modern mosque commissioned by Muammar Gaddafi, the ex-Libyan despot, as a gift to Uganda and completed in 2007. Said to be second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Great, relatively close-up bird's-eye view of Kampala from up the minaret/tower. USh 10,000 to go inside and up the minaret with a guide.

Bahai Temple, Kikaya Hill (8km north of city centre, probably best to take a boda-boda or taxi, +256 312 262 680. Daily 9AM-5PM. Beautiful and incredibly peaceful place. Nice view too.

Kasubi tombs, Kasubi Hill (5km north-west of city centre along Hoima Rd, +256 412 736 00. Burial ground of four Kabakas (kings) of Buganda and important place for the Baganda people. UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearly completely destroyed in a 2010 fire, but largely reconstructed with foreign aid.

Wamala tombs, +256 414 501 866. Tombs where the remains of some of the earlier Buganda kings were buried including Kabaka Ssuuna 11 (1836-1856). During his time he had 148 wives and produced 218 children! The single tomb building was also completely destroyed by fire in 2012, and has now been reconstructed. Meaning there are no original tombs left in the city. No fixed entrance fee. USh 20,000 charged by security. May be negotiable..

Buwama, Namirembe Hill (on hill 1km west of Gaddafi Mosque. By European standards, a small Anglican cathedral. Not very interesting of itself, but good view of the city.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga Hill (1 km west of Mengo Hill. Another cathedral, Catholic this time.

Lubiri, Mengo Hill (large empty hill 1km south of the city centre, seen from most places. Royal compound of the Kabaka/king. Historically significant place, but not much to see. The original Lubiri was destroyed in 1966 when Milton Obote took power and the Kabaka fled the country.

Parliament of Uganda, Parliament avenue (from the taxi parks walk east along Kampala/Entebbe Rd until you reach Parliament Ave. Designed to represent the whole country and with visitors/tourists in mind; eg, look at the gate with the symbols of Uganda's different tribes or the giant carved wood art covering the lobby walls.

Independence Monument, Speke Rd/Nile Ave (between Grand Imperial and Sheraton hotels. Small monument, but of large symbolic importance.

• Sunday boda boda tour around town. Go on a Sunday morning, when streets are largely empty in stark contrast to other days, to cruise around the city on a boda-boda, get a feel for the different parts of the city and see lots of stuff in little time: Like the docks, beaches and fish markets at Ggaba or Port Bell, all the wonderful hills providing great views and nice buildings on top, and the extreme contrasts between different neighbourhoods. For an extra trustworthy driver use one associated with the place you stay at and make them arrange an extra helmet. USh 20,000-30,000 will last you a couple of hours.
• Speke resort Munyonyo, +256 414 227 111, +256 417 716 000. Speke is a very posh resort where rich people stay, but during the weekends it also serves as a recreational place for Kampala's aspiring middle class (especially the younger generation). There is ample of space to play volleyball or football, and there is a large well-kept pool (large enough to actually swim in) with an adjacent gym and squash courts. The park is also a good place to go for nice, relatively private but 100% secure romantic evening walks along the shores of Africa's largest lake. Just hanging around the resort gardens is free, USh 10,000 to enter the pool area and gym (if you're not staying there).
• Book safari directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kira Road (use phone, normally no need to go to there physically, +256 414 355000, +256 312 355000. Arrange park entry, gorilla trekking and other tours directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It does have some of its own safari packages and can provide assistance (information, guides, vehicles) to people wanting to organize a safari more independently.
• Book safari through a tour operator. Normally done via internet/phone/mail, but sometimes it can be convenient to visit the operators offices to arrange details or make payments.
• Hakuna Matata Safaris, Bugolobi, +256782997991. Offering both budget and luxury tour options, Hakuna Matata Safaris is a unique East African company that operates to all national parks, game reserves, mountains and island destinations in Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania From Kampala city. It also offers tour to Jinja to visit the source of Nil River

Sunday boda boda tour around town. Go on a Sunday morning, when streets are largely empty in stark contrast to other days, to cruise around the city on a boda-boda, get a feel for the different parts of the city and see lots of stuff in little time: Like the docks, beaches and fish markets at Ggaba or Port Bell, all the wonderful hills providing great views and nice buildings on top, and the extreme contrasts between different neighbourhoods. For an extra trustworthy driver use one associated with the place you stay at and make them arrange an extra helmet. USh 20,000-30,000 will last you a couple of hours.

Speke resort Munyonyo, +256 414 227 111, +256 417 716 000. Speke is a very posh resort where rich people stay, but during the weekends it also serves as a recreational place for Kampala's aspiring middle class (especially the younger generation). There is ample of space to play volleyball or football, and there is a large well-kept pool (large enough to actually swim in) with an adjacent gym and squash courts. The park is also a good place to go for nice, relatively private but 100% secure romantic evening walks along the shores of Africa's largest lake. Just hanging around the resort gardens is free, USh 10,000 to enter the pool area and gym (if you're not staying there).

