What You Will Do
Kampala is Uganda's capital - and it is subdivided into 5 divisions; Central, Kawempe (North), Makindye (South), Nakawa (East) and Rubaga (West). This tour is the easiest and safest way to explore Kampala; its people, history and economic engagements - This is a privately guided tour ensuring a personalized service and an authentic experience: After which you will become a storyteller!
Tour Highlights
- Kampala’s historical monuments
- Temples (Indian and Baha’i)
- Buganda Kingdom Palace
- Gadhafi National Mosque
- Kasubi Royal Tombs
- Makerere University
- Uganda National Museum
- Uganda Martyrs Shrine
- The Martyrs Museum
- Taste a local meal
- See the 7 hills of Kampala
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Kampala
Day tour itinerary: Starting with Kampala CBD, your tour extends to the 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). Then make a stopover at Nakasero Market: Established in 1895, first at Lubiri and later to its present location within the city center in 1905. Enjoy sights of the Hindu temples such as Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and other cultural sites.
2
Kabaka's Palace
2 hours
Proceed to Buganda Kingdom and visit – The Kabaka’s (king’s) Palace; see the Idd Amin Armory, 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
Drive through the 80’s–Kampala, and make a stopover at Gadhafi Mosque; (by the late Col. Muammar Gadhafi as a gift to Uganda). 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. Fredrick Lugard) and Old Kampala Senior Secondary School (over 60 years and Rwanda’s President Kagame once enrolled here).
4
1 hour
Next is a visit to the 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 of Buganda which qualifies it as a cultural center for the Royal family – traditional rituals related to Buganda culture are held on site.
5
Makerere University
30 minutes
From Kasubi drive through Makerere University on a sightseeing tour: This iconic academic center 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.
6
Baha'i Temple
1 hour
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.
Approach Kikaya Hill – and 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 lush gardens.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE TEMPLE IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS.
7
Uganda Museum
IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS AND WILL OPEN LATE 2025.
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 the rest of Uganda.
8
Uganda Martyrs Shrine
1 hour
Break-off for lunch at a restaurant and continue.
Thereafter, make a 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 your preferred location within Kampala.
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