Kampala City Tour - Full Day (Private)

The tour begins with uptown Kampala Sights: Explore key landmarks of Uptown Kampala, including the Independence Monument, Mutesa II Monument, World War II Monument, Parliamentary Building, Bank of Uganda (est. 1966), Uganda National Cultural Centre (est. 1959), and Kampala Capital City Authority headquarters. Visit Nakasero Market, established in 1895 and relocated to its current city center location in 1905. Along the way, admire Hindu temples, including Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, and other culturally significant sites.

Buganda Kingdom Tour. From Kampala’s CBD, continue to the Buganda Kingdom and visit the Kabaka’s (King’s) Palace. Explore the Idi Amin Armory, view historical machine guns, and browse the palace pictorial while learning about Buganda’s rich history. Drive past Kabaka’s Lake and visit the Nantawetwa Monument, a site opened only when the King travels from the palace to the Buganda Parliament. Continue along the Royal Mile, sightseeing landmarks such as Bulange (Buganda Parliament), the Kabaka’s Monument, Zakaria Kisingiri House, and the Buganda Clan Symbols.

Gadhafi Mosque and City Views. As you continue through 1980s-era Kampala, stop at the Gadhafi Mosque, a gift from the late Col. Muammar Gadhafi. Climb the minaret for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Kampala’s famous seven hills, taking in landmarks such as Fort Lugard (est. 1800 by Capt. Frederick Lugard) and Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, where Rwanda’s President Kagame once studied.

Visit Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Next, visit the Kasubi Tombs, a revered spiritual and cultural site for the Baganda. The tombs serve as the burial ground for the last four Kabakas (Kings) of Buganda and remain a Centre for the royal family. Traditional rituals and cultural practices are still observed here, preserving Buganda’s rich heritage through generations.

Makerere University Sightseeing. From Kasubi, drive through Makerere University, Uganda’s largest and oldest academic institution (est. 1922) and Africa’s third oldest university. Explore landmarks such as the Old University Library (est. 1949), the Main Administration Building (since 1941), and the Education Monument.

Kalerwe Market and the Baha’i Temple. On your way to the Baha’i Temple, pass through Kalerwe Market, Kampala’s vibrant second-largest local market, perfect for snapping photos or picking up fresh fruits. Continue to Kikaya Hill to visit the Baha’i Temple, a unique spiritual landmark in Africa. Take a moment for peaceful reflection inside the temple and wander through the lush gardens, capturing memorable photos. Important Notice: The temple is closed on Mondays.

Tour the Uganda National Museum. Visit the Uganda National Museum, East Africa’s first and oldest museum, established in 1908 and relocated to its current site in 1954. Explore its rich displays of Uganda’s history, culture, and heritage, a perfect highlight of your city tour. After a lunch break at a local restaurant, continue to the Martyrs’ Shrine, an important spiritual and historical site commemorating Uganda’s Christian martyrs. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a restaurant, and continue to conclude your tour at the Martyrs Shrine.

Religious visit to the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine, the sacred site where Christian martyrs were persecuted between 1885 and 1887 under Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. This revered location is a major pilgrimage destination, drawing hundreds of thousands every 3rd June. Explore The Basilica, constructed over nine years from 1967 and consecrated on 7th February 1993 by the Pope. The shrine has also welcomed three papal visits: Pope Paul VI (1969), Pope John Paul II (1993), and Pope Francis (2015). Your visit includes the Martyrs Museum and the Holy Water Lake, offering a profound insight into Uganda’s spiritual and historical legacy. Following an informative tour of the shrine; return to the hotel.