Book safari directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kira Road (use phone, normally no need to go to there physically, +256 414 355000, +256 312 355000. Arrange park entry, gorilla trekking and other tours directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It does have some of its own safari packages and can provide assistance (information, guides, vehicles) to people wanting to organize a safari more independently.

Book safari through a tour operator. Normally done via internet/phone/mail, but sometimes it can be convenient to visit the operators offices to arrange details or make payments.

Hakuna Matata Safaris, Bugolobi, +256782997991. Offering both budget and luxury tour options, Hakuna Matata Safaris is a unique East African company that operates to all national parks, game reserves, mountains and island destinations in Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania From Kampala city. It also offers tour to Jinja to visit the source of Nil River

Both Entebbe and Jinja can be easily reached from Kampala in around an hour in reasonable traffic, so day trips to these cities and the activities surrounding them are possible from Kampala. Most excursions and safaris farther away will involve overnight stays. The closest real safaris are in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, about 4 hours away.

• Go for a safari in one of Ugandas national parks or game parks listed at Uganda#Other_destinations.

• Excursion to Entebbe to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you can watch chimps being fed, which is even more entertaining than it sounds. Boats leave from near the zoo at 9AM and 1PM, price is US$70, for 4-hour round trip.
• Visit the Zoo, beaches and Botanical Gardens in nearby Entebbe, (40 min. on Boda motorcycle taxi, USh 15-20,000).

• Bungee jump dipping your head in the headwaters of the Nile, near Jinja.
• Jet-Boating on the Nile, up and down some of the smaller rapids.
• Do an ATV safari along the headwaters of the Nile, driving through various small towns.

Large parts of Uganda are very suitable for agriculture and as a result Kampala has some very large and diverse food and agriculture markets. Traditional handmade tools, arts and crafts are also big. However there are also several large western style malls and supermarkets (e.g. Shoprite from South Africa., Tuskys from Kenya. If you're in the market for souvenirs, check out the Exposure Africa Crafts Village on Buganda Road or the slightly larger Uganda Arts & Crafts Village behind the National Theatre, near the Garden City complex. Also on Buganda Road across the street from the craft market you find a number of tailors if you are looking to have clothes sewn. And if you're tired from shopping the (upscale) cafe 1000 Cups of Coffee is a relaxing Mzungu hangout.

• Owino market. Owino market is one of the largest in this region of Africa. The endless booths that line the chaotic alleys of Owino offer a mind-boggling array everything from homemade irons, to American hand-me-down-clothes with the Goodwill price tags still on then, to an amazing array of African foods, to any and everything else under the sun. Everything at Owinio starts cheap and gets cheaper with bargaining. Owino was completely destroyed by fire mid-February 2009, but has since been reopened. Owino is near the center of Kampala, and any Boda or taxi driver will know how to get you there. Come prepared for a crowded maze of goods and people.
• Nakasero market. A lot smaller and more pleasant than Owino, good for fruit and veg. More accessible from Kampala road and better suited for a (relaxed) stroll.
• Exposure Africa Crafts Village, Buganda Road. African arts and crafts village with dozens of stalls.
• Uganda Arts & Crafts Village, National Theatre (behind National theatre. African arts and crafts village with dozens of stalls.
• Garden City. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Owino is Garden City. and if you are in the market for an Internet cafe, a Forex bureau, coffee shop, an expensive pair of shoes, a travel agent, a cinema, also has a capital shoppers supermarket. and more under the same roof, then Garden City is for you. Garden City can be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Kampala.
• Game, Lugugo Mall (next to Shoprite. Owned by Walmart USA. Another huge modern shop which sells DIY stuff, camping chairs, torches, batteries, etc. There is also a chicken and chips cafe, a souvenir shop, a couple of banks, a phone shop, etc.
• Uganda Crafts 2000 Ltd., Plot 32-36 Bombo Road (Heading towards Wandegeya from City Square, Uganda Crafts is in the basement shop of the DLCO-EA building, between Teacher's House and Bible House., +256 414 250 077. 9AM - 6PM. Uganda Crafts, Uganda's oldest fair trade craft shop, has been working with disadvantaged artisans since 1983. They are known for their baskets, but also stock lots of traditional Ugandan products, including musical instruments, jewelry, batiks, carvings, and bark cloth items. They also carry products from Kenya, Rwanda, and the Congo. They are certified fair trade by the International Fair Trade Association, which means that they pay their artisans promptly and fairly.
• Kasumba Square Mall. Kasumba Square Mall is at the edge of Kampala west at the intersection of Busega Round about and Northern bypass highway, This Mall was developed as to alleviate congestion and to deliver goods and services to the community as Kampala is becoming congested city due to rapid population growth.
• Acacia Mall, Acacia Avenue. (next to the British Embassy. Has a Century Cinema with a ticket price of USh 10,000 on a Monday. Also has a Shoprite Hypermaket

• Shoprite Hypermarkets., Lugugo Mall, Acacia Mall & Village Mall. 9AM-9PM.
• Mega Standard Department Stores & Supermarkets, Burton Street (Near old taxi park in downtown Kampala. 8AM-8PM. Has six floors, and sells 60% of local-made produce. Mega standard now also have a department store and supermarket in the Oasis mall.
• Senana shopping centre and hypermarket Buganda road downtown Kampala. Open 8AM-7PM. Has large supermarket and department store.

