Kampala

From Halal Explorer

Kampala banner.jpg

Kampala and the City of Seven Hills, is the capital city of Uganda and is, by a very large margin and the largest city in the nation. Secondary to it is Jinja to the east and Entebbe to the south. Kampala is in the south central part of Uganda, near the northern shores of Lake Victoria.

Kampala Halal Travel Guide

The people of Kampala, and Ugandans in general, are very kind, friendly and approachable.

Kampala, with a population of roughly 2.5 million, is by far the largest city in Uganda. Although a smaller city, with less suburban sprawl that Nairobi or Lagos and the traffic jams and pollution can be every bit as bad. If you are travelling around the city, plan your days carefully to avoid spending many hours in the city traffic.

Uganda, as the recipient of massive amounts of Western aid money, hosts many Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Most of those NGOs are based in Kampala, so there is an established expat scene in the city.

How is the Climate in Kampala

{{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =28.5 | febhigh =29.3 | marhigh =28.7 | aprhigh =27.7 | mayhigh =27.2 | junhigh =26.9 | julhigh =26.7 | aughigh =27.2 | sephigh =27.9 | octhigh =27.7 | novhigh =27.4 | dechigh =28.0 | janlow =17.9 | feblow =18.3 | marlow =18.2 | aprlow =18.1 | maylow =17.9 | junlow =17.7 | jullow =17.2 | auglow =17.0 | seplow =17.2 | octlow =17.5 | novlow =17.5 | declow =17.8 | janprecip =71 | febprecip =54 | marprecip =119 | aprprecip =174 | mayprecip =124 | junprecip =66 | julprecip =56 | augprecip =91 | sepprecip =106 | octprecip =126 | novprecip =152 | decprecip =86 | description=Source:[[:w:Kampala#Climate }}

Heritage

The Kasubi Tombs and the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially damaged by fire in 2010.

Kampala Kasubi Tombs - UNESCO site Kasubi Tombs

Travel to Kampala

Entebbe Airport - Entebbe Airport

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kampala

When coming to Kampala by air, you will actually arrive in the city of Entebbe, 35 kilometers (22 mi) southwest of Kampala.

You can get from Entebbe airport to Kampala:

  • via Private Hire taxi (approx USh 75,000 one way)
  • Via the Pineapple Express - Via Kampala and Jinja - (US$10-22)
  • via the Airport express bus. USh 30,000 has ten trips per day both ways.
  • via Boda-Boda/shared taxi (matuta) (approx USh 7000 one way), this requires you to get the short distance (4 kilometers) from the airport to Entebbe city on a Boda-Boda - USh 3500. you will need to walk from the airport to the airport gate to get a Boda-Boda. then Matuta from Entebbe to Kampala - USh 3500.
  • via hotel shuttle (e.g. if you have a reservation with Sheraton ask for their shuttle - USh 39,000 added to your hotel bill, for one way trip if shared -chances are very high there are other hotel guests arriving on your flight).

Get Around

There are three methods of public transport: boda-bodas, matatu, and special hires.

By boda-boda

The fastest and most dangerous method is the boda-boda: motorcycles that you see all over the city. You won't be in Kampala long before being propositioned by a boda driver. If you're not interested, a simple 'no' will get them to leave you alone. You can get most anywhere on the back of one for USh 2000-5000, but make sure to agree on the fare before the ride begins. Men usually ride facing forward while women are expected to ride side saddle; very risky. Females can get away with riding facing the front, but may be accused of riding "like a man," though the local residents are fairly understanding of female tourists doing this.

Boda-bodas are extremely dangerous as their riders will do whatever it takes to get you to your destination quickly. Expect to dart in front of and against traffic and even though crowds of pedestrians when necessary. Boda-boda accidents account for most of the hospital visits and traffic fatalities in Kampala; you have been warned!

Boda-Boda-Uganda - Boda BodasBoda-bodas got their name from the bicycle taxis that operated at some of the busy border crossing points. Buses had to discharge their passengers at the exit border control, who then had to walk to the entry border control. The distance across no man's land at some borders can be considerable. Hence the bicycle taxis would cry "boda-boda" (a corruption of the English "border to border") to the weary travellers. These bicycle taxis can still be found in most smaller Ugandan towns, however, in Kampala they have been replaced by motorcycles. Boda-bodas charge USh 3000-5000 for trips within Kampala (foreigner price; correct at July 2011). It is almost imfeasible to get anywhere for under USh 2000, and longer trips may run you up to USh 7000.

By matatu

Matatus are a series of shuttle vanes that follow relatively pre-set routes all over the city and many other parts of the nation. Confusingly and they are known as taxis in Uganda. It might be a bit confusing in the beginning how to use the matatus to efficiently get where you want to go, but it's really not so difficult.

Their routes usually go between the downtown and some suburb. The majority of matatus to/from the suburbs leave/finish inside or around the old taxi park 0.31201, 32.57698 | zoom= 16 }} Some, e.g. those going along Ggaba road to Kabalagala, Kansanga, Bbunga, Ggaba and Munyonyo, leave inside the Cooper Complex 0.31057, 32.57621}} This can be hard to find since that's basically inside a shopping mall. Other matatus leave directly from the streets around the old taxi park or farther away up to Kampala road, and some leave from the new taxi park 0.3139074, 32.5732847 | zoom= 16 }} Although that park is mainly reserved for matatus and larger buses going further out to all corners of Uganda and neighbouring countries.

Kampala_26.08.2009_12-08-58 - A matatu and boda bodas in Kampala

Matatus will stand in the park until they are full, something that normally takes less than 15 minutes, but can take over half an hour (or even over one hour late at night or on Sundays). Matatus that leave the area around the park are hence full, which makes it difficult to hop on a matatu at other places in the downtown. Unless you're very lucky, you'll have to go to where the matatus start in order to leave the downtown.

Each matatu has a driver and a conductor. Don't be frightened if you can't understand what they're saying. Ask one of them for your destination and you'll be told yes or no. When you get in, expect to be squeezed. Each vehicle is licensed to carry 14 people, but they will pack in as many will fit (and their belongings). If you don't like this it's a good idea to sit in the back of the vehicle, since usually the squeezing is limited to the first 2 rows. Once the matatu starts moving people can get off at any time. When you reach your destination, tell your conductor "Stage" and they will stop the van.

