1 Day Kampala Historical-Religious-Cultural City Tour
Price On Request
Tour Highlights
1 Day Kampala Historical-Religious-Cultural City Tour
The Kampala cultural and historical tour takes you through Uganda’s cultural heritage, Religion, economic activities, Ancient Buildings, transport means, cuisine and historical antiquities.
Optional: Kampala Walking Tour
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda which got its name from “Impala”. Years before the hills of Kampala where inhabited by impalas. Uganda’s capital is interesting both during day and night and it’s an amazing place to stay because of the hospitable Ugandan people.
Kampala’s population is about 1,500,000 people and the city connects a number of visitors from within the country and from outside the country. While in Kampala you should not worry about what language to use as a result of diversity in cultures the main local languages are Luganda, English and Swahili, the city also has local guides who speak French, German, Japanese, Chinese and other languages
Kampala has seven iconic and historical hills at the same time acting as historical sites.
The city has the state house and Parliament in the city center and this makes it’s a city with good security.
On your one-day cultural and historical tour you shall encounter a number of sights to give you a feel of Kampala capital city. Right from the local cuisine’s prepared by experienced chefs, the hospitable people of Uganda, feel of the religious sights, traditional sites like palaces of Buganda, Gadaffi Mosque, Bahai Temple, Uganda Museum and the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
Below is a list of places that are usually visited while on the different city tours in kampala.
- Lubaga and Namirembe cathedrals
- Gaddafi Mosque
- King’s Palace
- Kasubi Tombs
- Bahai Temple and other temples
- Local Markets
- Ndere Cultural Center
- Kabakas Lake (Man-made lake)
- Art & Craft shops
- Independence Monument
- Local cuisine restaurants
- City festivals
Local Markets
Owino Market (St. Balikuddembe) and Nakasero Market is popular and are located in the center and sale a lot of staff right from cloths to farm produce, Local herbs and many other staff. Owino market was established in 1971 when city council relocated vendors from Nakasero Market. Nakasero market was established in 1895 and its famous for farm produce.
Gaddafi Mosque
Uganda National Mosque, located on top Kampala Hill with a great view of the city centre. It was also named after the late Libyan president Mwama Gaddafi
Kabala’s Palace
Lubiri or Mengo Palace to the king of the Buganda also known as the Kabaka of the Buganda Kingdom (Mengo) Buganda has a number of palaces across the kingdom. Mengo is regarded as the main palace is called “Twekobe” with cultural and historical aspects and sites like the Amin torture chambers that existed in Amin’s reign.
Kasubi Royal Tombs
These are the royal burial grounds of the Kabakas (Kings) of Buganda since the 13th century when they were founded. They are declared a UNESCO site to preserve the rich culture of the Buganda.
Bahai Temple
it is one of the biggest temples of the Bahai faith in Uganda and on top of a hill and it’s near the city. The temple has large space for gardens where people relax. It also harbors some local bird species. The temple is a unique architectural master piece that was built between 1958 and 1961 and it amazingly sits on 52 acres of land
Kabaka’s Lake (Man-made Lake)
It is a man-made lake that was dug out on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga in the 1880s as an escape corridor to Lake Victoria. Some scenes in the famous holly wood movie queen of katwe. It is also the largest dug lag in Africa.
It is also a good haven for birding fact that it has a small island and trees it became a breeding ground for 100s of little egrets and many other bird species. It can be accessed by many roads in the city center.
Lubaga and Namirembe cathedrals
Namirembe cathedral which is an Anglican cathedral which is also Uganda’s oldest cathedral on Namirembe Hill. It is also known as St Paul’s cathedral that was built in 1890 on Mengo hill. It traditionally western architecture is very impressive.
The remains of Bishop Hannington who was murdered where buried there in October 1885.
Lubaga cathedral
It a catholic cathedral of the Roman Catholic. It was put in place in 1925. The hill was also home to Kabaka Mwanga 1
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
The Shrine is located in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, in Central Uganda.