Shoprite Hypermarkets., Lugugo Mall, Acacia Mall & Village Mall. 9AM-9PM.

Mega Standard Department Stores & Supermarkets, Burton Street (Near old taxi park in downtown Kampala. 8AM-8PM. Has six floors, and sells 60% of local-made produce. Mega standard now also have a department store and supermarket in the Oasis mall.

Senana shopping centre and hypermarket Buganda road downtown Kampala. Open 8AM-7PM. Has large supermarket and department store.

Owino market. Owino market is one of the largest in this region of Africa. The endless booths that line the chaotic alleys of Owino offer a mind-boggling array everything from homemade irons, to American hand-me-down-clothes with the Goodwill price tags still on then, to an amazing array of African foods, to any and everything else under the sun. Everything at Owinio starts cheap and gets cheaper with bargaining. Owino was completely destroyed by fire mid-February 2009, but has since been reopened. Owino is near the center of Kampala, and any Boda or taxi driver will know how to get you there. Come prepared for a crowded maze of goods and people.

Nakasero market. A lot smaller and more pleasant than Owino, good for fruit and veg. More accessible from Kampala road and better suited for a (relaxed) stroll.

Exposure Africa Crafts Village, Buganda Road. African arts and crafts village with dozens of stalls.

Uganda Arts & Crafts Village, National Theatre (behind National theatre. African arts and crafts village with dozens of stalls.

Garden City. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Owino is Garden City. and if you are in the market for an Internet cafe, a Forex bureau, coffee shop, an expensive pair of shoes, a travel agent, a cinema, also has a capital shoppers supermarket. and more under the same roof, then Garden City is for you. Garden City can be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Kampala.

Game, Lugugo Mall (next to Shoprite. Owned by Walmart USA. Another huge modern shop which sells DIY stuff, camping chairs, torches, batteries, etc. There is also a chicken and chips cafe, a souvenir shop, a couple of banks, a phone shop, etc.

Uganda Crafts 2000 Ltd., Plot 32-36 Bombo Road (Heading towards Wandegeya from City Square, Uganda Crafts is in the basement shop of the DLCO-EA building, between Teacher's House and Bible House., +256 414 250 077. 9AM - 6PM. Uganda Crafts, Uganda's oldest fair trade craft shop, has been working with disadvantaged artisans since 1983. They are known for their baskets, but also stock lots of traditional Ugandan products, including musical instruments, jewelry, batiks, carvings, and bark cloth items. They also carry products from Kenya, Rwanda, and the Congo. They are certified fair trade by the International Fair Trade Association, which means that they pay their artisans promptly and fairly.

Kasumba Square Mall. Kasumba Square Mall is at the edge of Kampala west at the intersection of Busega Round about and Northern bypass highway, This Mall was developed as to alleviate congestion and to deliver goods and services to the community as Kampala is becoming congested city due to rapid population growth.

Acacia Mall, Acacia Avenue. (next to the British Embassy. Has a Century Cinema with a ticket price of USh 10,000 on a Monday. Also has a Shoprite Hypermaket

There are a number of dining options in Kampala ranging from the cheap and local to the very fancy (and very expensive).

Everywhere you go you'll see signs for little hole-in-the-wall restaurants (including some called "pork joints"). Most of these places don't have menus, so you'll have to ask what's available. Common options include meat (usually beef), rice, beans, Matoke (steamed green bananas, served mashed). Common dishes that can be found in most of the city restaurants and in the country side are Fish and Chips and chicken and chips. These meals vary in servings and will cost between USh 4500-9000. Be sure to ask the price ahead of time so that you don't get surprised later on. Prices are typically USh 500 per item, but can vary. Sodas and bottled water will cost more too. Matoke with groundnut sauce can be delicious!

For a street snack, the famous "Rolex" is very enjoyable. It is made out of a chapati (kind of a pancake) wrapped around an omelet, with cabbage and tomatoes. Expect to pay USh 700-1000. Other street food includes roast chicken, goat and beef. This is usually served with chips or a salad or both. Pricing is per piece USh 2000-4500. If you are looking for something healthier but still want to enjoy the experience of roadside eating, the best bargain is with roasted corn or maize. The white maize is slow roasted on a charcoal grill and is available for USh 500-600 per cob. Freshness is guaranteed as Maize is a common plant found throughout Uganda. Usually the vendors will have a stall close to a source of maize plantation.

