What You Will Do
Ends At: Uganda Martyrs Shrine
Pick Up: 08:30AM / Drop Off: 06:00PM
Trip Overview:
Kampala is Uganda's capital - and it is subdivided into 5 divisions; Central, Kawempe(North), Makindye(South), Nakawa(East) and Rubaga (West). Kampala started as an urban settlement in 1890, later in 1900 it became Uganda’s capital following the signing of the Buganda agreement and in 1950 the city got its first mayor. This tour is the easiest and safest way to explore Kampala, its people, its history and economic engagements. After this tour, you will become a storyteller! This is a private guided tour ensuring a personalized service and authentic experiences!
Highlights
Kampala’s historical monuments
Temples (Indian and Baha’i)
Buganda kingdom
Gadhafi Mosque
Kasubi Tombs
Makerere University
Uganda National Museum – closed
Visit the Martyrs Shrine
The Martyrs Museum
Taste a local meal
Spot the 7 hills of Kampala
Souvenir shopping
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Kampala
40 minutes
Starting with Kampala Central, your city tour extends to the city's suburbs.
Up-town Kampala sights include: The Independence Monument, Mutesa II Monument, World War II Monument, the Parliamentary Building, Bank of Uganda (Since 1966), Uganda National Cultural Centre (Since Dec, 1959), Kampala Capital City Authority (HQ’s). Thereafter, make a stopover at Nakasero Market: Established in 1895, first at Lubiri and later to its present location within the city centre in 1905. Enjoy sights of the Hindu temples such as Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and other cultural sites.
2
Kabaka's Palace
1 hour
Proceed to Buganda Kingdom and visit – The Kabaka’s (king’s) Palace; to see Idd Amin's Armoury, a historical machine gun, the palace pictorial, explore Buganda’s rich history and with a drive past Kabaka’s Lake. Included in the Buganda trail is the Nantawetwa monument; built exclusively for the King and only opened when He is being driven to from the palace to the Buganda Parliament. Drive on the Royal Mile; Sightseeing Bulange (Buganda Parliament); Kabaka’s monument, and Zakaria Kisingiri House as well as the Buganda Clan Symbols.
3
Gaddafi National Mosque
1 hour
Make your next stopover at Gadhafi National Mosque (by the late Col. Muammar Gadhafi). Get here and climb up the tower (minaret) for a 360-degree bird’s eye view for the city’s popular 7 Hills; this includes viewing Fort Lugard (since 1800 by Capt. Frederick Lugard) and Old Kampala Senior Secondary School (over 60 years and Rwanda’s President Kagame once enrolled here).
4
1 hour
Continue to visit Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site): Kasubi Tombs is a renowned spiritual site for the Baganda where traditional and cultural practices have been preserved from time to time. The site is a significant burial ground for the previous four Kings (Kabakas) of Buganda which qualifies it as a religious centre for the Royal family – important traditional rituals related to Buganda culture are held on site.
5
Makerere University
30 minutes
From Kasubi drive through Makerere University: This iconic academic centre of excellence is Uganda’s largest and oldest (since 1922) as well as Africa’s third oldest university. At Makerere; see landmarks such as the Old University Library (established in 1949). The Main Administration Building (since 1941), alongside the Education monument. En-route to the Baha’i Temple, drive via Kalerwe Market – the second largest local market; you may stopover for a few pictures or purchase some fresh fruits.
6
Baha'i Temple
1 hour 30 minutes
Approach Kikaya Hill, to explore the Baha’i Temple and Baha’i Faith in Uganda: this is the Baha’i sole temple in Africa; situated north east of Kampala. Be granted access the temple for a moment of self-meditation and take a few pictures in the temple's lush gardens.
Special Note: The Temple and it is closed on every Mondays & Fridays.
7
Uganda Museum
The Museum is temporarily closed for renovations.
Stopover at the Uganda National Museum: East Africa’s first and oldest (officiated by the British government in 1908 to its latest site in 1954). This serves as a summary of our city tour and the rest of Uganda.
8
Uganda Martyrs Shrine
1 hour 30 minutes
Break-off for lunch at a restaurant and continue.
Make your final stopover at The Uganda Martyrs Shrine – a major site where the martyrs were persecuted to death between 1885 and 1887 on orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. This site is a popular pilgrimage destination in Africa (every 3rd June hundreds of thousands visit for pilgrimage). Be guided to The Basilica (constructed in 1967 for 9 years until 3rd June 1975 and sanctifies on 7th February 1993 by the then Pope). Three Papal visits to the Martyrs’ Shrine have been recognized: Pope Paul VI (1969), Pope John Paul II (1993) and recently Pope Francis (2015) – all have been to this religious site. You will as well get to the Martyrs Museum and the Holy Water Lake.
Following an informative tour of the shrine; return to the hotel or any choice location within Kampala City or the suburbs.
Special Note: Transfers outside Kampala require an extra cost. Such should be advised in advance for a reasonable extra charge.
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