Discover Uganda
Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda offers travellers exactly what they need. From the breathtaking sceneries of Lake Victoria, fascinating culture, exotic wildlife and more natural wonders, not forgetting that River Nile, the world’s longest river, has its sources n the Ruwenzori’s, the African highest mountain ranges.
Are you travelling to Uganda for the first time? You may have challenges deciding the places to explore first. To end your dilemma, below are some of the beautiful places to consider.
Kampala City
Uganda’s capital and commercial centre is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is surrounded by red-tile villa hills and trees. Kampala’s beauty, friendly people, and diverse culture will amaze you before exploring the entire country.
Venues
Uganda National Museum
A mere five-minute drive from the CBD is the East-African oldest museum, established in 1908. The museum displays the country’s cultural heritage comprising of different items from different traditional kings and chiefs. It also holds archaeological artefacts and musical instruments and visitors can see and experience the natural-historical exhibitions.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo
The shrine, located along the Kampala-Jinja highway, is one of the famous and distinguished shrines in the region. It is at Namugongo where 32 African converts who refused to denounce their new Christian faith during the pre-colonial got martyred. Today, it is a significant site for Christians in the continent and around the world.
Independence Monument
The monument, made of wire mesh, iron bars, cement and sand, depicts a man unwarping and raising a newborn child in the sky. The sculpture signifies a newborn country free from colonization bondage. The monument, designed by a Kenyan sculptor who studied and taught arts at the Makerere University, remains a great symbol of Uganda’s struggle for independence.
Gaddafi National Mosque
Also called Kampala Mosque, the colourful structure with its magnificent architecture was built by the former Libyan president, Muammar Gaddafi, as a gift to Ugandans, specifically the Muslim community. Its design constitutes a mixture of European, African and Arab cultures and themes. Located on Old Kampala hill, it’s visible from all corners of the city.
Ndere Cultural Center
Ndere centre offers lively cultural music and dances featuring 56 tribes of Uganda and neighbouring countries, showing their diverse cultures and instruments. Besides being an information centre for learners and visitors, it also offers affordable accommodation and restaurant services featuring the most loved local dishes.
Best Hotels and Restaurants in Kampala
Latitude 0 Degrees Hotel
With an architectural design made up of a mixture of Arab, European, and African themes, the hotel reflects luxury. Visitors particularly love its restaurant and bar services as well as the gym and fitness centre. Socialization and networking centres and private dining and entertaining rooms are also available.
Sheraton Kampala Hotel
Located at the Sheraton Gardens and adjacent to the Uganda Golf Course, Sheraton attracts the wealthy and the monied individuals. It offers great value for money with fantastic foods, drinks, and outdoor activities such as span and swimming pool.
Kampala Serena Hotel
The five-star Pan-African pinnacle is a world-class hotel developed around the inspirational water theme. Other than accommodations, restaurant and personal services, you’ll experience the creme of Ugandan culture. It’s a place for business people and leisure travellers.
Tamarai Restaurant
Tamarai is the only restaurant in Kampala with a tea bar. Pan Asian food and Thai cuisine are some of its well-known specialities. Kampala visitors are fond of visiting this place to taste one or more of the 16 imported flavours.
2K Restaurant
The premium eatery offers a wide range of dishes, specifically Ugandan food. With its fresh and natural flavours coupled with high expertise, the restaurant produces high-end delicious foods. Dine at the 2K restaurant for an extraordinary experience.
Four Things to Do in Kampala
Buy Some Items in the Craft Market
Kampala is home to several craft villages selling vibrant paintings, jewellery, baskets, pottery and more. The craft market is an example of such craft villages. Get an opportunity to interact with artists, order your favourite painting and buy some for your loved ones.
Eat Delicious Matoke in 2K Restaurant
Banana is a staple food in Uganda. Cooked banana, locally referred to as matoke is the favourite food amongst Ugandans. Visitors are always eager to experience how it tastes.