• Great Wall, Plot 21 Kampala Rd, +256 712 937 148. Daily noon-10:30PM. Owned by Chinese from Beijing, this clean and comfortable restaurant serves big portions of tasty, classic dishes. Menu is in English and simplified Chinese (with strange character mistakes - I suppose 15 years away is a long time). There is a ceiling fan and service is attentive, polite and extremely rapid by Ugandan standards. If you've got a boney bum, bring a cushion. Fried rice with chicken USh 8000, sweet & sour pork USh 13,000.
• Bhagwatt Restaurant, ovolacto vegetarian, small eatery, overlooking Nakasero Market Square. Open 8AM to 8PM. Good quality abundant thali USh 7000. Will cater for vegans if you specify.
• Govindas, ovolacto vegetarian, in Dewinton Road near Nakumat, offers thali at USh 15000 at lunchtime, and a full menu of Indian dishes. Popular with local Indian community. They also serve Vegetarian Pizzas and Sandwiches. A reasonable variety of Indian Sweets is available too.
• Makere University Food Technology department, offers a tasty "local food" lunch, at USh 7000.

Great Wall, Plot 21 Kampala Rd, +256 712 937 148. Daily noon-10:30PM. Owned by Chinese from Beijing, this clean and comfortable restaurant serves big portions of tasty, classic dishes. Menu is in English and simplified Chinese (with strange character mistakes - I suppose 15 years away is a long time). There is a ceiling fan and service is attentive, polite and extremely rapid by Ugandan standards. If you've got a boney bum, bring a cushion. Fried rice with chicken USh 8000, sweet & sour pork USh 13,000.

Bhagwatt Restaurant, ovolacto vegetarian, small eatery, overlooking Nakasero Market Square. Open 8AM to 8PM. Good quality abundant thali USh 7000. Will cater for vegans if you specify.

Govindas, ovolacto vegetarian, in Dewinton Road near Nakumat, offers thali at USh 15000 at lunchtime, and a full menu of Indian dishes. Popular with local Indian community. They also serve Vegetarian Pizzas and Sandwiches. A reasonable variety of Indian Sweets is available too.

Makere University Food Technology department, offers a tasty "local food" lunch, at USh 7000.

Jinja Road is a good place for a variety of meals.

• Garden City. The food court at this shopping center offers a wide variety of options including Lebanese, Italian, Indian, and more. There are particularly good masala dosas served in the food court. Unlike a traditional food court, you order from a menu and a waiter brings food to your table. There is a good Indian restaurant named Nawab on the roof of Garden City, and a steak restaurant that's quite good.
• Cafe Javas, Oasis Shopping Plaza (next to Garden City) Expat and local hangout. Flawless service. Great breakfasts and wonderfully rich coffee. Free wireless internet. Opens at 6AM and stays open late.
• New York Kitchen, Garden City Basement (next to Stanbic bank parking garage). Has an assortment of authentic New York-style food.
• Fang Fang, Roof Terrace, Communication House, Plot 1, Colville St (Enter the Communications Tower government office block and, after passing throudh the security check, take the steps to the first floor., +256 414 344 806. Large, plush, well furnished place with many private side and meeting rooms. Well stocked bar. Authentic menu and cuisine. 6 piece per plate starter, vegetable USh 16,800, meat USh 19,800, prawns USh 29,800; crab in ginger & garlic sauce USh 65,800.
• Just Kicking, Kisementi shopping Centre, good choice of pub food and continental dishes, weekend nights BBQ.
• Pizza or BBQ night at the Red Chilli Hideaway, Butabika (10km east of city centre along Port Bell road and then left, at lake 500m from Butabika Hospital, +256 772 509 150. 6-9PM. Even if you're not staying there it might be interesting to spend an evening at this backpacker hangout and get some good travel tips from fellow travellers or listen to stories of some avid backpackers and cross-Africa (motor)bike/car drivers.

Garden City. The food court at this shopping center offers a wide variety of options including Lebanese, Italian, Indian, and more. There are particularly good masala dosas served in the food court. Unlike a traditional food court, you order from a menu and a waiter brings food to your table. There is a good Indian restaurant named Nawab on the roof of Garden City, and a steak restaurant that's quite good.

Cafe Javas, Oasis Shopping Plaza (next to Garden City) Expat and local hangout. Flawless service. Great breakfasts and wonderfully rich coffee. Free wireless internet. Opens at 6AM and stays open late.

New York Kitchen, Garden City Basement (next to Stanbic bank parking garage). Has an assortment of authentic New York-style food.

Fang Fang, Roof Terrace, Communication House, Plot 1, Colville St (Enter the Communications Tower government office block and, after passing throudh the security check, take the steps to the first floor., +256 414 344 806. Large, plush, well furnished place with many private side and meeting rooms. Well stocked bar. Authentic menu and cuisine. 6 piece per plate starter, vegetable USh 16,800, meat USh 19,800, prawns USh 29,800; crab in ginger & garlic sauce USh 65,800.

Just Kicking, Kisementi shopping Centre, good choice of pub food and continental dishes, weekend nights BBQ.

Pizza or BBQ night at the Red Chilli Hideaway, Butabika (10km east of city centre along Port Bell road and then left, at lake 500m from Butabika Hospital, +256 772 509 150. 6-9PM. Even if you're not staying there it might be interesting to spend an evening at this backpacker hangout and get some good travel tips from fellow travellers or listen to stories of some avid backpackers and cross-Africa (motor)bike/car drivers.

