About Kampala

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. Kampala budget travel offers a wealth of attractions to enjoy.

Kampala Budget Travel

Below is a list of Kampala's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

View all activities in Kampala

Airports

Nearest Kampala airports include:
• Entebbe Kampala International Airport

Birdlife

With a country boasting the largest density of birds per square kilometer, Kampala birdlife is rich and diverse. Many species can be found across key wetlands, rainforest, mountains, lakes and woodlands, with a range of endemic and migratory species to be seen. As a birding destination Kampala is one of the most beautiful and popular regions across Africa.

Conservation

Kampala conservation is essential to rebuild the city after years of civil war and violence. Key conservation issues include deforestation, habitat loss, poaching, pollution and land abuse. Some of the current conservation projects in Kampala include chimpanzee and gorilla protection programs, protected areas of forest, nature reserves and replanting projects.

Culture

Kampala cultures include the following:
• Food and drink is an important social ritual
• Music and dance plays a key role in social gatherings and expression
• Art is a fairly large cultural pastime
• Architecture is an interesting aspect of Kampala culture

Customs

Kampala customs allows for free import of the following for passengers over 17 years:
• 200 cigarettes, 1/2 lb. of tobacco or a combination of 1/2 lb. of tobacco products
• 1 bottle of spirits including liquors or wine
• 1 pint of perfume and eau de toilette

Health

Kampala health facilities are generally sub-standard, with very limited number of hospitals, plus lack of facilities for serious illness or injuries. Medication is extremely expensive, and many hospitals are over-crowded. It is best to take out comprehensive travel insurance for your Kampala travels, and bring basic supplies such as cold medicine, headache pills or diarrhea pills.

AIDS

Kampala HIV/AIDS basic precautions include the following:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing from suspect or unsterile operators

Vaccinations

The following Kampala inoculations are required:
• Yellow Fever
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Rabies

Languages

Uganda languages include:
• English
• Swahili
• Luganda

Malaria

Kampala malaria medication includes the following:
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Doxycycline
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)

Money

Kampala money and banking information is as follows:
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 08h30-14h00
• Banks include Citibank Uganda, Stanbic bank, Trans Africa bank and National Bank of Commerce
• Transfer services include Western Union, Swift Link and Money Gram
• Credit cards are accepted at some hotels or large stores, however not all operators accept cards
• It is best to exchange money at the airport as soon as you arrive

People

Kampala people includes the following groups:
• Baganda
• Banyankole
• Basoga
• Bafumbira
• Batoro
• Bakiga
• Alur
• Banyoro
• Iteso
• Acholi

Phrase

Kampala local phrases in Swahili include:
• Hello/welcome! - Jambo!
• No problem - Hakuna matata!
• Thank you very much - Asante Sana
• What is the price? - Bei gani?
• I don't understand - Sielewi

Vaccinations

The following Kampala inoculations are required:
• Yellow Fever
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Rabies

Plants

Surrounded by beautiful rainforests and densely covered mountains, it is no wonder that Kampala plants are lush, green and plentiful. The city is adorned with a number of plantlife, making it green and fertile. National parks and lake areas are especially green, with a range of trees, ferns and other leafy plants to be found.

Religion

Kampala religion groups include:
• Christianity 84%
• Islam 12%
• Traditional beliefs 1%
• Judaism, Bahá'í or other religions 0.7%

Safety Tips

• Kampala is generally safe for travel, however basic precautions should be taken
• Pick pocketing, robbery and muggings have been known to occur, so be on guard
• Keep valuables out of sight and secure in a moneybag under your shirt
• Avoid travel outside of Kampala to areas near borders of Sudan, DRC or other areas
• Avoid travelling from Kampala to northern Uganda, where the Lord’s Resistance Army is in occupation

Transport

Kampala local transport options include:
• Boda bodas
• Matatu
• Special hires
• Car

Travel Books

Kampala recommended travel books include:
• Kampala Tourist Map by Tourist Maps
• A Strategic Vision for Africa: The Kampala Movement by Francis Deng and I.William Zartman
• Divination and healing in peri-urban Kampala, Uganda by Peter Rigby
• Ghosts of Kampala: Rise and Fall of Idi Amin by George Ivan Smith]
• Townsmen in the Making: Kampala and its suburbs by Southall & Gutkind

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Uganda

What To Buy

• Kampala guidebook plus bird and wildlife species guide and map
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• First aid box with basic supplies and medications
• Plug adapter for UK and US visitors
• Insect repellent and malaria medication

What To Pack

• Loose, lightweight clothing in neutral colours
• Comfortable, waterproof walking or hiking shoes
• Camera, batteries, film or memory card and binoculars
• Warm clothing for cooler weather plus a raincoat for wet months
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and sunglasses

When To Go

• The coldest months of the year are June and July
• The hottest months of the year are October and February
• Rainy seasons are from March to May, and late September to January
• It is cheaper to travel during wet months, with many travel discounts on offer
• Roads are in worse condition and trekking is often hard during these months however

Wildlife

Kampala wildlife is rich and abundant, with a number of key game reserves within the city and surrounds, including the famous Queen Victoria Park. Gorillas are one of the biggest wildlife drawcards in this region, and tourists come from all over the world to see some of the country’s rarest primates. Other game includes elephant, crocodile, lion, leopard, buffalo and many antelope species.