When is the best time to visit Kampala
When is the best time to visit Kampala city: Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, is situated in the central area of the country. The town is conveniently located approximately 37 square kilometers from Entebbe International Airport, facilitating visitor access. Kampala was originally designated as “Kasozi ka Impala” by the Buganda people, as it was recognized as a natural refuge for impalas. Subsequently, the name was anglicized to Kampala by British colonialists for ease of pronunciation. Kampala city is primarily recognized as the principal hub for all Buganda activities and serves as a favorable hunting ground for the Buganda kings, known locally as the Kabakas.
Exploring this Kampala city provides travelers with possibilities to gain insights into Uganda’s historical and cultural tourism, as well as to capture picturesque views of its remarkable waterbodies, given its proximity to the beaches of Lake Victoria. Moreover, there are other intriguing locations to explore in this city, including pubs, restaurants, religious sites, discotheques, political institutions, retail malls, and recreation facilities, among others. Furthermore, exploring Kampala city presents opportunities to participate in numerous engaging activities, as outlined below;
Things to do in Kampala city
Exploring the Kasubi Tombs.
The Kasubi Tombs are a renowned site for the royal family of the Buganda Kingdom, situated in the northwestern part of Kampala on Kasubi Hill. Furthermore, these sites are managed by UNESCO World Heritage, making them an ideal destination to explore the historical context of the Kabakas of Buganda and their cultural value.
The Parliament of Buganda.
Tourists in this city may choose to visit the Buganda Parliament, commonly known as “Bulange,” where significant national issues are deliberated. Moreover, these significant meetings occur monthly; yet, the Kabaka of Buganda is typically observed attending just at the commencement and conclusion of the meetings. Consequently, attending parliamentary sessions provides opportunities to enhance your knowledge of history, such as insights into prior rulers and fifty-six clans. Furthermore, prior to the conception of the parliament’s building, individuals were frequently observed congregating beneath the trees or in grass-thatched dwellings to deliberate on significant matters.
Explore Kabaka Lake.
Tourists may choose to visit Kabaka Lake, situated in Ndeeba, renowned for being the largest artificial lake in Africa, with a depth of approximately 200 feet. Furthermore, it is documented that Kabaka Mwanga motivated his followers to excavate this lake, and to this day, the clan heads of Buganda are frequently observed convening to maintain the lake’s cleanliness. The Kabaka is considered one of the premier attractions in Kampala, offering tourists opportunities to engage in various activities, including bird watching to observe numerous avian species, boat cruises, and racing. The serene environment surrounding the lake provides a moment of relaxation amidst its breathtaking atmosphere.
Baha'i Temple.
The Bahá’í temple, renowned as the temple of the Bahá’í Faith in Africa, is located on Kikaya Hill on the outskirts of Kampala city. Visiting this temple enhances your faith and deepens your understanding of the tenets of the religion. Moreover, visitors intending to visit the city should be aware that this temple is always open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; nonetheless, the principal services occur exclusively on Sundays. Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge that photography and videography within this temple are prohibited, as they contravene the rites and values of the faith. The Bahá’í temple originates in Iran/Persia.
In addition to the aforementioned locations, there are numerous other significant activities to engage in while visiting Kampala, including touring Old Kampala, Kibuli Mosque, the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo, Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, and shopping at Owino Market, among others.
Tourists intending to visit Kampala may do so at any time of the year; however, the optimal period is during the dry season, which spans from June to September and from mid-December to February. This is considered the optimal time as it coincides with a period of reduced rainfall, facilitating uninterrupted travel for individuals.
Reach out to our reputable tour operators for details regarding the optimal time to visit Kampala and to make reservations with our travel businesses, including Gorilla Trekking in Africa, which provides premier Uganda trip packages in Kampala city.