• The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar, +256 414 250337. Plot 34, Impala Avenue, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kololo, Kampala. Features a wide variety of fusion delights from all across continent. Only restaurant in Uganda offering full range of game meat. Starters range from USh 14,000 to 25,000. Main course range from USh 18,000 to 40,000. The wines includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from USh 30,000 to 150,000. This has a fantastic ambiance, and the food is amazing.
• Paradise: Sheraton Kampala. Features a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Main course range from USh 20,000 to 40,000. The wines includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from USh 40,000 to 150,000.
• Serena Hotel: just down the hill from the Sheraton. A variety of South Asian and African dishes prepared with flair. A complete meal for two will run to about USh 200,000, excluding alcohol.
• Khana Khazana, this is one of the best (more expensive) Indian restaurants: It is on Acacia Avenue, up from the Protea Hotel, in Kololo.
• Mamba Point: this is one of the best (more expensive) Italian places. The address is 22 Akil Bua Road-Nakasero: 031-256-3000. Be sure to go to the Italian Restaurant on Akil Bua Road, not the Pizzeria on Lumumba Ave—-although the Pizzeria is one of the best in town.
• The Pyramids Casino: this is the place to go when someone else is paying. It is more expensive than just about anywhere, except for the Serena. It has good pastas and meat, and is a bit more interesting for continental/fusion food than major hotels like the Sheraton or Serena. It is on Yusef Lule Road, across from the Golf Course.
• Fang Fang Chinese Restaurant: one of the best Chinese places. There are two in Kampala-- one with an attached hotel (nearer to the Sheraton) and open to outdoors (so don't forget to wear bug spray). They keep two white rabbits that hop on the grass in the main patio area and will put up with children petting them if you feed them a carrot or cucumber. The second Fang Fang is in downtown Kampala at Communications House; they have indoor seating and a roof terrace.

There are many Indian restaurants in Kampala, like Haandi on Kampala road, Masala chat and Govinda on Dewington Road, Khana Khazana and Khyber Pass Speke Hotel behind NSSF, and Indian Summer in Tankhill Parade.

• Biyani House Uganda, Plot No. 16, Acacia Avenue (Opposite Insomnia/Bubble,, +256 758 935 839. 10AM-midnight. Offers a happy hour. 2500 UGX onwards.
• The Bistro.

The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar, +256 414 250337. Plot 34, Impala Avenue, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kololo, Kampala. Features a wide variety of fusion delights from all across continent. Only restaurant in Uganda offering full range of game meat. Starters range from USh 14,000 to 25,000. Main course range from USh 18,000 to 40,000. The wines includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from USh 30,000 to 150,000. This has a fantastic ambiance, and the food is amazing.

Paradise: Sheraton Kampala. Features a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Main course range from USh 20,000 to 40,000. The wines includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from USh 40,000 to 150,000.

Serena Hotel: just down the hill from the Sheraton. A variety of South Asian and African dishes prepared with flair. A complete meal for two will run to about USh 200,000, excluding alcohol.

Khana Khazana, this is one of the best (more expensive) Indian restaurants: It is on Acacia Avenue, up from the Protea Hotel, in Kololo.

Mamba Point: this is one of the best (more expensive) Italian places. The address is 22 Akil Bua Road-Nakasero: 031-256-3000. Be sure to go to the Italian Restaurant on Akil Bua Road, not the Pizzeria on Lumumba Ave—-although the Pizzeria is one of the best in town.

The Pyramids Casino: this is the place to go when someone else is paying. It is more expensive than just about anywhere, except for the Serena. It has good pastas and meat, and is a bit more interesting for continental/fusion food than major hotels like the Sheraton or Serena. It is on Yusef Lule Road, across from the Golf Course.

Fang Fang Chinese Restaurant: one of the best Chinese places. There are two in Kampala-- one with an attached hotel (nearer to the Sheraton) and open to outdoors (so don't forget to wear bug spray). They keep two white rabbits that hop on the grass in the main patio area and will put up with children petting them if you feed them a carrot or cucumber. The second Fang Fang is in downtown Kampala at Communications House; they have indoor seating and a roof terrace.

Biyani House Uganda, Plot No. 16, Acacia Avenue (Opposite Insomnia/Bubble,, +256 758 935 839. 10AM-midnight. Offers a happy hour. 2500 UGX onwards.

The Bistro.

Drink only bottled water - spring water brands like Rwenzori and Blue Wave can be trusted - or tap water that has been boiled/treated appropriately.

If you feel like going out, go out, you should be safe, just exercise common sense. Ugandans are very sociable. Kampala's nightlife centers around the neighborhoods Bukoto and Kabalagala. Several clubs are also in the Industrial area (e.g. along 1st/6th Street) and along Kampala Road plus Acacia Avenue. Popular clubs are Club Silk, Venom Club, Club Amnesia, Casablanca, Cayenne Restaurant and Lounge, the Mask Lounge Club and Ange Noir. Going out clubbing in Kampala can be very expensive.

