Things to Know Before Backpacking in Kampala, Uganda. Are you considering going on a backpacking trip to Kampala but are unsure of where to begin?
Consider taking a bus through Kampala on your way from Nairobi to Kigali.
Are you feeling overloaded with information on backpacking in Kampala that you may find online?
If so, stop looking now.
This post contains first-hand advice on what to pack for your trip, what to see and do, where to stay, how much to spend on accommodations, a basic overview of the city, and other practical travel recommendations.
Travel Requirements and Tips
Passport for Travel
A legitimate passport with a few blank pages for a visa should be in your possession. Kenyans are able to visit Uganda with a temporary travel permit. You can get the permit at the immigration offices or through the Ecitizen site.
Visa for East Africa
Visas are not required for entry into EA nations for nationals of East Africa. An East African visa, which costs US$100 at the immigration points, is required for all other tourists.
Vaccine Card for Yellow Fever
It is necessary to do this. If you are a Kenyan and you do not currently have the vaccination, you can obtain the card and vaccination at Nairobi’s City Hall Annex or any other recognized facility, such as Agha Khan or Nairobi facility.
Evidence of Accommodation
While it’s not always necessary to make reservations in advance, you should at least know where you will be sleeping throughout the trip. I always reserve open accommodations in case the immigration officer isn’t feeling well.
Cash
You ought to bring along enough cash to last the duration of the vacation. Keep the cash or a card (Visa/MasterCard) on you.
Travel Guard
I have never purchased one on any of my journeys to African nations, but ultimately, the decision is yours. For pricing, inquire with your insurance provider or purchase an international policy from World Nomads.
Health care
Please don’t forget to bring any medications you may be taking. Given that East Africa is a malaria zone or region, precautionary steps are advised. Whenever possible, request a mosquito net from your lodging establishment at night.
Kampala General Information
Navigating
In Kampala, the most widely used public transportation options are Uber (Rideshare taxis), TukTuks, BodaBodas, buses (Matatus/Taxis), and taxi cabs.
Safety and Well-being
Although quite busy, Kampala is secure and easy to tour. But you should be careful about where you go and how you behave among strangers. I think the best people to ask for directions are bus drivers and shopkeepers.
Where to dine
In Uganda, ugali (Posho), matoke, and vegetables are the most popular foods. Numerous eateries also serve international food.
Activities & Celebrations
The Nyege Nyege festival is the most well-known occasion in Uganda for tourists from around the globe. Jinja hosts this four-day celebration in September.
Exchange of currencies
Banks and retail centers have the safest foreign exchange bureaus. Your host or lodging establishment should be able to tell you about the best bureaus. In Kampala, there are a lot of banks and ATMs.
US dollars equal 3,800 UGX, 1GBP equals 5,000 UGX, 1Euro equals 4,500 UGX, and 1 KES equals 38 UGX. These prices are not typical.
ATMs and banks
In Kampala, you may find the majority of foreign banks. The most popular ones are Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays, KCB, and Stanbic.
Individuals and Spoken Language
Uganda’s official language is English. English is widely understood by Kampala residents. Kiswahili and Luganda are also extensively spoken.
Nightlife Entebbe and Kampala have livelier nightlife in Uganda. They feature pleasant pubs, lounges, and bars. When backpacking through Kampala, some of the top nightclubs to visit are Guvnor, Club Play, and Club Amnesia.
Internet and phone
Ugandan plugs are 3-pin, 240V, 50Hz. Most lodging establishments have access to the Internet. You can purchase a mobile SIM card from MTN or Airtel to use for calls and personal internet.
Where to Stay While Backpacking Kampala
Like any other place, Kampala offers a variety of alternatives to cut costs on lodging without sacrificing quality for your backpacking trip. Some of the services that allow you to see a facility before making a reservation include Booking.com and Airbnb. A great way to meet people and stay for free is through couchsurfing.
Kampala is a lively city with lots of places to hang out. A good place to stay can be had at a very reasonable price.
Low-cost lodging: $15 to $60 USD per night
Budget accommodations: $60 to $120 USD per night
High-end luxury: Anything costing more than $120 USD per night
Things to See and Do in Kampala
1 Tomb of Kasubi
Four Kabakas of the Buganda Kingdom are presently interred (entombed) in the ancient burial site known as the Kasubi Tombs, also called the Tombs of the Buganda Kings. The Tombs were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The house is fashioned like a dome and is built from natural materials, including wood, thatch, reed, wattle, and daub.
The National Museum of Uganda
This is an authentic showcase of Uganda’s cultural legacy, featuring ethnological, traditional, and natural-historical displays. A fascinating element of the museum is its assortment of hunting gear, weapons, and traditional musical instruments, all of which are available for free play.
3 Uganda Martyrs Shrine
Known also as the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs, this magnificent site is situated in the small town of Namugongo, approximately 13 km from Kampala city center. It draws pilgrims from Africa and around the world to honor the martyrs and saints who were martyred on orders from Kabaka Mwanga 2 for their refusal to denounce their Christian faith.
#4 Bulange Building
Located on the Namirembe hill, Uganda’s Bulange building houses the Parliament (Lukiiko) as well as the administrative headquarters of the Kingdom of Buganda, including the offices of Kabaka (King) and Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda. Tickets are available at the Buganda tourism center next to the building.
5 Uganda National Mosque
Uganda National Mosque, also known as Gaddafi Mosque, is the largest mosque in Uganda and a well-liked tourist destination. It is situated atop Old Kampala Hill. The prayer tower of the mosque is a must-see sight since it provides an incredible view of Kampala. Initiated in 2008, the mosque was completed with assistance from the late Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi, whose efforts began in 1976.
#6 Rubaga Cathedral, number six
The Cathedral of St. Mary Situated approximately 5 kilometers from the city center, on Rubaga Hill, is the Roman Catholic church known as Rubaga (Rubaga Cathedral). One of Kampala’s top attractions and a crucial emblem of the Ugandan Roman Catholic Church is the Cathedral. The late Archbishop Joseph Kiwanka, the first African Catholic bishop and the first African archbishop of the Diocese of Kampala, is buried in the 1914 cathedral.
#7 Cathedral of Namirembe
Saint Paul’s Cathedral is situated atop Namirembe Hill. Uganda’s oldest cathedral is called Namirembe (also known as Namirembe Cathedral).
#8: Eighth Independence Monument
This monument, which is in the center of Kampala, depicts a man holding and unwrapping a newborn to represent the birth of an African kid (Uganda).
Bahai Temple #9
Bahai Temple is situated along the Kampala-Gayaza Road, approximately 7 kilometers from the city center, on top of Kikaya Hill. Built in the 1950s, it is the only Baha’i faith temple in Africa.
Owino Market, #10
Visit the Owino Market to test your negotiating abilities and experience Kampala in its purest form. This market, which is situated in the heart of Kampala, is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, home goods, and fresh food, among other things.