Whenever a matatu has empty space the driver will go slowly and honk repeatedly. If you want to get on, just make some gesture and it will slow further down and shout out the destination, just shout your destination as response and they will pick you up if it's along the way. There are often also a number of further staging points along the way where the driver will again stop and wait until they can fill the vehicle. This can take a few seconds or several minutes; just be patient. In some cases drivers won't take you if you only go relatively short distances, since that will mean they'll risk losing money if they can't fill your place quickly once you're dropped. You pay the conductor when you exit, although some people give the conductor money while the vehicle is moving so that he can make change ahead of time. The normal fare is USh 500-1500 per person when driving into the city (Nov 2023).

Going with a matatu is generally cheap, safe, slow and nice. Ugandans are often happy to start up a conversation or help you out, and if the conductor tries to overcharge you or make you take an inefficient route, passengers are likely to point that out to you and scold him. People also complain if a driver takes too long to wait for passengers or drives recklessly and will even collectively quit the van in protest if a driver drives too bad.

By special hire

If you aren't up for the thrill of the bodas and don't have time for a matatu, taxis, also called special hires, are readily available at most central locations. A few taxis have meters, but most have not. Be sure to agree on the fare before you get in the vehicle or you may be in for a nasty shock. Don't be afraid to negotiate either; most destinations can be visited for USh 15,000 or 20,000.

Yellow taxi company is reliable, offering 24-hour service, phone +256 713 133 331, with fixed prices: USh 10,000 for trips within Kampala; USh 60,000 for trips to/from the airport. Prices correct at Dec 2010. They also have an allocated single taxi rank space outside Nakumat.

Car rental

Several agencies offer vehicle rental, with or without driver. While self-driving in Kampala may not seem tempting, vehicle rental is a great option to explore the rest of the nation. Upon request, most businesses can get you safely out of Kampala before handing over the keys.

  • Alpha Rent-a-Car - Plot 3/5 Bombo Road, Emka House, Kampala 0.3508, 32.5623 ☎ +256 414 344 332 Toyota Rav4 or Suzuki Escudo from US$50, Toyota Prado from US$70, Toyota Landcruiser with roof-top tent US$140 with unlimited km. Rates include comprehensive vehicle insurance cover inclusive of windscreen damage, collision damage waiver, fire and theft with no excess but excluding tyre damage Self-drive gives you the flexibility and affordableness of not pre-booking lodging since you can almost always find a place to camp in Uganda - if you hire the 4x4 with the rooftop tent, you're even more independent. Where necessary and they also offer basic 4x4 driver training and cross-border hires can also be arranged for additional fees. They also offer a free driver to get you out of the chaos that is Kampala traffic.
  • Roadtrip Uganda - ☎ +256 773363012 Hire a Toyota RAV4 from US$49/day. Toyota Landcruiser from US$89/day. Driver-guide from US$35/day. Camp gear from US$3/day. Rates include 24-hour roadside assistance, unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance Established in 2012 by a Dutch couple in Kampala, Roadtrip Uganda provides you with reliable vehicle rental and a big dose of insider travel tips.

By city bus

Large city buses that run on fix routes. This mode of transport is still limited but some buses run along Jinja Road, which has some designated bus stops. all the city buses start at Constitutional square on Kampala road. The fare is USh 1000.

One city bus goes to and from Constitutional Plaza past Acacia mall, and one bus goes to and from Constitutional Plaza past Lugogo Mall.

What to see in Kampala

0.314|32.578 National Theatre Uganda National Cultural Centre | De Winton Street 0.31613, 32.58891 next to Parliament ☎ +256 414 254 567 A big cultural centre with a theatre that also hosts dance shows/lessons/events, comedy, movies, concerts, jam sessions, improv and discussion nights. The current program can be found at the entrance or on-line . There's also a library, a restaurant and a large African Crafts Village with dozens of shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and also some stuff that is more artsy then all the stuff you can find everywhere else. Worth visiting.

  • Nommo Gallery - Victoria Ave 0.31989, 32.58040 next to State Lodge, 400m north-northwest from Sheraton Hotel ☎ +256 414 254 567 - Uganda’s National Art Gallery. Calm, spacious, green oasis in the middle of the city with art exhibitions (paintings and sculptures that can be purchased) and two restaurants frequented by government employees.
  • Uganda Museum - Uganda National Museum | Kira Road 0.33585, 32.58256 4km north of downtown, to the West of Kololo hill behind the golf course ☎ +256 414 267 538 Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 6PM USh 3000 entrance A natural history museum, with some static displays commencing from the stone age and moving forward to Ugandan traditional life.
  • Uganda National Mosque Gaddafi National Mosque | Old Kampala Hill - GPS: 0.31549, 32.56847 on top of the hill next to the new taxi park - USh 10,000 to go inside and up the minaret with a guide - Big, beautiful modern mosque commissioned by Muammar Gaddafi and the ex-Libyan despot, as a gift to Uganda and completed in 2007. Said to be second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Great, relatively close-up bird's-eye view of Kampala from up the minaret/tower. - Bahai Temple Bahá'í House of Worship| Kikaya Hill 0.36441, 32.58847 8km north of downtown, probably best to take a boda-boda or taxi ☎ +256 312 262 680 Opening Hours: Daily 9AM Monday - 5PM - Beautiful and incredibly peaceful place. Nice view too. - Kasubi tombs Ssekabaka's Tombs | Kasubi Hill 0.32906, 32.55387 5km north-west of downtown along Hoima Road ☎ +256 412 736 00 - Burial ground of four Kabakas (kings) of Buganda and important place for the Baganda people. UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearly completely destroyed in a 2010 fire, but largely reconstructed with foreign aid.
  • Wamala tombs - 0.3911, 32.5254 14 kilometers (30 min) north-west of downtown along Hoima Road, take matatu to Nansana and then boda-boda ☎ +256 414 501 866 No fixed entrance fee. USh 20,000 charged by security. May be negotiable. Tombs where the remains of some of the earlier Buganda kings were buried including Kabaka Ssuuna 11 (1836-1856). During his time he had 148 wives and produced 218 children! The single tomb building was also completely destroyed by fire in 2012, and has now been reconstructed. Meaning there are no original tombs left in the city.
  • Buwama Masaka rd | Namirembe Hill 0.3148884, 32.5594452 on hill 1km west of Gaddafi Mosque - By GCC standards, a small Anglican cathedral. Not very interesting of itself, but good view of the city. - St. Mary’s Gothic Church Rubaga Gothic Church | Lubaga Hill 0.3025994, 32.5524836 1 kilometers west of Mengo Hill Another cathedral, Catholic this time. - Lubiri Mengo Palace | Mengo Hill 0.30144, 32.56665 large empty hill 1km south of the downtown, seen from most places - Royal compound of the Kabaka/king. Historically significant place, but not much to see. The original Lubiri was destroyed in 1966 when Milton Obote took power and the Kabaka fled the nation.
  • Parliament of Uganda - Parliament avenue 0.31569, 32.58773 from the taxi parks walk east along Kampala/Entebbe Road until you reach Parliament Ave - Designed to represent the whole country and with Muslim visitors/tourists in mind; eg, look at the gate with the symbols of Uganda's different tribes or the giant carved wood art covering the lobby walls.
  • Independence Monument Speke Rd/Nile Ave 0.31539, 32.58165 between Grand Imperial and Sheraton hotels - Small monument, but of large symbolic importance.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kampala