• Evening out in Kabalagala. Kabalagala is an area with many bars and restaurants that is very lively at night and popular both amongst locals and expats. Go there, have fun and get to know some locals, but keep in mind that some girls (not the majority) are actually there to work. Kabalagala has everything from shabby waragi shacks to fancy establishments like Club Venom at the top of Tirupati Mazima Mall.
• Evening out in Bukoto. Bukoto began as a purely residential suburb, but is now spawning many popular nightlife spots. Good alternative to Kabalagala and less muzungus than further down along Acacia Avenue.
• Expat night at Bubbles O’Leary’s, +256 31 2263815. Bubbles is an Irish pub in Kampala that serves as the main expat hangout (along with several other places along Acacia Avenue). Go there to get some (shocking) insights into the giant industry that is NGOs, aid and volunteering in Uganda.
• Clubbing in the Industrial Area. Some very fancy clubs with steep prices, others more normal, lots of showing off, students enjoying themselves, dance floors fill easily, good dancing, some old mzungu men, hookers, ... partly bizarre but in the end the same as everywhere else around the world. The popular Club Silk, Ange Noir and T1 are on First Street. Several other clubs are on 6th Street.
• Just Kicking sports bar, Kisementi (at end of Acacia Avenue. Good for a relaxed drink with an international crowd. It gets very lively during weekend nights and whenever a major football match is screened.
• The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar, Impala Avenue, Kololo (on south-eastern slope of Kololo hill, close to where airstrip ends. Good if you want a quite and tranquil environment. The Lawns offers beautiful garden lounge bar. Try their wide range of cocktails or wine with amazing starters.

Uganda does, however, have a serious drink problem with the U.N. saying it has the highest alcohol consumption rate in the world, much of this is sold on backstreets, hence official figures don't rate it so highly. Don't let this put you off, the city is still safe even with this undesired tag.

Evening out in Kabalagala. Kabalagala is an area with many bars and restaurants that is very lively at night and popular both amongst locals and expats. Go there, have fun and get to know some locals, but keep in mind that some girls (not the majority) are actually there to work. Kabalagala has everything from shabby waragi shacks to fancy establishments like Club Venom at the top of Tirupati Mazima Mall.

Evening out in Bukoto. Bukoto began as a purely residential suburb, but is now spawning many popular nightlife spots. Good alternative to Kabalagala and less muzungus than further down along Acacia Avenue.

Expat night at Bubbles O’Leary’s, +256 31 2263815. Bubbles is an Irish pub in Kampala that serves as the main expat hangout (along with several other places along Acacia Avenue). Go there to get some (shocking) insights into the giant industry that is NGOs, aid and volunteering in Uganda.

Clubbing in the Industrial Area. Some very fancy clubs with steep prices, others more normal, lots of showing off, students enjoying themselves, dance floors fill easily, good dancing, some old mzungu men, hookers, ... partly bizarre but in the end the same as everywhere else around the world. The popular Club Silk, Ange Noir and T1 are on First Street. Several other clubs are on 6th Street.

Just Kicking sports bar, Kisementi (at end of Acacia Avenue. Good for a relaxed drink with an international crowd. It gets very lively during weekend nights and whenever a major football match is screened.

The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar, Impala Avenue, Kololo (on south-eastern slope of Kololo hill, close to where airstrip ends. Good if you want a quite and tranquil environment. The Lawns offers beautiful garden lounge bar. Try their wide range of cocktails or wine with amazing starters.

• Bancafe, Nakumat (Oasis). Excellent coffee, good espresso and they sell beans and ground coffee.
• Cafe Javas. Good chain that is at several locations around the city. Has working Wi-Fi. Midrange pricing.
• Good African Coffee, Lugogo (next to Shoprite. Offers an excellent array of coffee concoctions and a good selection of food. Looks like a coffee shop/cafe with outdoor seating, but also offers a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu with burgers, steaks, fish, roasted chicken, pitas, salads, etc.
• Juice, Dewinton Road. A very good juice cafe, offering a huge selection of juices, including various herbal remedies.
• 1000 Cups Coffee House, Buganda Road (across the road from the craft market, +256 772 505 619, +256 782 544 313. Upscale coffee shop popular amongst muzungus. Serving a several regional varieties of coffee, American style.

Bancafe, Nakumat (Oasis). Excellent coffee, good espresso and they sell beans and ground coffee.

Cafe Javas. Good chain that is at several locations around the city. Has working Wi-Fi. Midrange pricing.

Good African Coffee, Lugogo (next to Shoprite. Offers an excellent array of coffee concoctions and a good selection of food. Looks like a coffee shop/cafe with outdoor seating, but also offers a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu with burgers, steaks, fish, roasted chicken, pitas, salads, etc.

Juice, Dewinton Road. A very good juice cafe, offering a huge selection of juices, including various herbal remedies.

1000 Cups Coffee House, Buganda Road (across the road from the craft market, +256 772 505 619, +256 782 544 313. Upscale coffee shop popular amongst muzungus. Serving a several regional varieties of coffee, American style.

