September 2019

Kampala city tour and day excursions are some of the most exciting activities for those interested in visiting urban tourist attractions in Uganda. Kampala city tour covers a variety of options and the trail you will choose will definitely offer you want you want.

For those interested in culture, there is a cultural trail mainly for the Baganda where you can visit Kasubi Tombs, Lubiri ceremonial palace, Mengo which is the Parliament of Buganda Kingdom and Nagalabi which is the coronation ground for Buganda Kingdom as well.

Buganda Kingdom is one of the vibrant kingdoms in Uganda that is very committed to promoting cultural tourism. This will take you to Lubiri which is the ceremonial palace of the King of Buganda.

To explore this palace one needs about two hours before visiting Kabaka’s Lake locally referred to as Akayanja ka Kabaka.

This is a manmade lake that was aimed at connecting Lubiri with Lake Victoria since the King was tired of commuting from his palace to go to Lake Victoria for swimming and canoeing.

From Lubiri, you can then visit Mengo which is the parliament of Buganda. Kasubi Tombs is a must visit for those that have time. It is the burial place for the kings of Buganda.

It was gutted by fire but rehabilitation is almost done. Other burial sites are wamala tombs and if one has time can connect the Buganda story by visiting Nagalabi in Buddo.

Uganda Museum offers a comprehensive cultural collections of Uganda. Uganda Museum is on record for having the largest collection of ethnographic materials in the whole of Africa.

A tour of Uganda Museum on your Kampala city tour will expose you to other departments like The Natural History of Uganda, Ethnography, Musicology, and archeology and Stone Age sites in Uganda.

One needs at least three hours to tour this place. It’s one of the sites that should be included on someone’s wish list while planning a Kampala city tour.

There is no other place to visit local markets than on your Kampala city tour. It’s an experience exploring city markets on foot. Popular city markets include Nakasero, Nakawa, kalerwe and Balikudebbe Markets.

It is very exciting to discover how traders dealing in fruits, vegetables, food stuffs and other merchandize conduct business in a very congested place of work. Their hospitality is awesome confirming that Ugandan’s are indeed friendly people.

Visit Cathedrals, Mosques and Temples

Uganda is a country of many religious denominations. If interested in religion, come visit cathedrals on our Kampala city tour.

Each cathedral is strategically located on a hill and these include, Namirembe cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, Nsambya among others. Old Kampala and Kibuli Mosques have rich history attached to them. You are also free to visit Bahia temple if time allows.

You could also enjoy some of Uganda’s interesting fast foods, such as the Rolex, it’s quite heavy and you will enjoy it or you could visit one of the many restaurants lining the streets of Kampala.

Either way, your dining will also be part of the tour. On top of this, you can also visit various night hideouts such as clubs, restaurants, casinos among others of which you can be sure of enjoying yourself all night.

Be sure to get comfortable walking shoes for this part of your safari, a hat, enough drinking water, sun glasses and also a camera will also do you well.

Mpanga forest reserve located along the Kampala – Masaka high way just after the Mpigi district. It has existed way back in 1953 as a scientific research center.

It’s a great birding site rewarding visitors with wonderful bird views. The Mpanga forest reserve is usually visited by tourists on their way to the west during a stopover.

At this reserve, they are treated to the wonderful sights and sounds of the forest, enjoying the beautiful views of the various bird and butter fly species of the forest. Just like any other ecosystem, Mpanga forest too has a lot to offer its visitors among which include;

Drum making witnessed from the Royal Drum making village Mpambire, a small village away from the forest. These drums are very crucial in the African societies since they are used as means of communication especially in the rural African communities.

Drums have always been used by locals to communicate both the good and bad news and for every occasion, a different sound track is produced or used. At times they are used in entertainment especially when playing traditional dances and music which are quite very entertaining.

Mpambire is a wide drumming site with a variety of different types of drums. These drums are made from about five different tree species which are all habituated by the Mpanga forest reserve.

Forest Trails

Mpanga forest also offers great day and night forest nature walks through its properly outlined forest trails. These trails can last from 30 minutes to 24 hours depending on personal interest.

The night forest nature walks allow visitors to see wildlife species that reside in the forest and only around in the nights and on movement during the day.

Many of Mpanga forest trails connect to the surrounding local villages and farming grounds giving tourists a clear insight of the way of life of the natives living around the area.

The butterfly loop trail is considered the shortest trail through the Mpanga forest reserve but offer visitors great views of the various vegetation types with in the forest, the clear wildlife views of bush babies and leopards among others. This loop stretches for about 1kilometer distance through the forest.

