Things to Do in Kampala

About Kampala

Kampala sprawls across seven hills above Lake Victoria, and the city moves faster than most first-timers expect. Boda-bodas—motorcycle taxis—own the streets. You'll hear a dozen languages in any market, smell rolex stands on every corner, and dodge fabric sellers who've perfected their pitch over generations. The energy here is real. Not manufactured for tourists. People smile when they greet you, cafés spill conversation onto the sidewalks, and the pace never stops until sunset turns the lake orange. This is where East Africa does business. Modern office towers sit next to churches that ring bells at the same time mosques call for prayer. The mix works—for now. Trade routes that brought merchants here centuries ago still matter, just with different cargo and faster transport. Don't expect quiet reflection. The hillside neighborhoods stay loud with kids playing, music bleeding from bars, and those boda-bodas gunning their engines at every intersection. That is Kampala's appeal, though. It doesn't pretend to be anything except itself.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) cost 2,000-8,000 UGX ($0.54-2.16) for most city trips with helmet rental included. Matatus (shared minibuses) charge 1,000-3,000 UGX ($0.27-0.81) along fixed routes. Special hire taxis run 15,000-40,000 UGX ($4.05-10.81) depending on distance. Uber and Bolt operate with rides at 8,000-25,000 UGX ($2.16-6.76). Airport transfers cost 25,000-50,000 UGX ($6.76-13.51). Safe Boda app provides helmets and insurance. Walking possible but traffic intense during rush hours.

Money: Ugandan shilling (UGX) widely used with mobile money through MTN and Airtel dominating transactions. Stanbic and Centenary Bank ATMs reliable. Budget $25-50 daily. Credit cards work at upscale venues and shopping malls. Tipping 2,000-5,000 UGX ($0.54-1.35) appreciated. US dollars accepted at tourist sites but poor exchange rates. Forex bureaus offer competitive rates. Keep small denominations for boda-boda rides and tips. Mobile money transfers ubiquitous for payments.

Cultural Respect: English is official alongside Luganda in central region. Greet with handshakes and 'Oli otya' (how are you) in Luganda. Christian majority but Islamic customs respected. Dress modestly especially in rural areas and religious sites. Photography requires permission in villages. Extended family networks central to society. Business meetings often start with lengthy personal conversations. Ubuntu philosophy of community interconnectedness important. Respect for elders shown through formal greetings. Avoid discussing past political conflicts.

Food Safety: Local restaurants serve matoke (steamed bananas) with meat for 8,000-15,000 UGX ($2.16-4.05). Rolex (chapati with eggs) street food costs 3,000-6,000 UGX ($0.81-1.62). Nile beer at bars runs 4,000-7,000 UGX ($1.08-1.89). Nyama choma (grilled meat) at local spots costs 12,000-20,000 UGX ($3.24-5.41). Bottled water essential at 2,000-3,000 UGX ($0.54-0.81). Avoid tap water and choose busy restaurants with high turnover. Fresh tropical fruits generally safe when peeled yourself.

When to Visit

Kampala enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct dry seasons offering the best travel conditions. The prime dry season (June-August) features sunny days with temperatures of 25-28°C and minimal rainfall (under 100mm monthly), making it perfect for city exploration and lake activities, though accommodation prices increase 20-30%. The shorter dry season (December-February) offers similar weather with slightly warmer temperatures (26-30°C) and is ideal for budget travelers, with 15-20% lower prices. Rainy seasons bring lush green landscapes and fewer crowds: the long rains (March-May) see heavy afternoon downpours and temperatures of 23-27°C, while short rains (September-November) feature brief, refreshing showers. Cultural ensoiasts should visit during Kampala City Festival (October), Bayimba International Festival (September), or Nyege Nyege Festival (September) when the city pulses with music and arts. Business travelers find January-March and September-November ideal with moderate weather and lower accommodation costs. Adventure seekers benefit from shoulder seasons when gorilla permits are easier to secure for nearby Bwindi excursions. Avoid April-May if you're uncomfortable with heavy rains, though this period offers the lowest prices with discounts up to 40% on accommodation.