Inside the city

Sunday boda boda tour around town | - USh 20,000-30,000 will last you a couple of hours Go on a Sunday morning, when streets are largely empty in stark contrast to other days, to cruise around the city on a boda-boda, get a feel for the different parts of the city and see lots of stuff in little time: Like the docks, beaches and fish markets at Ggaba or Port Bell, all the wonderful hills providing great views and nice buildings on top, and the extreme contrasts between different neighbourhoods. For an extra trustworthy driver use one associated with the place you stay at and make them arrange an extra helmet. - Speke resort Munyonyo Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort | 0.23846, 32.62385 11 kilometers south-east of downtown along Ggaba road and right before reaching Ggaba beach. Matatus go from the Cooper Complex. ☎ +256 414 227 111, +256 417 716 000 Just hanging around the resort gardens is free, USh 10,000 to enter the swimmingpool area and gym (if you're not staying there) - Speke is a very posh resort where rich people stay, but during the weekends it also serves as a recreational place for Kampala's aspiring middle class (especially the younger generation). There is ample of space to play volleyball or football, and there is a large well-kept swimmingpool (large enough to actually swim in) with an adjacent gym and squash courts. The park is also a good place to go for nice, relatively private but 100% secure romantic evening walks along the shores of Africa's largest lake. - Book safari directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority Kira Road 0.33623, 32.58348 use phone, normally no need to go to there physically ☎ +256 414 355000, +256 312 355000 Arrange park entry, gorilla trekking and other tours directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It does have some of its own safari packages and can provide assistance (information, guides, vehicles) to people wanting to organize a safari more independently. - Book safari through a tour operator - Normally done via internet/phone/mail, but sometimes it can be convenient to visit the operators offices to arrange details or make payments.

  • Hakuna Matata Safaris - Bugolobi ☎ +256782997991 - Offering both budget and luxury tour options, Hakuna Matata Safaris is a unique East African company that operates to all national parks, game reserves, mountains and island destinations in Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania From Kampala city. It also offers tour to Jinja to visit the source of Nil River

Farther away

Both Entebbe and Jinja can be easily reached from Kampala in around an hour in reasonable traffic, so day trips to these cities and the activities surrounding them are feasible from Kampala. Most excursions and safaris farther away will involve overnight stays. The closest real safaris are in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, about 4 hours away.

  • Go for a safari in one of Ugandas national parks or game parks listed at Uganda#Other_destinations.

Around Entebbe

  • Excursion to Entebbe to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you can watch chimps being fed, which is even more entertaining than it sounds. Boats leave from near the zoo at 9AM and 1PM, price is US$70, for 4-hour round trip.
  • Visit the Zoo, beaches and Botanical Gardens in nearby Entebbe, (40 min. on Boda motorcycle taxi, USh 15-20,000).

Around Jinja

  • Bungee jump dipping your head in the headwaters of the Nile, near Jinja.
  • Jet-Boating on the Nile, up and down some of the smaller rapids.
  • Do an ATV safari along the headwaters of the Nile, driving through various small towns.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kampala

Large parts of Uganda are very suitable for agriculture and as a result Kampala has some very large and diverse food and agriculture markets. Traditional handmade tools, arts and crafts are also big. However there are also several large western style malls and supermarkets (e.g. Shoprite from South Africa., Tuskys from Kenya. If you're in the market for souvenirs, check out the Exposure Africa Crafts Village on Buganda Road or the slightly larger Uganda Arts & Crafts Village behind the National Theatre, near the Garden City complex. Also on Buganda Road across the street from the craft market you find a number of tailors if you are looking to have clothes sewn. And if you're tired from shopping the (upscale) cafe 1000 Cups of Coffee is a relaxing Mzungu hangout. Kampala_Market - Kampala Market - Owino market 0.31002, 32.57432 in downtown close to the taxi parks, just south of the Nakivubo Stadium - Owino market is one of the largest in this region of Africa. The endless booths that line the chaotic alleys of Owino offer a mind-boggling array everything from homemade irons, to American hand-me-down-clothes with the Goodwill price tags still on then, to an amazing array of African foods, to any and everything else under the sun. Everything at Owinio starts affordable and gets cheaper with bargaining. Owino was completely destroyed by fire mid-February 2009, but has since been reopened. Owino is near the center of Kampala, and any Boda or taxi driver will know how to get you there. Come prepared for a crowded maze of goods and people.

