Kampala city is the capital and business hub of Uganda built around seven famous hills and once a hunting ground for impalas by the Buganda king. The city is divided into 5 political divisions namely Kampala Central, Makyindye, Kawempe, Nakawa and Rubga division with a population estimated at 6.7 million occupying 8,451.9 km2 of land.
Kampala city is not only the capital and largest urban center but also the best base for touring Uganda and learning about the culture and way of life of the Buganda kingdom plus locals. There are plenty of fascinating local and internationally known tourist attractions that best depict the history, religion and culture of Uganda.
Are you planning to explore the city this season?, we highly recommend you hire a car in Kampala for self drive or with a driver for a much safer and more comfortable road trip. The majority of attractions can easily be located using GPS or GoogleMaps helping you cut out driver costs but if you prefer convenience over price- then you have to hire a driver along with a car. Below are some of the best places to visit should you decide to explore Kampala city in 2024.
1- Uganda Museum– One of the top attractions to visit when you tour Kampala City is the country’s only museum. Open as early as 1908, the museum is the oldest in East Africa displaying and exhibiting ethnological, historic and traditional life collections of Uganda’s culture. You will find ancient Kingdom musical instruments, weaponry, archeological artifacts, hunting equipment and entomology.
2- Kasubi tombs– The burial ground for four of Buganda kings locally called Kabaka is a must-visit attraction if you want an insight into one of the most powerful Bantu kingdoms. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2001, the Kasubi tombs were constructed as early as 1882 and are seated on 64 acres of land just 5 kilometers northwest of the city center. The four Kabaka’s buried here include Muetsa 1, Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II and Sir Edward Muteesa II all very powerful and popular kings that helped build the current Buganda kingdom.
3- Namugongo Martyrs shrine– One of the most popular religious historic attractions is the Martyrs shrine in Namugongo where 32 young men were to killed to death between 1885 to 87 because of refusing to renounce Christianity. The Basicllca’s huge building that depicts the martyrs inside out is such an amazing marvel and every 3rd June- pilgrims flood the shrine to remember the martyrs
4- Bahai temple – Also known as Bahai House of Worship- this temple is a place of worship of the Bahai faith with only 14 temples built across the world. regarded as the oldest and first mother temple in Africa, the Bahai temple was once East Africa’s tallest building in 1961. Strategically located on Kikaya hill on the outskirts of Kampala city- this temple is another unique place to visit when you decide to hire a car in Kampala for self drive or driver-guided trip.
5- Ndere Cultural Center– If you are looking to get into Ugandan traditional music and cuisine, then you should drive over to the Ndere Cultural Center situated in Bukoto along Ntinda-Kisasi road. Enjoy traditional dance performances from over 10 cultural tribes as well as get a chance to sample the traditional foods and drinks at the restaurant giving you a full cultural experience in one single visit. Live performances take place every Wednesday and Friday starting at 7:00 pm and on Sunday at 6:00 pm with entrance fees going as low as US$ 8 for local children, US$ 15 for local adults and US$ 25 per person for international guests.
There are plenty of other fascinating attractions to visit in Kampala including Gaddafi mosque, Naimrembe Cathedral, Kabaka’s palace, Rubaga Cathedral. Kabaka’s lake, Arts and craft villages to mention but a few but the above mentioned 5 will give you the best experience. Looking for car hire in Kampala for your next self drive or driver-guided tour in Kampala city- we will be more than happy to offer you our services. Contact us now by sending an email to booking@4x4carhirekampala.com or call us now on +256779612466 to speak with our reservations team.