Hike in the Budongo Forest
Budongo forest is East-African biggest mahogany forest and habitat to birds and chimpanzees, among other animals. The forest borders Murchison Falls National Park, and many trekkers heading to the falls always pass here. Birding and chimpanzee tracking are the ideal activities to do here. Makes sure to have a good camera and some snacks.
Tour the Crater Lakes
Situated around Fort portal, the area covering the crater lakes is stunning and extremely beautiful. Of the three main lakes, Lake Nkuruba is the most beautiful, Lake Nyamrima is favourable for hiking and playing, while lake Nyabikere has lone hippos, and you must be extremely careful when touring to avoid hippo attacks. Choose to explore the lakes by foot, car or bike.
Attraction and Sites to Visit in Uganda
Kasubi Royal Tombs
Kasubi tombs are the burial place for the four Buganda Kingdom kings and royalists. Situated on Kasubi hill, one of Kampala’s seven hills, the tomb is considered the best place to visit in Uganda due to its scrupulous architectural design. Get to learn from the stories of the ancient Uganda Kingdom and rich Ugandan cultural heritage.
Lake Victoria
The story of Uganda begins with Lake Victoria, the right birthplace of the Nile River. The lake represents one of the largest global ecosystems. There is much to see and experience — from the colourful views of lake beaches, fishing boats, islands and various birds and animal species. On the islands, you relax and enjoy beautiful sceneries while catching up with friends.
Jinja, the Commencement Journey of Nile
While exploring Lake Victoria, you may need to check out the colonial town located at the river Nile source. Other than the long historical events surrounding River Nile, other body-engaging activities like whitewater rafting, fishing and biking are always alternative options.
National Parks
Uganda is blessed with exotic wildlife species, a common scene in its many national parks.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the top destinations offering an abundance of Africa wildlife like chimpanzees and the worlds’ last mountain gorillas.
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers ample opportunity to interact with the big five and other animals in their diverse habitats characterized by savannah grasslands, wetlands and forests. There are hot air balloons, lake cruises and safari tours available for you.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. It also offers guided trekking tours, canoe cruises natural walks that award tourists with sights of hundreds of bird and animal species.
Water Falls
Uganda has some of the world’s most impressive waterfalls along its numerous rivers and water bodies. Murchison Falls, along River Nile, is famous for its height and power. The violent explosion of Nile water through the narrow gorge is fabulous and scary.
Bwindi Water Falls is the epitome of Uganda’s adventure. Besides the mountain gorillas in the surroundings, countless bird species often visit the falls. The falls summarize the pearl of Africa’s sights.
Sipi falls comprise a series of three waterfalls, all having their source in the Elgon Mountain. It offers a good view of Mt. Elgon and the surrounding lush environment. Bird watching, trekking and bike racing are common scenes here.
Hot Springs
Hot springs are among the many physical features in various parts of Uganda, mainly the western region. The locals believe they have divine and healing powers. People come to bathe, seek healing, swim, and boil eggs. A must visiting springs include Kitagata, Sempaya, Kibiro, Ihimba, and Buranga hot springs among many others.
Mount Beker, Speke and Stanely
Mounts Beker, Stanely and Speke are a group of mountains in the Bujuku Valley triangle and are magnificent attraction sites in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Along their edge are numerous sharp peaks. Camping, mountain climbing and hiking are the best offerings here.
Kibuli Mosque
The mosque is one of the many prominent religious buildings that attract travellers, especially religious ones. It is located on Kibuli Hill and outside a train station, and you’ll never miss it as you cross the streets. Considered the home of Muslims in Uganda, it is a major landmark in the city.
Conclusion
Uganda is blessed with various physical features, exotic wildlife, amazing people and is worth visiting. The mentioned attractions sites are some of the places to consider in your list even as you prepare to discover Uganda on your next holiday. The unique experiences awaiting you will remain in your memory forever.
