Cultural activities in and around Kampala

Cultural activities in and around Kampala is one of the best things to do in Uganda. This will give you an opportunity to experience the true African cultures, traditions, norms, food among others. Kampala is Uganda’s national and commercial capital bordering Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Hills covered with red-tile villas and trees surround an urban center of contemporary skyscrapers. In this downtown area, the Uganda Museum explores the country’s tribal heritage through an extensive collection of artefacts. On nearby Mengo Hill is Lubiri Palace, the former seat of the Buganda Kingdom. Kampala city is a heritage and beautiful local city to visit and experience cultural activities. 

What are the cultural activities to do in and around Kampala?

Visiting the Six Hills of Kampala City

Kampala was originally built on seven hills, but it has expanded to cover more than the original seven hills, these hill provide great sightings of Kampala regions, slums, Main buildings among others. The original seven hills are: Old Kampala Hill on which Fort Lugard was located, the first seat of the British colonial authorities in colonial Uganda. The second is Mengo Hill which was the then Kibuga (capital) of Buganda kingdom at the start of British colonial rule. The third is Kibuli Hill that is home to the Kibuli Mosque.

The fourth is Namirembe Hill, that is home to the Anglican (Wangeleza) faction of the Buganda religious wars of 1888 to 1892 and site of Namirembe Anglican Cathedral. The fifth is Lubaga Hill that is home to the White Fathers Catholic (Wafaransa) faction of the above-mentioned Buganda religious wars and also site of the Rubaga Catholic Cathedral. The sixth is Nsambya Hill, site of the former Cathedral of St Peter’s Nsambya and allocated to the British Catholic Mill Hill Mission during the signing of the Uganda Agreement (1900).

The seventh is Nakasero Hill on whose summit was Fort Nakasero, a British military installation built after relocating from Fort Lugard in Old Kampala. The hill was also the site of the European Hospital (the current government analytical laboratory opposite Ministry of Public Service headquarters). You can visit these hills which have so much history and old buildings with ancient architecture.

Visiting Local Markets and churches

You can spend your time in Kampala City visiting the Local Markets that sell fresh food stuffs as well as cloths. Some the Markets you can visit are Wandegeya Market, Owino Markets, Nakawa Market, and Kiseka Market. You can as well visit shopping malls, Arcades and Places of Worship, like the Uganda Martyrs Namugongo church for religious cultural experience in Uganda. 

The Uganda National Museum

The Uganda Museum is one of the oldest Museum in East Africa. It is located in Kamwokya, It displays and exhibits ethnological, natural-historical and traditional life collections of Uganda’s cultural heritage. It was founded in 1908, after Governor George Wilson called for “all articles of interest” on Uganda to be procured. There is also cultural village with huts depicting traditional lifestyles of people in Uganda, you can experience the indigenous ways of the Ugandan ethnical culture, an array of cultural material, such as milk pots made from wood (ebyanzi), gourd vessels, basketry, bead work, horn work, ceramics, cutlery, leather works, armoury among others. The museum building also a historical landmark. Museum visit is on the most interesting this to do when you spend 7 days in Kampala City.

Visiting the Sporting Centers

Kampala city is the main sport center for Uganda for those interested in doing different kinds of sports, Uganda has embraced a number of sports such as baseball, cricket, tennis, golf, swimming, cycling, and boxing, Main Arenas and Stadiums are found in Kampala, for example you can visit the Mandela National Stadium, the Kampala golf course and other local Play grounds in Communities. You can as well do guided cycling around the city. You will also be introduced to local games in the community.

Buganda Kingdom cultural experience.

The local cultural experience is one of the best things to do in Kampala City, Kampala is found in one of the Kingdoms in Uganda called Buganda Kingdom. You can visit the Buganda Kingdom Palace (lubiri), Buganda Parliament, Kabaka’s Lake, Kasubi Tombs (Where the royals are buried). You will learn about the Rich History of the Kings Linage and royals, traditions and customs, the food, dances among many things. You will also learn about the tools used in the Past such as the drums, spears, shields that have been kept for years. 

Night life in Kampala

You can as well visit the Night clubs, pubs, and many other happening places in Kampala. Kampala is known in East Africa as a city for entertainment and nightlife, you can as well have a test of the local breweries.  Some of the night spots include Club Guvernor, Club Ambience in Bakuli, Club Milano in Makindye, Fame lounge, Wave lounge. You will have a chance to listen to the music and sound of the local artists in Uganda.

Visiting the Craft Markets and Art Galleries

Kampala is full of creative and artistic people where you can visit and get souvenirs .The prominent places for still art or art galleries include afriart gallery, Asante gallery and nommo gallery to mention but a few. These deal in paintings, personal and famous people portraits. There also craft shops which deal in Africa textile wear, jewelry, bangles, some of the places include Uganda crafts on Bombo roads, Maridadi Crafts village on Nakasero road, craft market on Buganda road and national theatre craft center at dewton road.

Visiting the Monuments and Historical Buildings

There are historical monuments in Kampala mark the different events that happened in the past but which shaped the development of Kampala and the entire Uganda. There is independence monument close to Grand Imperial Hotel and Speke road. This monument marks Uganda’s independence in 1962 where a man is seen raising up a child through his hands. There is also Kabaka Mutesa I monument (the first president of Uganda), the World War II monument, the education monument in Kyambogo and and many other monuments in Makerere University (oldest university in Africa). You can as well visit the Parliament of Uganda.

Visiting Fishing Villages on Lake Victoria

Kampala is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Lake Victoria is blessed with fresh water, beautiful beaches and islands where you can spend quality time as you relax and chill, you can visit Ggaba beach, KK beach, Mulungo Kabaka’s recreation beach and Speke resort Munyonyo. You can have beach games, local food and cruises on the Lake. You can as well visit the landing sites in Ggaba for community experience, Kasenyi fishing village, Nakiwogo fishing Villages as you met fisheries and fishermen and experience their lifestyle.

Where to stay in Kampala city

There are very many hotels to stay in Kampala city while on your visit. They range from budget to luxury hotels, the prices range from USD50-1000 per person per night depending on your choice. Contact us to suggest for you’re the best hotel to stay in as per your budget and interest. Some of the Hotels include Kampala Sheraton Hotel, Kampala serena Hotel, Pearl of Africa Hotel, Hilton Hotel, fairway Hotel, Nyumbani Hotel, Fairway Hotel, Protea Hotel, Golf Course Hotel and Many others.

Why book with us cultural activities in and around Kampala City

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about a responsible tour operator in Uganda.