NakaseroMarket - Nakasero Market - Nakasero market 0.31148, 32.57987 between Old Taxi Park, Kampala Road and Entebbe road A lot smaller and more pleasant than Owino, good for fruit and veg. More accessible from Kampala road and better suited for a (relaxed) stroll. - Exposure Africa Crafts Village Buganda Road 0.31822, 32.57602 African arts and crafts village with dozens of stalls. - Uganda Arts & Crafts Village National Theatre 0.31566, 32.58950 behind National theatre African arts and crafts village with dozens of stalls.

  • Garden City 0.31955, 32.59185 - On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Owino is Garden City. and if you are in the market for an Internet cafe, a Forex bureau, coffee shop, an expensive pair of shoes, a travel agent, a cinema, also has a capital shoppers supermarket. and more under the same roof and then Garden City is for you. Garden City can be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Kampala.
  • Game Lugugo Mall 0.30961, 32.57792 next to Shoprite - Owned by Walmart USA. Another huge modern shop which sells DIY stuff, camping chairs, torches, batteries, etc. There is also a Chicken and chips cafe, a souvenir shop, a couple of banks, a phone shop, etc.
  • Uganda Crafts 2000 Ltd. - Plot 32-36 Bombo Road 0.32416, 32.57388 Heading towards Wandegeya from City Plaza, Uganda Crafts is in the basement shop of the DLCO-EA building, between Teacher's House and Bible House. ☎ +256 414 250 077 Opening Hours: 9AM - 6PM Uganda Crafts, Uganda's oldest fair trade craft shop, has been working with disadvantaged artisans since 1983. They are known for their baskets, but also stock lots of traditional Ugandan products, including musical instruments, jewelry, batiks, carvings, and bark cloth items. They also carry products from Kenya, Rwanda, and the Congo. They are certified fair trade by the International Fair Trade Association, which means that they pay their artisans promptly and fairly.

- Kasumba Plaza Mall | 0.31144, 32.51704 - Kasumba Plaza Mall is at the edge of Kampala west at the intersection of Busega Round about and Northern bypass highway, This Mall was developed as to alleviate congestion and to deliver goods and services to the community as Kampala is becoming congested city due to rapid population growth.

  • Acacia Mall - Acacia Avenue. next to the British Embassy Has a Century Cinema with a ticket price of USh 10,000 on a Monday. Also has a Shoprite Hypermaket

How to find a Supermarket with Halal food in Kampala

  • Shoprite Hypermarkets. - Lugugo Mall, Acacia Mall & Village Mall 0.30961, 32.57792 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 9PM
  • Mega Standard Department Stores & Supermarkets Burton Street Near old taxi park in downtown Kampala Opening Hours: 8AM Monday - 8PM Has six floors, and sells 60% of local-made produce. Mega standard now also have a department store and supermarket in the Oasis mall.
  • Senana shopping centre and hypermarket Buganda road downtown Kampala. Open 8AM Monday - 7PM. Has large supermarket and department store.

Halal Food & Restaurants

There are a number of dining options in Kampala ranging from the affordable and local to the very fancy (and expensive). Everywhere you go you'll see signs for little hole-in-the-wall restaurants (including some called " Beef joints"). Most of these places don't have menus, so you'll have to ask what's available. Common options include ala Meat (usually beef), Rice, beans, Matoke (steamed green bananas, served mashed). Common dishes that can be found in most of the city restaurants and in the nation side are Fish and Chips and Chicken and chips. These meals vary in servings and will cost between USh 4500-9000. Be sure to ask the price ahead of time so that you don't get surprised later on. Prices are typically USh 500 per item, but can vary. Sodas and bottled water will cost more too. Matoke with groundnut sauce can be delicious!

For a street snack and the famous "Rolex" is very enjoyable. It is made out of a chapati (kind of a pancake) wrapped around an omelet, with cabbage and tomatoes. Expect to pay USh 700-1000. Other street food includes roast Chicken, goat and beef. This is usually served with chips or a salad or both. Pricing is per piece USh 2000-4500. If you are looking for something healthier but still want to enjoy the experience of roadside eating and the best bargain is with roasted corn or maize. The white maize is slow roasted on a charcoal grill and is available for USh 500-600 per cob. Freshness is guaranteed as Maize is a common plant found throughout Uganda. Usually the vendors will have a stall close to a source of maize plantation.

  • Great Wall - Chinese Restaurant | Plot 21 Kampala Road 0.31297, 32.58298 ☎ +256 712 937 148 Opening Hours: Daily noon-10:30PM Fried Rice with Chicken USh 8000, sweet & sour Beef USh 13,000 Owned by Chinese from Beijing, this clean and comfortable restaurant serves big portions of tasty, classic dishes. Menu is in English and simplified Chinese (with strange character mistakes - I suppose 15 years away is a long time). There is a ceiling fan and service is attentive, polite and extremely rapid by Ugandan standards. If you've got a boney bum, bring a cushion.
  • Bhagwatt Restaurant, ovolacto Vegetarian, small eatery, overlooking Nakasero Market Plaza. Open 8AM to 8PM. Good quality abundant thali USh 7000. Will cater for vegans if you specify.
  • Govindas, ovolacto Vegetarian, in Dewinton Road near Nakumat, offers thali at USh 15000 at lunchtime, and a full menu of Indian dishes. Popular with local Indian community. They also serve Vegetarian Pizzas and Sandwiches. A reasonable variety of Indian Sweets is available too.
  • Makere University Food Technology department, offers a tasty "local food" lunch, at USh 7000.

Jinja Road is a good place for a variety of meals.

