Kampala being the capital city of Uganda is not really the destination most tourists aim for when they visit the country, but it has many beautiful gems that are scattered all over the hills that surround the city. Like in most cities when visiting for the first time, you will need a tour guide to take you around the city. So here are some of Jovago’s most recommended places to visit around Kampala.
The Baha’i Temple
Located up the beautiful green hill of Kikaaya, the temple is a calming and peaceful place to visit. You can get a taxi from the old taxi park in the city center that can drop you right at the entrance of the Temple, you could also use a cab or a boda boda (motorbike) when travelling there.
Kasubi Tombs
In Kasubi up the drive on Masiro road, is the final sleeping place of some of the Sekabakas (Kings) of the Buganda Kingdom. It is a place rich in history for one of the biggest kingdoms in Uganda and provides a bigger understanding of how the people lived at that time. It is important to note that ladies have to carry wrappers if they are wearing trousers or they will be availed at the site.
Namirembe Cathedral
With a full view of the rest of the city, Saint Paul Cathedral in Namirembe is a sight to behold. It serves as the main office of the protestants and is the oldest church structure in Uganda, built in 1919. With beautiful architecture that is reminiscent of the 19th century, the church looks like a guardian angel watching over the city.
Owino Market
Owino is located in the city center on the lower side of the city next to Nakivubo stadium, it is the biggest market in Kampala and the best for an ardent shopper looking for unique pieces around Kampala. You have to be good at haggling to get something at a fair price.
Gaddafi Mosque
Also known as the Uganda National Mosque, it is the largest mosque in Uganda and can accommodate over 15,000 people. It was commissioned in 2006 by the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya as a gift to the Muslim faithfuls in Uganda. The mosque is currently the head office of the Uganda Muslim Council.
Lubiri Palace
The palace located in Mengo is the official royal headquarters of the Buganda kingdom where the royal throne sits, the original palace was destroyed in 1966 during a power struggle between the then Prime Minister Milton Obote and Kabaka Muteesa who was the President of Uganda at that time. As with all the cultural landmarks in Uganda, you are advised to adhere by the cultural demands of decency and respect.
Lake Victoria
Located in the South of the city, Lake Victoria is a vast water body that covers three East African countries; Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. The lake is also the biggest of its kind in Africa with many islands that are filled with beautiful lodges and hotels.
About Jovago
Jovago.com is an online hotel booking service with offices in Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya) and Dakar (Senegal) founded by Africa Internet Group and has MTN and Millicom as its investors. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 booking portal, facilitates the booking process for its users to provide them with the best hotel booking experience with fast, transparent and easy-to-use services. Jovago.com has over 25,000 local hotel listings across Africa and over 200,000 hotels around the world.