Our most recommended things to do in Kampala

From Kampala: Jinja & the Source of the River Nile Day Trip

1. From Kampala: Jinja & the Source of the River Nile Day Trip

Explore the Ugandan countryside and discover the town of Jinja on the shore of Lake Victoria with this full-day tour from Kampala. See a range of sights, including the source of the River Nile, Sezibwa Falls, BoatCruise and more. Get insights from your guide, and enjoy included lunch and hotel transfers. After pickup at your hotel in Kampala, drive for approximately 80 kilometers (around 50 miles) to Jinja. Visit the authentic, original source of the Nile site where the British explorer, John Hanning Speke, first discovered the River Nile (of course the Africans knew there was a river, but anyway). Stand where he stood, and take a picture with the monument. Next, go for a boat ride across the river and into Lake Victoria. See monkeys, monitor lizards, pythons, and maybe even an authentic African Witchdoctor. Admire a truly spectacular natural setting that is ideal for birdwatching and allows for nature walks. This tour is thoughtfully put together and the efficient itinerary also packs in Sezibwa Falls, a walk in the Sezibwa Forest, and hiking to the top of falls. All transportation and entrance fees are included.

Kampala: 3-Hour Walking Tour with Optional Gaddafi Mosque

2. Kampala: 3-Hour Walking Tour with Optional Gaddafi Mosque

Embark on a 3-hour walking tour of Kampala with a local guide. Discover both popular and lesser-known landmarks, and get a taste of local life in bustling markets. Opt to upgrade your experience to include a 1-hour visit to the Gaddafi National Mosque at the end of the walking tour. Meet up at the Craft Market on Buganda Road and receive a briefing from the guide. Then, visit historical monuments and noteworthy government installations like Constitutional Square, the World War Memorial Monument, Independence Monument, the King Muteesa II Monument, and the Main Post Office. Take a toilet/refreshment break at a popular local café. Next, cross to activity-filled downtown Kampala and experience the hubbub of Nakasero Market, the Old Taxi Park, and Owino Market. Taste street food, smell herbs and spices, and shop for local fabrics. Finish with an optional boda (local motorbike taxi) ride back to the Craft Market — or walk if you prefer — and round off your experience by shopping for souvenirs or sampling local coffee at the 1000 Cups cafe. If you select the option that includes the Gaddafi National Mosque, officially the Uganda National Mosque, you will ride a boda to the mosque and spend 1 hour touring it. Climb to the top of the minaret and get the best view of the city. See how the city expanded out from the spot where Fredrick Lugard established the old city of Kampala. Finally, conclude your tour by returning to the Craft Market by boda.

Lake Mburo National Park with Equator, Game Drive & Cruise

3. Lake Mburo National Park with Equator, Game Drive & Cruise

Start the tour with an early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe. Then, head to Kayabwe for your breakfast stop after which you will be taken to Lake Mburo National Park, located in Kiruhura District in the Western Region of Uganda (approximately 240 km west of Kampala). Once in the park, embark on a 3-hour game drive in search of the many species the park has to offer. The park has a variety of animals such as zebra, hippopotamus, impala, warthog, common eland, African buffalo, jackal, lion, African leopard, and over 300 bird species. You will have the option to leave the vehicle and go on a guided walk along the walking trail. After the game drive, enjoy the chance to relax in the shade while lunch is served. After lunch, head to the lakeshore to enjoy a 2-hour boat trip. During the cruise, spot hippos, hornbills, and papyrus gonaleks. Finally, head back to Kampala, stopping at the Equator to experience being in both hemispheres at the same time. Be sure to take some pictures here of this unforgettable experience. Once back in Kampala, get dropped off back at your accommodation to conclude the tour.

Kampala: Lake Victoria Island Cycling Tour

4. Kampala: Lake Victoria Island Cycling Tour

You will begin by gathering at the Ggaba Beach House Gardens at 8:00AM. From there a 30-minute boat ride will take you across Lake Victoria from where you will start riding. The ride will take about 2-3 hours depending on your skill and fitness level, and is approximately 20 kilometers long. Your guide knows the area very well, and can adjust the route according to your skill and fitness level. The area provides some of Uganda’s best mountain bike trails which will lead you through lovely villages and beautiful nature. There are some nice climbs, and the track will contain a mix of wide gravel roads and single trails. During the trip you will stop at a typical Ugandan trading center for some local snacks, where you will be able to buy water and other things if required. Towards the end of your trip you will settle down for drinks at one of Lake Victoria's beautiful white beaches. As you begin your return trip back you will have to pedal the final 2-kilometer-stretch, following which you will find your boat waiting to take you back to the tour starting point.