  • Garden City. The food court at this shopping center offers a wide variety of options including Lebanese, Italian, Indian, and more. There are particularly good masala dosas served in the food court. Unlike a traditional food court, you order from a menu and a waiter brings food to your table. There is a good Indian restaurant named Nawab on the roof of Garden City, and a Steaks restaurant that's quite good.
  • Cafe Javas, Oasis Shopping Plaza (next to Garden City) Expat and local hangout. Flawless service. Great breakfasts and wonderfully rich Coffee. Free wireless internet. Opens at 6AM and stays open late.
  • New York Kitchen, Garden City Basement (next to Stanbic bank parking garage). Has an assortment of authentic New York-style food.
  • Fang Fang - Chinese Restaurant - Roof Terrace, Communication House, Plot 1, Colville Street 0.31348, 32.58412 Enter the Communications Tower government office block and, after passing throudh the security check, take the steps to the first floor. ☎ +256 414 344 806 +256 414 250 422 6 piece per plate starter, vegetable USh 16,800, ala Meat USh 19,800, prawns USh 29,800; crab in ginger & garlic Sauce USh 65,800 Large, plush, well furnished place with many private side and meeting rooms. Well stocked café. Authentic menu and cuisine.
  • Just Kicking, Kisementi shopping Centre, good choice of pub food and continental dishes, weekend nights BBQ.
  • Pizzas or BBQ night at the Red Chilli Hideaway Butabika 0.31529, 32.66242 10km east of downtown along Port Bell road and then left, at lake 500m from Butabika Hospital ☎ +256 772 509 150 Opening Hours: 6-9PM - Even if you're not staying there it might be interesting to spend an evening at this backpacker hangout and get some good travel tips from fellow travellers or listen to stories of some avid backpackers and cross-Africa (motor)bike/car drivers.
  • The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Cafe - ☎ +256 414 250337 - Plot 34, Impala Avenue, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kololo, Kampala. Features a wide variety of fusion delights from all across continent. Only restaurant in Uganda offering full range of game Meat. Starters range from USh 14,000 to 25,000. Main course range from USh 18,000 to 40,000. The soft drinks includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from USh 30,000 to 150,000. This has a fantastic ambiance, and the food is amazing.
  • Paradise: Sheraton Kampala. Features a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Main course range from USh 20,000 to 40,000. The soft drinks includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from USh 40,000 to 150,000.
  • Serena Hotel: just down the hill from the Sheraton. A variety of South Asian and African dishes prepared with flair. A complete meal for two will run to about USh 200,000, excluding alcohol.
  • Khana Khazana, this is one of the best (more expensive) Indian restaurants: It is on Acacia Avenue, up from the Protea Hotel, in Kololo.
  • Mamba Point: this is one of the best (more expensive) Italian places. The address is 22 Akil Bua Road-Nakasero: 031-256-3000. Be sure to go to the Italian Restaurant on Akil Bua Road, not the Pizzeria on Lumumba Ave—-although the Pizzeria is one of the best in town.
  • The Pyramids Casino: this is the place to go when someone else is paying. It is more expensive than just about anywhere, except for the Serena. It has good Pastas and Meat, and is a bit more interesting for continental/fusion food than major hotels like the Sheraton or Serena. It is on Yusef Lule Road, across from the Golf Course.
  • Fang Fang Chinese Restaurant: one of the best Chinese places. There are two in Kampala-- one with an attached hotel (nearer to the Sheraton) and open to outdoors (so don't forget to wear bug spray). They keep two white rabbits that hop on the grass in the main patio area and will put up with children petting them if you feed them a carrot or cucumber. The second Fang Fang is in downtown Kampala at Communications House; they have indoor seating and a roof terrace.

There are many Indian restaurants in Kampala, like Haandi on Kampala road, Masala chat and Govinda on Dewington Road, Khana Khazana and Khyber Pass Speke Hotel behind NSSF, and Indian Summer in Tankhill Parade.

  • Biyani House Uganda - Plot No. 16, Acacia Avenue Opposite Insomnia/Bubble, ☎ +256 758 935 839 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - midnight 2500 UGX onwards Offers a happy hour.
  • The Bistro

}} Drink only bottled water - spring water brands like Rwenzori and Blue Wave can be trusted - or tap water that has been boiled/treated appropriately.

Alcohol

If you feel like going out, go out, you should be safe, just exercise common sense. Ugandans are very sociable. Kampala's nightlife centers around the neighborhoods Bukoto and Kabalagala. Several clubs are also in the Industrial area (e.g. along 1st/6th Street) and along Kampala Road plus Acacia Avenue. Popular clubs are Club Silk, Venom Club, Club Amnesia, Casablanca, Cayenne Restaurant and Lounge and the Mask Lounge Club and Ange Noir. Going out clubbing in Kampala can be expensive.

  • Evening out in Kabalagala 0.29794, 32.60174 3 kilometers south-west from downtown along Ggaba road, many matatus go there - Kabalagala is an area with some Halal restaurants that is very lively at night and popular both amongst local residents and expats. Go there, have fun and get to know some local residents, but keep in mind that some girls (not the majority) are actually there to work. Kabalagala has everything from shabby waragi shacks to fancy establishments like Club Venom at the top of Tirupati Mazima Mall.

- Evening out in Bukoto | 0.34817, 32.59768 around Bukoto-Kira Road, north of Kololo hill - Bukoto began as a purely residential suburb, but is now spawning many popular nightlife spots. Good alternative to Kabalagala and less muzungus than further down along Acacia Avenue. - Expat night at Bubbles O’Leary’s | 0.33290, 32.58684 across the golf course away from downtown, left on Acacia Avenue ☎ +256 31 2263815 - Bubbles is an Irish pub in Kampala that serves as the main expat hangout (along with several other places along Acacia Avenue). Go there to get some (shocking) insights into the giant industry that is NGOs, aid and volunteering in Uganda. - Clubbing in the Industrial Area 0.32107, 32.60124 Some very fancy clubs with steep prices, others more normal, lots of showing off, students enjoying themselves, dance floors fill easily, good dancing, some old mzungu men, hookers... partly bizarre but in the end the same as everywhere else around the world. The popular Club Silk, Ange Noir and T1 are on First Street. Several other clubs are on 6th Street. - Just Kicking sports bar Kisementi 0.33844, 32.58750 at end of Acacia Avenue - Good for a relaxed drink with an international crowd. It gets very lively during weekend nights and whenever a major football match is screened. - The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Cafe Impala Avenue, Kololo 0.32752, 32.59861 on south-eastern slope of Kololo hill, close to where airstrip ends - Good if you want a quite and tranquil environment. The Lawns offers beautiful garden lounge café. Try their wide range of fruit cocktails or with amazing starters.

