Who would choose to travel to Uganda if there are way more attractive and accessible places. But experiencing uncommon countries makes it even more exciting to take the first step into a completely different culture.
Recommended time: 3 days
Population: 1.5 Mill
Kampala is a bustling and crowded city but has an authentic African feeling. Arriving there might be overwhelming. It took us some time to find a guesthouse, walk through the crowds, and look after our backpacks. Finally, we stayed around 20 min outside of the center to avoid stress and complications. To take a Boda Boda to the center is always accessible, cheap and walking around this area is more comfortable. Furthermore, we found an excellent guesthouse for only approx. 35.000 UgS a night.
The Top 3 Things To Do
Markets
Local markets are spread everywhere, full of fruits, street food, and materialistic stuff. Walking through it already takes some time, and it's exciting. I wouldn't consider it dangerous, and you only have to be aware of your money without being naive. It's also a great place to try all the local food or even fix some shoe clothes due to many handypersons stalls.
Night Life
Kampala is a fantastic party place. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we couldn't enjoy it to the fullest, but still, it is a blast going to the clubs and bars. Most of them have a pool table and a live DJ. Good African music, people dancing as crazy, and alcohol included. Besides, that locals are approaching you lots of time, often they want free drinks, sometimes just some fun small talk or to have the opportunity talking to a white person. So if you're going to a party, you'll find options all over; it is an overwhelming experience to be in the middle of crazy swinging boobies and booties.
Old Taxi Park
It is the park where all the taxis are leaving to different cities. This place is packed with people and vehicles, the smell of exhaust gases and sweat. People are following you, grabbing you, shouting at you, trying to pull you to their taxi, or asking you questions like 'Where are your from?' - 'What's your name?' - 'Where are you going?'. Better don't start a conversation or don't look helpless. You will find the taxi you need, and there are lots of signs with the city names, follow them. Also here they offer you lots of packed food, cookies or devices. They are patient, so a simple 'No' is not enough to get rid of them.
Uganda National Mosque
Don't underestimate the number of Muslim people even in Uganda. One of their famous places is the National Mosque on Kampala hill. It won't take a long time to explore; it is interesting to enter, walk around and enjoy the view over Kampala. It is easy to reach with a Boda Boda or by car, about 10 minutes starting from the central Old Taxi Park. Even by walking it takes only approx. 20 minutes.
Do you want to learn more about Uganda, its cities, and things to explore? Check out other blogs here.
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