The Base Line Trail

It offers great sights of the forest canopy and several bird and butterfly species as they fly around the clear blue sky of the forest in the sunny days.

This trail is also well recommended for motorcycle biking and usually brings visitors to close views of the local villages living around the Mpanga forest reserve area.

Horn-bill Trail

This trail covers a distance of 5 kilometers and links to the Base Line trail of Mpanga forest. It can be hiked for about 3 hours offering visitors wonderful sights of the forest streams, gentle hills, root structures and buttresses, fungi, butterflies, snakes, monkeys and some bird species.

Camp site and picnic area

At the camping and picnic site, tourists get a chance of seeing the Red tailed monkeys playing from the site compound and even stealing fruits from the campers’ tables which is such a wonderful encounter. In case of any easing issues, the camp site provides great latrines, camp shelters and fire area.

Nabajjuzi Wetland is a Nature Reserve in Masaka

Just out of Masaka on the way to Mbarara, these Ramsar site–listed wetlands offer excellent opportunities to spy two of Uganda’s most elusive animals: the shoe-bill stork and the sitatunga.

Camp Ndegeya Sculpture Park, Arts Centre in Masaka

This community arts Centre in Ndegeya village, 7km from Masaka, has a cool outdoor sculpture park and holds art events throughout the year, including Fiestart in August.

Lake Nabugabo Holiday and Conference Centre

The centre is located at the shores of Lake Nabugabo in Masaka district, about 21 kms from Masaka town. The estate was originally sponsored by missionaries and later handed over to the Church of Uganda for use as a holiday resort and conference centre.

There are a number of activities carried out and these include; canoeing, Sport Fishing and recreation on the sand beaches, Bird watching, swimming and camping. Besides camping they also have holiday resort accommodation facilities.

Sand Beach Nabugabo

This is located about 23 kilometers from Masaka town, at the shores of Lake Nabugabo. It is popular for annual canoeing competitions. It is also popular for motor rallying events, fishing, and camping, beautiful bandas/cottages.

Other activities include recreational activities like beach volleyball and beach football. It is an excellent place for family outings.

Bird watching is one of the activities that were recently launched and this is done either around the lake area on the side of the beach. One can also take a canoe to an Island in the lake or on the other side of the lake across the beach.

Kibale Forest National Park is one of East Africa’s major Tropical Rain-forest.  A Visit to the Forest allows you to discover a whole other world beyond Savannas and arid plains.

It is not be missed for the Rain-forest Jungle like Vegetation alone, add the Primates that have the highest rate of seeing them on a Trek and a Chimpanzee enthusiast is in his version of heaven.

Kibale Forest is more than chimpanzees and other primates it is home to about 70 species of mammals and the checklist of them is quite impressive and includes Forest Elephants (about 500), Forest Buffaloes, Hippos, Warthogs, Giant Forest Hogs, Bush pigs. Bush-buck Antelopes, Golden Cats, Leopards, Sitatunga Semi-Aquatic Antelopes with webbed hoofs, also red and blue Duikers.

Kibale is one of the best forest parks for birds in Uganda with 375 recorded species and birders can easily spend days here exploring what Kibale Forest has to offer them spotting birds such as the African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, Afep Pigeon, White-naped Pigeon, Crowned Eagle, Red-chested Owlet, Black Bee-eater, Western Nicator, Yellow-rumped Tinker bird, Little Greenbul, Brown-chested Alethe, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, African Grey Parrot, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis ,Brown Illadopsis, Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, and many more.

Chimpanzee tracking, which means that you will be one hour with a chimpanzee group.  Some want more of the experience of being with the chimpanzees hence going for chimpanzee habituation.

There’s a morning (8am) and afternoon (2pm) departure, and while there are plenty of hills along the trails, the walking isn’t difficult if you’re in shape.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.  It is an all-day experience with the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience begins early in the morning and lasts all-day long – you are with a guide, researchers, trackers and others as you are in the presence of Chimpanzees being habituated. Not only will you see Chimpanzees, but other primates, birds, butterflies, trees, and mammals.

Nature walks and hikes in, near and around Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda.  There is even a hike that traverses the length of the park where by each night you sleep in a different area outside of the park.

Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary simply a swamp in the tropical jungle, filled with natural wonders that have amazed and delights thousands each year as they trek through this Jungle Swamp – primates – including chimpanzees in the afternoon, birds including the large Blue Turaco.

The Amabere Caves:

Visit this amazing cave for its beauty, natural wonder and cultural legends – it is located not too far from Kibale Forest and is a most welcomed addition to the other places in, near, or around Kibale Forest Park.