Kampala: 2-Day Murchison Falls National Park Safari

5. Kampala: 2-Day Murchison Falls National Park Safari

Day 1: Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park, Boat Trip (Lunch and Dinner) Your tour begins as you set off from your accommodation at 6:30AM on your 2-day safari to Uganda’s biggest national park. Driving along the Kampala-Gulu Highway, you'll briefly stop over in the Luwero District for refreshments such as fruit and water. Once at at the Murchison Falls National Park, drive to the top of the falls where you receive views of the magnificent Nile as it squeezes through a narrow gorge roughly 7 meters wide. Following the falls, set off for lunch before proceeding to a 2:30PM wildlife cruise on the River Nile. This will see you take a relaxing ride of about 3.5 hours throughout which you get to enjoy up-close sightings of a number of wildlife that lie along the banks of River Nile. This wildlife includes hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, monitor lizards, warthogs, and a cocktail of birds such as African fish eagles, red-throated bee eaters, skimmers, cattle egrets, the rare shoebill stork, and more. The boat ride takes you to the bottom of the Murchison Falls for another quite remarkable sight of these wild falls, and at the conclusion of your cruise you'll return to your lodge for dinner and to rest. Day 2: Game Drive, Travel to Kampala (Breakfast and Lunch) Wake up for an early morning breakfast at around 6:00AM before setting out for an early game drive by 6:30AM. This timing is appropriate for catching the nocturnal and hunters before they retire to their hideouts for the day. Explore the major game tracks of Queen and Albert for spectacular sightings of wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, Uganda kobs, oribis, buffalo, waterbucks, Jackson's Hartebeests, bushbucks, and hopefully the elusive leopard, among others. Four hours after the unforgettable wildlife experience, check-out of the park and start your return journey to Kampala. On your return journey you may choose to stop over at the Kabalega Diner on the Kampala/Gulu highway for lunch.

Kampala: 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari

6. Kampala: 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari

Day 1 : Drive to Murchison Falls National Park - Hike to the Top of the Falls After your early morning breakfast, meet your driver/guide at 7:00 AM and listen to a brief on your 3 days Murchison Falls wildlife safari Uganda package. Begin the 6-hour drive to Uganda's biggest national park, Murchison falls National Park. Take a stopover in Luwero District to pick fruits like oranges, pineapples, passion fruits, and jackfruits. Then proceed to lunch at the Kabalega Dinners or Masindi town for lunch at Masindi Hotel. Afterward, drive out of Masindi town to a dirt road for about 20 minutes and arrive at  Murchison falls National Park where the fun begins. You'll immediately be ushered into a wildlife park by a number of stubborn baboons lining up along the road. They'll grapple for goodies, so ensure the windscreens are up else they will snatch anything inviting from the car. Day 2: Morning Game Drive through the park and Boat Ride on the Victoria Nile After your early morning breakfast at around 6:30 AM, your driver-guide together with the game ranger will pick you up at exactly 7:00 AM for the early morning game drive. This is the best time to catch sight of the nocturnal animals and hunters before they return to their hideouts, as well as seeing the early risers. Take a ferry from the South section of the National Park across the Nile that bisects the park. Once on the northern side, you'll be in the area where the most game can be found.  Explore the major game trails especially around the area of Paraa for good game spotting including elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, Jackson's Hartebeests and hopefully the elusive leopards among others. At around 11:30 AM, return to the lodge for your lunch and some relaxation. Shortly after, set out for the afternoon boat ride on the Victoria Nile which is the highest spot of any Murchison Falls Safari. Spot lots of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many other animals that come to drink water, refresh and cool themselves off the scorching sun and some animals to eat the fresh grass along the river banks. The Nile is also a birds' magnet. You will also be shown the crush point of Ernest Hemingway. The ride takes you close to the base of the Murchison Falls where you are met with yet another view of the lovely falls. Take a hike to the top of the falls before the return ride, then return back to the lodge for your dinner. Day 3: Early Morning Game Drive through the park and return to Kampala to get dropped off at your lodging Wake up early in the morning and get prepared for another game drive through the park. Expect to increase your game count and spot more wildlife on the final day of this trip. At around 11:00 AM, check out of the hotel and drive to Masindi town for a tasty lunch. Then, embark on the return journey back to Kampala where you will be dropped off at your preferred destination.