Uganda does, however, have a serious drink problem with the U.N. saying it has the highest alcohol comsumption rate in the world[https://%5B%5D=0&allcountries=checkbox&theme=4&variable_ID=1186&action=select_years , much of this is sold on backstreets, hence official figures don't rate it so highly. Don't let this put you off and the city is still safe even with this undesired tag.

===Coffee and juice=== Bancafe Nakumat (Oasis) - Excellent Coffee, good espresso and they sell beans and ground Coffee. - Cafe Javas - Midrange pricing Good chain that is at several locations around the city. Has working Wi-Fi.

  • Good African Coffee Lugogo next to Shoprite - Offers an excellent array of coffee concoctions and a good selection of food. Looks like a coffee shop/cafe with outdoor seating, but also offers a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu with burgers, alal-food/steaks/ Steaks, fish, roasted Chicken, pitas, salads, etc.

- Juice Dewinton Road A very good juice cafe, offering a huge selection of juices, including various herbal remedies.

  • 1000 Cups Coffee House - Buganda Road 0.31734, 32.57636 across the road from the craft market ☎ +256 772 505 619, +256 782 544 313 - Upscale coffee shop popular amongst muzungus. Serving a several regional varieties of Coffee, American style.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kampala

Kampala - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kampala, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kampala. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kampala and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kampala. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kampala. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKampala: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kampala.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kampala: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kampala, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kampala.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kampala, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kampala, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kampala and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kampala, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kampala, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kampala without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kampala is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kampala.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kampala is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kampala, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kampala Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kampala

eHalal Group Kampala is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kampala. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kampala.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kampala ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kampala. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kampala, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kampala are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

  • Lusam Inn Resthouse Namirembe road ☎ +256 772514773 USh 35,000 Double room with own bathroom a walk uphill from the Taxi Park.
  • New City Annex De Winton road opposite National Theatre ☎ +256 414254132 Single from USh 18,000, double from USh 40,000 Clean fan single/double rooms with outside hot water bathroom. Near the bus offices for buses going to Kenya.
  • New Diplomat William street behide equatoria mall USh 33,000/40,000. Single/double room with own bathroom.
  • Hotel New Gloria William street behide equatoria mall ☎ +256 414257790 USh 40,000/60,000 Single/double rooms with own bathroom and TV.
  • Marie Hotel Martin road just off Namirembe road ☎ +256 392961139 USh 35,000
  • Mukwano Guest House plot 27 Nakwano Place Road from USh 40,000 Single/double rooms.
  • Kawanda Country Inn off Bombo road near Monday - Petro Check-in: 8AM / Check-out: 10AM from USh 35,000 Fan double room with own bathroom and TV and free breakfast.
  • Medina Guest House Kaboowa Road and Church Road Check-in: 11AM / Check-out: 10AM from USh 35,000. A/C double room with own bathroom. TV and free breakfast.
  • Hotel Harambe Plot 14-18 Nakivubo Place Road 2nd floor venus Plaza. Check-in: 7AM / Check-out: 11AM US$15 Twin/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Has free WiFi.
  • Tuhende Safari Lodge Martin Road ☎ +256 772-468360 USh 18,000 per person. Has a dorm with 3 beds per dorm.
  • Jotena Hotel 80 William Street next to the Philippines Consulate ☎ +256 414-543048, +256 752218000, +256 772951037 USh 30,000/40,000/50,000 Big clean fan single/double rooms with own hot water bathroom, TV, internet, free breakfast. The USh 30,000 rooms have outside bathrooms.
  • Dolphin Guest house. plot no 26 william street Near old taxi park ☎ +414-255786 USh 20,000/25,000 Single/double rooms.
  • I C U Guest house Bazzekuketta Road from USh 60,000 per person
  • Hotel City Plaza Plot 42 Kampala road Constitution Plaza. ☎ +256 781 433483 USh 60,000/70.000 single/double rooms with own bathroom. Internet and breakfast.
  • Selam Restaurant and Lodge Ggaba road Kansanga 150m behide Kampala Int University. USh 15,000. Single rooms.
  • G One Hotel. Rubaga Road US$16
  • Sam Sam Hotel Natete road ☎ +256 4-14274211 US$15
  • Kings Cross Hotel Rubaga Road US$16 Free breakfast.
  • Hotel Olympia off Ggaba road Kansanga ☎ +256 414-266743 US$15
  • Mother Theresa Guest House - Ismail Road. Mbuya. Kampala off the new Port Bell road ☎ +256 700296379 Check-in: noon / Check-out: noon single USh 30,000, double USh 50,000 Very clean single/double rooms with own bathroom.
  • Royal Arch Inn Guest House 547 Mutebi Road ☎ +256-414345088 Check-in: 24 hours / Check-out: USh 25,000 Double rooms. Has hot water, and TV.
  • Palm Gardens and Guest House aza Road off Msisi road Makindye Check-in: 8AM / Check-out: 10AM from USh 35,000 Single room with own bathroom, net, TV. The hotel has 13 rooms.
  • International Youth Hostel Uganda Wakaliga on Narnirembe-Netete road USh 56,000 per person a/c single/double rooms with own bathroom
  • Tagy Hotel Plot 6 b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.