There are enough things to do in Mbarara to keep you busy for a few days and most find out about the history of Mbarara, the chief town of the old Nkore Kingdom that was later subsumed into an independent Uganda in 1962.

You can find out more about Mbarara’s history at the Igongo Cultural Centre north of the town. Also enjoy a nature walk along the Rwizi River that flows through the south of the town and maybe spend time relaxing either horse riding, swimming or playing golf. There are also some nice African craft shops where you can get your souvenirs!

Igongo cultural center is the dominant regional museum where the past meet the future. It is a museum that show cases the culture of people of southwestern Uganda.

If you want to know more about the people of southwestern Uganda, then Igongo is the best place to go to. They have also constructed accommodation so one can spend a night at Igongo to fully explore this cultural center.

The Ankole long horned cattle remains the symbol of this milk and honey district. There so many farms along Kampala mbarara road where one can spot the long horned cattle.

Although these cows are now threatened due to cross bleeding, one can spot herds grazed by the hima pastoral groups. There is no doubt that Mbarara district is the leading milk producer in Uganda

Ankole just like other kingdoms was under the omugabe but during the restoration of kingdoms, Mbarara was unfortunate that this was not installed.

However, there some cultural sites which include the burial place of the abagabe at Nkokonjeru, the administrative block at Kamukuzi among others.

The people of Mbarara are well known for their culture. The bahima are predominantly cattle keepers while the Bairu are cultivators.

The most popular cultural activity lies in their lifestyle including marriage, dress code among others. If one wants to experience such, he/she needs to attend okuhingira. All these can keep you busy in mbarara city.

Lake Mburo National Park

It’s situated between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara taking you about 4 hours to get there. Lake Mburo National Park is the only place where you can spot the impalas in Uganda, antelopes as well as the Elands. There are also many herds of buffalos and Zebras with in this national park.

The national park has got over 313 bird species that include; the rare white winged warbler, emerald spotted wood Dove, the crested francolin, the brown parrot, barefaced go way bird, the common Francolin, the green wood hoopoe, the blue napped mouse bird, the black billed barbet, the trilling cisticola, Nubian woodpecker as well as the African grey hornbill.

The lake has also got 6 fish species that include; Tilapia, lung fish, mud fish as well as the Haplochromes. By using the hooks, the visitors can also spend some of their time as they catch this fish, a shade is also provided at the campsite in order to ensure the maximum relaxation for the visitors as they are at the lake.

You might walk to the salt nearby as a summary of it all. There is also an observation point which is located in a wooden hide out that offers a good chance to view the 4 different species of animals at any time as they lick the salty soil. This is also done without animal conscience. The tourists might also walk to any area of your interest.

The Ssezibwa Falls are located in Mukono district, believed to have been born by humans many hundred years ago. The falls are one of the most spiritual and cultural centers where many natives flock for blessings, wealth, and fortunes.

A traditional healer performs ceremonies for those seeking love, children, a successful business deal or a good harvest.

The Falls are on the Ssezibwa River flowing from the wetlands between L. Victoria and L. Kyoga. Ssezibwa Falls are about seven meters high and with the sweet hissing sound created by the falling water forms beautiful scenery.

This is complemented by the natural vegetation cover and the undulating and steep rocks over which the waters fall. The site has several bird species which present a wonderful opportunity for bird watching.

The falls have cultural and traditional bearing in the region and to the Baganda in particular due the myths behind the formation of the Ssezibwa River.

It is believed that this river, together with another called Bwanda was born of a Woman on her way to place called Kavuma Bukunja. It is because of this that it is a reserved Buganda Heritage Site.

Experience the wonders of nature, Camping, Nature-guided walks, Bird watching, Boat drive/canoeing, Community walks, Hiking, Mountain biking, Primate Walks and Rock climbing.

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest fresh-water lake in the world. The lake is a lasting source of pleasure. Water sports available on the lake include: Sport Fishing, Rafting, Canoeing, Cruising, and Sailing. This can be accessed from katosi landing site.

Ssekabaka Kintu’s Palace at Dindo

23 kilometers outside Kampala on the Mukono highway lies a hill of central importance to Buganda. Namengo hill in Kyampisi Sub-County, Mukono, is home to Dindo Palace, the seat of Kato Kintu, the first Kabaka of Buganda.

Despite this significance Dindo Palace and Namengo hill have been neglected and the place is in ruins. Kato Kintu is not the same as Kintu, Buganda’s legendary first man on earth.

He was the man who took over from Bemba, transforming the clans in the area from a loose linguistic group known as Muwaawa into the kingdom of Buganda.