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage destinations in Africa dedicated to the 22 Martyrs and saints of Uganda who were martyred between 1885 and 1887 by Mukajanga (Kings Man) on the commands of the king of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga II.
Art & Craft Shops
There are a number of art and craft centers in Kampala city centers from which our clients can buy souvenirs from. These include the modern Banana shops that has all kinds of craft you need from dreams, bungles, beads, mats and so much more, the National Theater is also a good ground for art and craft. We also African craft village along Buganda road opposite senana mall.
Local cuisine restaurants
There are also various local food points that one can go to in case you want to taste local cuisine. The famous luwombo which is wrapped in banana leaves, it can be made with various kinds of soup like chicken, meat and g-nut soup and so many other types that you can order for. Food points include Baguma located opposite senana and along Bakuli Mengo School
Independence Monument
This shows how Uganda got her independence with a background story behind the monument.
Ndere Center
You will drive to Ndere Cultural Center to enjoy cultural dances offered traditional dance group with diverse number of cultures and dances for each of these cultures and tribes. The visit is also accompanied with dinner plus a soft drink.
One Day Historical Religious Cultural City Tour
Meal Plan: Lunch
You shall be picked up from hotel or place of stay at 07:00 am with a transfer to Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage destinations in Africa dedicated to the 22 Martyrs and saints of Uganda who were martyred between 1885 and 1887 by Mukajanga (Kings Man) on the commands of the king of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga II.
After Namugongo we shall proceed to the Bahai Temple. The Bahai Temple located in Kisasi and it is the only one in Africa. The temple was completed 50 years ago and a year before independence in January 1961. A decent dress code is recommended. We will proceed to the Uganda Museum located in Kampala, Uganda. The site exhibits natural-historical, ethnological and traditional life collections of Uganda’s cultural heritage. The Uganda Museum was founded in 1908. It also exhibits huts and traditional musical instruments. We shall then proceed for lunch in the city.
After lunch Historic Gaddafi Mosque, you will then proceed to Old Kampala Mosque also known as Gadhafi mosque. It is one of the biggest in east Africa and it overlooks the city, an impression and view of Kampala city not forgetting the unique architectural style with a tower at the top.
Ladies will be required to cover their hair and wrap something to cover their waist or put on a long dress.
From Gaddafi mosque we will visit the Cultural Palace for the King of Buganda (lubiri). It was built in 1922, this small palace is the former home of the king of Buganda. It was stormed by 2 former presidents that is Prime Minister Milton Obote who attacked and ousted Kabaka Mutesa II and President Idi Amin whose soldiers led to the exile of Mutesa I
The palace houses Amin’s torture chambers (underground prison) and building’s interior cannot be entered but one we can observe it closely. We shall return to your hotel or place of stay after your one day cultural and historical city tour.
Tour Costs
Tour Includes
- Meet & greet at Hotel or place of stay in Kampala
- Ground transport in a private well-maintained safari van or land cruiser
(Selection at time of inquiry) with a popup roof for game viewing with internet
- English speaking driver / guide
- Fuel costs as per your itinerary
- Lunch
- Activities & entrance fees
- Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
- Gaddafi Mosque
- Bahai Temple
- Uganda Museum
- Kings Place
- Box of material water in your Safari Vehicle
- Drop off at your hotel or place of stay
Tour Excludes
- X International flights
- X Visa Fees and Requirements
- X Meals not listed in the itinerary
- X Optional activities during the trip
- X Medical & travel insurance
- X Tips to different service providers eg guides, helpers and hotel staff
- X All personal expenses (Beverages/ Soft Drinks on meals, alcohol, laundry services
- X souvenirs
General Tips on your tour
- Optional Kampala City Walking Tour
- Optional visit to Ndere Cultural Center for traditional dance and drama for the different cultures is also recommended
What to bring on your City Tour:
- You may bring along a cap or safari hat
- Sun screen
- Drinking during the trekking experience
- Small notes in shillings in case you need to purchase small items at local markets
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