Backpacker hostels

  • All the backpacker hostels in Kampala set prices in US dollars at USh 3650 to one.
  • Fat Cat Backpackers - 13 Bukoto Street ☎ +256 771393892 US$15 per dorm bed. Dorm beds. Breakfast included in the price.
  • Red Chilli Hideaway - 13-23 Bukasa Hill view road Butabika ☎ +256 772509150 US$12 per dorm bed Dorm beds. Has a swimming pool.
  • Kampala Backpackers Hostel and Campsite - kampala Natete road lungujja about 3 kilometers from down town Kampala ☎ +256 414274767 Camping US$7. Dorm bed $10. Single room $15. Double room $25 Camping. Dorm beds. Single/double rooms. A long 3-km walk up hill from Down town. The Backpackers is more like a bar than a backpackers. The rooms look run down.
  • Ewaka Guest House and Backpackers - 8/9 Salim bey road Ntinda new market Ntinda town ☎ +256 755925966 Camping US$5. Dorm bed $10. Room $20. Camping, dorm bed, sharing a bathroom, double room sharing a bathroom.
  • Bushpig backpacker's bed in a 4-bed dorm $15.
  • Prestige Hotel Suites - Plot 9 Lumumba Avenue, Nakasero From US$80 Air-conditioned suites with a swimming pool, bar, lounge, free parking and 24-hour reception. Fast free on-site Wi-Fi available.
  • Hotel International 2000 | @.com Plot 3209 Tank Hill Road ☎ +256 712 998 080 Prices starts at US$70 per day Offers 30 tastefully furnished, giant-sized and standard rooms ranging from single to executive with other ammenities like health centre, swimming pool, restaurant, Colored gardens, conference halls, Wifi, wide parking space.
  • Protea Hotel Kampala, Kololo. 35 kilometers from Entebbe Airport and the brand new Protea Hotel Kampala offers 4-star luxury and 5-star service. 59 rooms and 11 suites, all en-suite and air-conditioned; restaurant, bar, satellite television, air-con. Close to gym, tennis and squash courts, etc. Also includes a business centre, wireless internet throughout, currency exchange, 24-hour room service and Reception.
  • Hotel Africana Plot 2-4 Wampewo Ave ☎ +256 414 777500 - Well-established hotel with lots of parking, swimming pool, gym, Wi-Fi, apartments; near a large shopping mall but can be noisy on a concert/wedding weekend. Only hotel with its own fully-fledged mosque.
  • Hotel Ruch - from US$50 Central location right next to the Sheraton. Well-maintained bed & breakfast hotel with nice gardens and a café. On-site Wi-Fi available.
  • Fang Fang Hotel on Ssezibwa Road in Kampala has clean rooms, air-con available, hot running water, a great Chinese restaurant on the premises (with nice garden seating), and is not overpriced. Recommended. Centrally located near UWA offices.
  • Aminaz Garden Place - In Kololo - Very good, clean and safe lodging
  • Golf Course Apartments, in Kololo. Not to be confused with pricier Golf Course Hotel which is fairly nearby. Very comfortable apartments around £100 per day. Offers swimming pool, gym, private secluded sauna, tennis court, garden. Kitchens fully equipped for self-catering. Daily maid service, cleaning, laundry. Pleasant green environment away from traffic noise. Discounts for certain NGOs and other organisations reduce rooms to $80 per day. Stays of one month or more prices reduce to US$1800 (non discount) or £1525 (discounted). Prices correct December 2010.
  • Speke Hotel, Downtown, in Downtown. One of the earliest hotels in Kampala, and very different from the upscale Speke Resort in Munyonyo. It is on a busy street where prostitutes ply their trade at night. The rooms are clean with wooden floors and clean toilets, AC, free Wi-Fi, but it tends to be spartan, and isn't posh by any stretch. The hotel has a pizzeria, Indian restaurant (Khyber Pass), A pub/bar Rock Garden Cafe. There is an Crane Bank ATM inside the hotel (may work, but most international cards will need to use the Barlays a few minutes walk away). Prices start from around US$120 per day.
  • Golf Course Hotel - Plot 64-86, Yusuf Lule Road - This newly opened hotel next to the Garden City Complex offers huge rooms and apartments, modern facilities, a large and fancy swimmingpool and very relaxing views of the tropic golf course.
  • Kampala Serena Hotel - ☎ +256-414-309000 From US$150 per day Another five-star hotel just further down the road from the Sheraton. Offers modern and spacious rooms. Swimming pool, large garden, a health club and also several restaurants are all on the hotel premises. The hotel is also close to the popular shopping malls at Yuseuf Lule road.
  • Sheraton Kampala Hotel - Ternan Avenue ☎ +256-414-420000 Renovated and the Sheraton is the leading high-end hotel in town, occupying extensive nicely manicured grounds.
  • Speke Resort - In Munyonyo, about 10 kilometers from the downtown by the shores of Lake Victoria, and not to be confused with the Speke Hotel (above). An excellent getaway from city life. You'll find plenty of animals around (and often in) the resort. Has a large swimming pool, as well as an infinity swimmingpool by the lake. Gym, spa, and choice of restaurants with lake views. Free cable internet to rooms, but Wi-Fi only in the foyer and restaurant areas.

Stay Safe

Kampala is a relatively safe city. It is fairly safe to walk or take matatus around some areas at night, but don't take unnecessary chances. Kampala is not safe to walk around in after dark, especially if you are a white. It is assumed that all whites have money. It is also not safe to drive around, day or night, with your windows down or unlocked. Someone could reach in through the window and take your cell phone right out of your hand or open the door and take your laptop right off your lap.

Air pollution is among the worst in the world, so again, keep your windows up, doors locked and set your vehicle button to circulate the air and not take in external air, especially if you are following a diesel powered MV.

Boda-boda motorcycle taxis are notoriously dangerous, but are sometimes so convenient it's difficult not to use them. If you do decide to use them regularly consider buying a helmet (they are not provided by the driver).Although it defies logic at first glance, you might want to consider taking a boda-boda in which the driver does not have a helmet. Drivers without helmets tend to drive slower, and as they never have helmets for the passengers, this means that you are a bit safer.

Don't plan on using your credit card. If it is accepted and there is a good chance of fraud. Safer is withdrawing money from ATMs using your Mastercard or Visa-card. Many ATMs take Mastercard or Visa card. Ecobank, Equity bank, Stanbic are the banks that takes MasterCard branded cards. Barclays Bank Uganda has a fee at all its ATMs for all overseas banks cards.

To stay safe, also be aware of the many prostitutes in Rock Garden at Speke Hotel. There are several stories about guys being duped, drinking soft drinks laced with rohypnol, ending up short on cash, cell phones, credit cards and bank cheques.

Telecommunications in Kampala

Internet Cafe's in Kampala

In May 2013 and the Sheraton Hotel had unsecured Wi-Fi. Although the connection is not particularly fast or the signal strong on the ground floor or first floor buffet breakfast restaurant, "executive floor" 4 has a strong and fast connection and comfortable sofas to the left of the lift. There's a good 360-degree view of the city from the rooftop at stop 11 of the elevator.