Oral history says Ssekabaka Kintu set up his first palace in Dindo and lit a ritual fire there, which has remained alight for ages.

Muhammad Kabuye, the caretaker at Namengo, says the palace houses important artifacts like a hewn rock chair and bed believed to have been used by Ssebakaka Kintu. Outside the main hut housing Kintu’s ritual fire, is a depression in the rock, the size and shape of a man’s foot.

Legend has it that this is the exact imprint of Kintu’s foot. On the top of Namengo hill are four grass-thatched huts constructed to symbolize the birth of the Buganda kingdom.

Placed next to them is a rock gong and a stone hewn omweso game board. Kabuye says all Buganda kings must visit the site annually for blessings and guidance.

Nabitimba Cultural Site where the cultural drums are kept.

Koome Island is located in Mukono District, in northwestern Lake Victoria, in Buganda. The island is separated to Ssese Islands by the Koome Channel. Koome is the largest island in the northeastern group.

Other islands in the same group include: Damba Island, Lwaje Island, Ngamba-Chimpanzee Island, Bulago Island, Kayaga Island and others.

This location lies approximately 63 kilometres (39 mi), by water, northeast of Kalangala. Koome also lies approximately 35 kilometres (22 mi), by water, southeast of Entebbe, the nearest large town.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens is home of one of the most diverse mixes of flora and fauna in all of Africa. Guides are available at the entrance to guide tourists, but do be very careful – most of them are very aggressive due to the intense competition.

The Gardens are divided into zones, and visitors can experience and spot some of Uganda’s best known animals and trees.

As you stroll along the paths, you will find a medicinal garden, stands of Bamboo, thick underbrush, towering trees, simply a lovely morning, afternoon or full day in the quiet of the Botanical Gardens along Lake Victoria that seems to appear over and over as you walk along. Local Rumors have it that the early black and white Tarzan Movies were made here.

Entebbe International Airport is the principal international airport of Uganda. It is near the town of Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria, and about 41 km by road, southwest of the central business district of Kampala, the capital of Uganda and its largest city. The coordinates of the airport are 00°02’41″N, 032°26’35″E.

The airport consists of two terminals which handle domestic and international flights respectively. Therefore, Entebbe airport offers a range of passenger services like commuter taxi service to Kampala, outlets of car rental agencies, baggage facilities and lost and found and left luggage facilities, airline lounges and a lounge called Karibuni which is accessible to economy class passengers on the payment of a $15 fee, disabled passenger assistance, a post office and many more.

Entebbe beaches

The road towards the airport passes close to the shore of Lake Victoria, characterized by sandy beaches right by the road side.

Lido beach is one of the oldest beaches in Uganda. A fairly busy place on a weekend, Lido Beach is considered a party spot and is a favorite for locals. An event is held there almost every weekend, ranging from family-oriented activities to wild parties.

The white sandy beach enjoys beautiful sunsets. Like everywhere else in Lake Victoria, swimming is not allowed due to risk of bilharzia. If you are looking to have fun the local way, drop by Lido Beach on a weekend.

Imperial Resort Beach and Imperial Botanical Beach are ideal for water sports and sunbathing. The two beaches are very close to each other and are maintained by the Imperial Beach Resort Hotel.

At the Imperial Botanical Beach, you will find many exotic trees, plants and rare birds. This is the perfect place to take pictures. Guests from the hotel or visitors to the beaches can be found enjoying mystical sunsets, sunbathing or enjoying water sport activities.

Lutembe beach is situated right beside the Lutembe wetlands, a well-known bird sanctuary and home to the white-winged terns in Uganda. Lutembe Beach is ideal for bird-watching fanatics and photographers of all levels.

And unlike many other beaches in Uganda, Lutembe is public and access to it is free. The beach is clean and ideal for camping.

Rent a boat and head towards the rose flower garden and get a picturesque view of the many water birds.

Nabinonya Resort Beach is considered a youth and family-oriented place. For those looking for an adventure, there is the lovely site of the remnant forest, home to a variety of monkeys, birds and reptiles.

The beach also has a popular campsite nearby. The spot is perfect to observe the local soccer youth team in action, as they use the campsite from time to time. If you should get hungry, there are a number of stalls that sell snacks and drinks.

Spennah Beach is one of the favored beaches of the locals and is considered a party beach. On a common weekend, events like weddings, birthday parties, fashion shows and music festivals are the norm.

The week days enjoy a fairly quieter time where lovers, friends and families can be seen sprawled out on the white-sanded treasure. If you desire to blend in with the locals, this beach is the best place. The list is endless.