Kampala is a relatively safe city. It is fairly safe to walk or take matatus around some areas at night, but don't take unnecessary chances. Kampala is not safe to walk around in after dark, especially if you are a white. It is assumed that all whites have money. It is also not safe to drive around, day or night, with your windows down or unlocked. Someone could reach in through the window and take your cell phone right out of your hand or open the door and take your laptop right off your lap.

Air pollution is among the worst in the world, so again, keep your windows up, doors locked and set your car button to circulate the air and not take in external air, especially if you are following a diesel powered MV.

Boda-boda motorcycle taxis are notoriously dangerous, but are sometimes so convenient it's difficult not to use them. If you do decide to use them regularly consider buying a helmet (they are not provided by the driver). Although it defies logic at first glance, you might want to consider taking a boda-boda in which the driver does not have a helmet. Drivers without helmets tend to drive slower, and as they never have helmets for the passengers, this means that you are a bit safer. With the introduction of the in-app Boda-boda riders, you can ride safer on a motorcycle in Kampala.

Don't plan on using your credit card. If it is accepted, there is a good chance of fraud. Safer is withdrawing money from ATMs using your Mastercard or Visa-card. Many ATMs take Mastercard or Visa card. Ecobank, Equity bank, Stanbic are the banks that takes MasterCard branded cards. Barclays Bank Uganda has a fee at all its ATMs for all overseas banks cards.

To stay safe, also be aware of the many prostitutes in Rock Garden at Speke Hotel. There are several stories about guys being duped, drinking beers laced with rohypnol, ending up short on cash, cell phones, credit cards and bank cheques.

In May 2013, the Sheraton Hotel had unsecured Wi-Fi. Although the connection is not particularly fast or the signal strong on the ground floor or first floor buffet breakfast restaurant, "executive floor" 4 has a strong and fast connection and comfortable sofas to the left of the lift. There's a good 360-degree view of the city from the rooftop at stop 11 of the elevator.

From USh 1000 per hour.

• Linking Worlds (Quality Shopping Village) 1000 m from Entebbe Road with a fast internet connection
• KayeNet internet cafe is a chain of Internet cafes at the following locations:
• (Nakulabye) Beauty House, Plot 494 Makerere Hill Rd, Mengo, opposite Chez Johnson Hotel.
• (Nalubwama arcade) Nalubwama arcade, 1st floor- shop f1-2, Ben Kiwanuka street, opposite old taxi park.
• (Wandegeya) Plot 151, Bombo Rd, Wandegeya, opposite Stanbic bank, above Kookee supermarket.
• (Market Street) Energy Centre Building, Level 3, Shop 36, Market Street, Nakasero.

Linking Worlds (Quality Shopping Village) 1000 m from Entebbe Road with a fast internet connection

KayeNet internet cafe is a chain of Internet cafes at the following locations:

• BBC World Service can be heard on FM radio 101.3MHz in central Kampala.

BBC World Service can be heard on FM radio 101.3MHz in central Kampala.

Satellite TV is widely available in bars, hotels, restaurants, etc. Stations available include Al Jazeera, BBC World News, CNN.

• Egypt Egypt, 33 Kololo Hill Drive, +256 414254525. 9AM-4PM.
• Sweden Sweden, 24 Lumumba Avenue, +256 (0417) 700 800.
• United States United States of America, Plot 1577 Ggaba Rd.
• United Kingdom United Kingdom, 4 Windsor Loop, P. O. Box 7070, +256 312 312000. Mon to Thurs: 8:30am - 1:00pm/2:00pm - 5:00pm Friday: 8:30am - 1:00pm.

Egypt Egypt, 33 Kololo Hill Drive, +256 414254525. 9AM-4PM.

Sweden Sweden, 24 Lumumba Avenue, +256 (0417) 700 800.

United States United States of America, Plot 1577 Ggaba Rd.

United Kingdom United Kingdom, 4 Windsor Loop, P. O. Box 7070, +256 312 312000. Mon to Thurs: 8:30am - 1:00pm/2:00pm - 5:00pm Friday: 8:30am - 1:00pm.

Any place in Uganda can be easily reached from Kampala in less than one day. Most popular destinations can be reached in less than half a days driving time, however if you use public buses, allow for some hours waiting time before the bus leaves, and sometimes the bus will get stuck in traffic when trying to leave Kampala.