Internet cafes

From USh 1000 per hour.

  • Linking Worlds (Quality Shopping Village) 1000 m from Entebbe Road with a fast internet connection
  • KayeNet internet cafe is a chain of Internet cafes at the following locations:
  • (Nakulabye) Beauty House, Plot 494 Makerere Hill Road, Mengo, opposite Chez Johnson Hotel.
  • (Nalubwama arcade) Nalubwama arcade, 1st floor- shop f1-2, Ben Kiwanuka street, opposite old taxi park.
  • (Wandegeya) Plot 151, Bombo Road, Wandegeya, opposite Stanbic bank, above Kookee supermarket.
  • (Market Street) Energy Centre Building, Level 3, Shop 36, Market Street, Nakasero.

Media

Radio

  • BBC World Service can be heard on FM radio 101.3MHz in central Kampala.

TV

Satellite TV is widely available in bars, hotels, restaurants, etc. Stations available include Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera World News, CNA (Channel News Asia).

Cope in Kampala

Embassies & Consulates in Kampala

Egypt Egypt - | 33 Kololo Hill Drive ☎ +256 414254525 +256 414345152 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4PM {{flag|Sweden

  • Sweden - 24 Lumumba Avenue ☎ +256 (0417) 700 800 +256 (0417) 700 801

United States United States | @; KampalaU@ Plot 1577 Ggaba Road

News & References Kampala


Travel Next

Any place in Uganda can be easily reached from Kampala in less than one day. Most popular destinations can be visited in less than half a days driving time, however if you use public buses, allow for some hours waiting time before the bus leaves, and sometimes the bus will get stuck in traffic when trying to leave Kampala.

  • Jinja, one source of the Nile and amazing whitewater rafting can be visited in around one hour.
  • Fort Portal, in the vicinity of the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kibale Forest National Park and the Rwenzori National Park, can be visited in around 4 hours.
  • Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi and the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited in around 5-6 hours.
  • Driving to Gulu takes 4-5 hours by bus.
  • Murchison Falls National Park also takes about that time to reach.
  • Tororo, Mbale and Mount Elgon National Park can be visited in a couple of hours to less than half a day.
  • Furthermore, it used to be feasible to reach Ssese Islands from Port Bell in Kampala with the WFerries MV Amani, but that service seems suspended and the main ferry from Entebbe, MV Kalangala, is in prolonged repairs.
  • Equator line: just go to the New taxi park and get on Kampala-Equator mini buses (USh 7000) or the Kampala-Masaka Mini buses (USh 12000). The final stop of Kampala-Equator mini buses are few meters away from the Equator line. They make u turn and head back to Kampala. It is 1.5-hour drive from Kampala. The equator line is just before the town of Kayabwe. There is water flow demonstration (a /debunked-the-equator-drain-trick-direction-of-water-flow.t6518/ hoax) for (USh 10,000). All the mini bus drivers know when and where you should get off.

Many safari tour companies operate out of Kampala and drive their clients to the national parks, but it is also feasible to arrange trips in Fort Portal for example (or go with your own vehicle of course).

Matatus and larger buses out of Kampala leave mainly from the new taxi park. A few may still also leave from the old taxi park. There are many companies (almost 100) that run larger tour buses that leave from numerous bus terminals/stations surrounding the new taxi park, or for buses going east into Kenya at De Winton Road. You can take buses of differing sizes and quality going to all major cities in Uganda and to Juba (South Sudan, min. 12 hr), to Malaba, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, and to Kigali (Rwanda); amongst others. Sometimes there are more or less direct buses to Tanzania (like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and Bukoba), but those lines do not seem very profitable since companies pop up and disappear quickly (TZ is not so nice with border fees/customs/trade/immigration/etc. so there is less demand for travel there combined with higher costs).

In general bus operators, schedules, prices and routes change constantly, so information found on the internet will often be out of date. If you want to go somewhere it is best to try to find a phone number where you can confirm departures or just ask around where buses going there and there leave, and go there early in the morning. Keep in mind that some companies will consistently employ bad drivers, and accidents do happen, so it is worth using a company that has a good reputation (some of which should be listed below). Also, while the shuttle vanes (matatus) are relatively safe when traveling in Kampala's crowded and slow moving traffic and they are considered relatively unsafe on the fast roads in the nationside populated by heavy trucks and buses. Bigger buses are safer, especially since at least some of them are run by larger companies that care about their reputation and are better regulated/monitored by the government. An up to date list of bus routes going east is this. An older but more comprehensive list of bus routes out of Kampala is here.

Major bus terminals/parks and companies for leaving Kampala

New taxi park 0.3139074, 32.5732847 | zoom= 16 Matatus and larger buses going everywhere! - Post bus terminal Main post office 0.3135312, 32.5808224 on Kampala Road, 200 m west from Entebbe Road ☎ +256 412 555 115 |fax=

. Government-run post bus, reputed for its safety and popular among western budget tourists. Departures Monday to Saturday 7-8AM in the morning Monday to Saturday
  • bus 1. Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, Lira.
  • bus 2. Gulu,
  • bus 3. Masaka Mbarara Kabale, Kisoro,
  • De winton Road, near National Theatre, is the place to get buses to/from Kenya and Tanzania.
  • Easy Coach - 0.3170024, 32.5923542 ☎ +256 776727270, +256 757727273 - Departs twice daily 7AM and 6PM for Kisumu and Nairobi (7 hr, 14 hr) (March 2022).
  • Modern Coast Express. have Three buses a day to/from Kisumu and Nairobi. From Nairobi you can travel onward to Mombasa, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza.
  • Mash Poa have three buses a day to/from Nairobi. From Nairobi you can travel onward to Mombasa. Mash Poa also have one bus a day from Kampala to Kigali.
  • Simba Coaches have four buses a day to/from Nairobi. - Arua park 0.31562, 32.57474 | zoom= 16 Mainly for going north, like Gulu and Juba.
  • Trinity express and Jaguar Coaches have buses to/from Kigali Rwanda.


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