Kampala: Three-Hour Food Tour

7. Kampala: Three-Hour Food Tour

Meet up mid-morning at a popular, local cafe in a food-rich suburb of Kampala called Kawokya. Start with a visit to Ugaroll, a cafe that makes Kampala's best rolex. Continue on to Kamwokya market to taste a wide range of in-season fruit, including passion fruit, mango, pineapple, melons, and much more. The market also contains a variety of local street food stalls. Wander through the market and sample snacks like samosas, more rolex, and sesame cakes. Proceed then to a local grill and try Uganda's most popular roast meat. Take a 15-minute boda (motorbike taxi) ride to the final stop: a popular, local restaurant. Settle in for a generous spread of different local staples, including smoked tilapia, beef in peanut sauce, chicken steamed in banana leaves, and much more.

Jinja: Two-Day Rafting, Horse Riding, Quad Biking Adventure

8. Jinja: Two-Day Rafting, Horse Riding, Quad Biking Adventure

Begin the experience with an early-morning departure from your accommodation in Kampala, Entebbe, or Jinja. Make a pit stop at the popular Namawojjolo road market for a taste of Uganda's most loved travel snack, roasted plantain and roast chicken. Continue on until arriving at Mabira Forest for 1.5 hours of zip lining. Proceed to Jinja and enjoy 1.5 hours of horseback riding along the banks of the Nile. Head to a popular lakeside restaurant for a lunch consisting of Jinja's signature dish of deep-fried tilapia and fries. In the afternoon, set off for 1.5 hours of quad biking through local villages along the banks of the Nile. Head to the hotel to check in and relax. Opt for a mini walking tour of Jinja town and the local bars in the early evening. Enjoy dinner and an overnight at a decent, mid-range hotel. Wake up for included breakfast at the hotel and depart for the preferred aquatic activity. Choose between a full-day, grade-5 whitewater rafting experience, or any two half-day activities, including kayaking, Nile tubing, or Nile bugging. Enjoy an included lunch and evening snack, as well as one beer, throughout the day. Return to Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon.

Queen Elizabeth National Park 2-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

9. Queen Elizabeth National Park 2-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular tourist destination. Discover the park's diverse ecosystems comprising savannas, thick forests, freshwater lakes, craters, and fertile wetlands. The park provides a habitat for over 95 mammals including the classic big game, 10 primate species including endangered chimpanzees, 600 bird species, and various kinds of floral and plant life.  Day 1: Begin the adventure by meeting your expert driver who will double as your guide, picking you from any location within Kampala. Set off for the Western Region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, approximately 400 km by road, 8hrs drive south-west of Kampala. During the journey to the park, stop briefly at the equator in Kayabwe, along Kampala – Masaka Road. When you arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, have a break to rest and eat some lunch. After lunch, embark on a game drive to see if you can spot the famous tree-climbing lions or the elusive leopard. After the game drive, be taken on a sunset river safari amongst thousands of hippo and crocodiles if time allows, Please note you will have an option to decide between the Boat Safari or game drive if time doesn't allow both. End the night off with a delicious dinner. Day 2: The next day, head off to the North East region of Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kalinzu forest section where you will begin your chimpanzee trekking for the day. Spend the morning walking through the jungle with your guide learning about the diverse ecosystem and spending time with the amazing chimpanzees. After lunch, begin your journey back to Kampala where the tour concludes.

Kampala: Private Motorized City Tour with Lunch

10. Kampala: Private Motorized City Tour with Lunch

After a morning hotel pickup, visit Kabaka's Palace to find out about the history of the Buganda Kingdom and colonialism. The Baganda people are Uganda's largest tribe and the people from whom the country derives its name. Next, explore the striking Kampala Central Mosque, also known as the Gaddafi Mosque. Located at the center of the original old city of Kampala, the mosque sits on the site where colonial British rulers established governance. Stop for a quick lunch at a traditional restaurant in the bustling suburb of Mengo, then proceed to Kampala's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial place of the Baganda royal family, the Kasubi Royal Tombs. Then, discover the Baha'i Temple, Africa's only Baha'i temple. Finally, visit the Namugongo Martyr's Museum in Namugongo before concluding the tour with drop-off at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Kampala

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 31 reviews

We had an amazing tour with Arthur and his trainee Ronald, they taught us so much about Uganda and it’s history, and we saw a variety of interesting buildings, monuments, markets and just the general bustle of Kampala! We even got to ride on a Boda Boda! They were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, answering any questions we had and also finding out about the differences between our countries. Would definitely recommend this tour it was so worth it and you will have a great day! Thank you Arthur!

It was fantastic! Andrew was really informative and full of great energy and I got to learn so much about the history of Uganda. Highly recommend.

You will spend couple hours driving but already knowing this before it was a great experience. So thanks again to the guides and the driver.

Great experience, well organised and great communication from the organiser. Will be recommending.

Very competent and friendly guide, I did the safari alone and felt very safe at all times.