• Jinja, one source of the Nile and amazing whitewater rafting can be reached in around one hour.
• Fort Portal, in the vicinity of the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kibale Forest National Park and the Rwenzori National Park, can be reached in around 4 hours.
• Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi and the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be reached in around 5-6 hours.
• Driving to Gulu takes 4-5 hours by bus.
• Murchison Falls National Park also takes about that time to reach.
• Tororo, Mbale and Mount Elgon National Park can be reached in a couple of hours to less than half a day.
• Furthermore, it used to be possible to reach Ssese Islands from Port Bell in Kampala with the MV Amani, but that service seems suspended and the main ferry from Entebbe, MV Kalangala, is in prolonged repairs.
• Equator line: just go to the New taxi park and get on Kampala-Equator mini buses (USh 7000) or the Kampala-Masaka Mini buses (USh 12000). The final stop of Kampala-Equator mini buses are few meters away from the Equator line. They make u turn and head back to Kampala. It is 1.5-hour drive from Kampala. The equator line is just before the town of Kayabwe. There is water flow demonstration (a hoax) for (USh 10,000). All the mini bus drivers know when and where you should get off. Many safari tour companies operate out of Kampala and drive their customers to the national parks, but it is also possible to arrange trips in Fort Portal for example (or go with your own car of course).

Matatus and larger buses out of Kampala leave mainly from the new taxi park. A few may still also leave from the old taxi park. There are many companies (almost 100) that run larger tour buses that leave from numerous bus terminals/stations surrounding the new taxi park, or for buses going east into Kenya at De Winton Road. You can take buses of differing sizes and quality going to all major cities in Uganda and to Juba (South Sudan, min. 12 hr), to Malaba, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, and to Kigali (Rwanda); amongst others. Sometimes there are more or less direct buses to Tanzania (like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and Bukoba), but those lines do not seem very profitable since companies pop up and disappear quickly (TZ is not so nice with border fees/customs/trade/immigration/etc. so there is less demand for travel there combined with higher costs).

In general bus operators, schedules, prices and routes change constantly, so information found on the internet will often be out of date. If you want to go somewhere it is best to try to find a phone number where you can confirm departures or just ask around where buses going there and there leave, and go there early in the morning. Keep in mind that some companies will consistently employ bad drivers, and accidents do happen, so it is worth using a company that has a good reputation (some of which should be listed below). Also, while the minibuses (matatus) are relatively safe when traveling in Kampala's crowded and slow moving traffic, they are generally considered relatively unsafe on the fast roads in the countryside populated by heavy trucks and buses. Bigger buses are safer, especially since at least some of them are run by larger companies that care about their reputation and are better regulated/monitored by the government. An up to date list of bus routes going east is this. An older but more comprehensive list of bus routes out of Kampala is here.

• New taxi park. Matatus and larger buses going everywhere!
• Post bus terminal, Main post office (on Kampala Road, 200 m west from Entebbe Road, +256 412 555 115. Government-run post bus, reputed for its safety and popular among western budget tourists. Departures M-Sa 7-8AM in the morning M-Sa
  • bus 1. Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, Lira.
  • bus 2. Gulu,
  • bus 3. Masaka Mbarara Kabale, Kisoro,
• De winton Road, near National Theatre, is the place to get buses to/from Kenya and Tanzania.
• Easy Coach, +256 776727270, +256 757727273. Departs twice daily 7AM and 6PM for Kisumu and Nairobi (7 hr, 14 hr) (March 2016).
• Modern Coast Express. have Three buses a day to/from Kisumu and Nairobi. From Nairobi you can travel onward to Mombasa, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza.
• Mash Poa have three buses a day to/from Nairobi. From Nairobi you can travel onward to Mombasa. Mash Poa also have one bus a day from Kampala to Kigali.
• Simba Coaches have four buses a day to/from Nairobi.
• Arua park. Mainly for going north, like Gulu and Juba.
• Trinity express and Jaguar Coaches have buses to/from Kigali Rwanda.

New taxi park. Matatus and larger buses going everywhere!

Post bus terminal, Main post office (on Kampala Road, 200 m west from Entebbe Road, +256 412 555 115. Government-run post bus, reputed for its safety and popular among western budget tourists. Departures M-Sa 7-8AM in the morning M-Sa

• bus 1. [[Jinja]], [[Mbale]], [[Soroti]], [[Lira]].
• bus 2. [[Gulu]],
• bus 3. [[Masaka]] [[Mbarara]] [[Kabale]], [[Kisoro]],

De winton Road, near National Theatre, is the place to get buses to/from Kenya and Tanzania.

Easy Coach, +256 776727270, +256 757727273. Departs twice daily 7AM and 6PM for [[Kisumu]] and [[Nairobi]] (7 hr, 14 hr) (March 2016).

Modern Coast Express. have Three buses a day to/from [[Kisumu]] and [[Nairobi]]. From [[Nairobi]] you can travel onward to [[Mombasa]], [[Arusha]], [[Dar es Salaam]], [[Mwanza]].

Mash Poa have three buses a day to/from [[Nairobi]]. From Nairobi you can travel onward to [[Mombasa]]. Mash Poa also have one bus a day from Kampala to [[Kigali]].

Simba Coaches have four buses a day to/from [[Nairobi]].

Arua park. Mainly for going north, like [[Gulu]] and [[Juba]].

Trinity express and Jaguar Coaches have buses to/from [[Kigali]] Rwanda.

Furthermore, it used to be possible to reach [[Ssese Islands]] from Port Bell in Kampala with the MV Amani, but that service seems suspended and the main ferry from [[Entebbe]], MV Kalangala, is in prolonged repairs.