Travelling from Nairobi to Kampala was easier than I expected. I took a flight to Entebbe International Airport, which took just over an hour. After hearing so much about Kampala’s reputation for traffic and chaos, I decided to ease into the experience by spending two days in Entebbe first before making my way to the capital city.
Entebbe provided the perfect buffer. The lakeside town is quiet, green, and moves at a completely different pace than what I’d been told to expect from Kampala. Those two days gave me a chance to adjust, relax by Lake Victoria, and mentally prepare for what I thought would be a hectic city experience.
Read about my stay at the charming Entebbe Forest Resort
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Spoiler alert: Kampala surprised me in the best way possible.
Getting Around in Kampala
After my time in Entebbe, I hopped into a taxi and headed to Kampala. Before arriving in Uganda, I had heard countless stories about the traffic in the city, with some people comparing it to Lagos. And if you have ever experienced traffic in Lagos, you know that any comparison alone is enough to be terrifying.
On my first day, I needed to pick up a package in Kampala, so the trip was unavoidable. Maybe I was just lucky, but the taxi journey was far from treacherous. In fact, it was so smooth that I saved the driver’s number and asked him to pick me up again for my transfer the next evening.
That trip was just as painless, with the only delays being brief stops at traffic lights. Apart from that, the journey was generally seamless. I like to think I was lucky, or perhaps the stories about Kampala traffic are greatly exaggerated.
My 24 Hours in Kampala
The next morning, I planned to see as much as I could in 24 hours; however, Kampala’s weather had other ideas. A heavy downpour began, keeping me indoors. Rather than fight it, I embraced the slower morning, grateful to be sheltered from the rain.
I was staying in my colleague’s home after she had graciously opened her doors to me. It’s funny how our time in Kampala aligned. She was travelling to Kenya around the same time I was arriving in Uganda. Luckily, we managed to cross paths on my last evening there, and her hospitality made all the difference during my stay in Kampala.
Afternoon: The Ugandan National Mosque
When the rain finally stopped, I headed out to visit the Ugandan National Mosque, also known as the Gaddafi National Mosque. This impressive structure, situated on Kampala Hill, is one of the largest mosques in sub-Saharan Africa.
I paid the entrance fee upon arrival and was assigned a guide to accompany me on a tour of the mosque. The guide explained the mosque’s history, its significance to Uganda’s Muslim community, and pointed out the architectural details that make it special.
The highlight was climbing the minaret, which offered sweeping views of the city. From the top, I could see Kampala stretched out before me, its seven hills clearly visible. On a clear day like the one that followed the rain, the entire cityscape was spread out in full view.
Late Afternoon: Kabaka’s Palace
From the mosque, I made my way to the Kabaka’s Palace, also known as the Mengo Palace. This is the official residence of the Kabaka (King) of Buganda. The palace grounds are extensive and historically significant. Like at the mosque, I paid the entrance fee and was assigned a guide who walked me through the palace grounds.
We even saw the current Kabaka enter and leave the building, as my guide explained the role of the Buganda Kingdom in Uganda’s history and the palace’s importance as both a political and cultural centre.
We continued around the palace grounds and visited the torture chambers from Idi Amin’s regime – a sobering reminder of Uganda’s painful past. It was also eye-opening to learn how some Ugandans still revere him. The tour concluded with a display of artwork made from traditional barkcloth (Lubugo), which is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Then: Kasubi Tombs
After the palace, I went to my final stop of the day – Kasubi Tombs. Again, I was assigned a guide here after paying the entrance fee.
The Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the burial grounds of the kings of Buganda and an important spiritual and cultural site in Uganda. Set on a hill overlooking Kampala, the site is built almost entirely from traditional materials, including thatched roofs and earth walls.
During my visit, my guide explained the rituals and customs associated with the Buganda monarchy. We spent some time in the main tomb and met some of the women who tend to the place. It was a peaceful stop that offered deeper insight into the kingdom’s traditions and the enduring significance of the royal family.
Evening: Dinner at Hiro Restaurant
After a full afternoon of sightseeing, I was ready for a proper meal. I headed to Hiro Restaurant, which I stumbled upon by chance, and it did not disappoint. I ordered pasta and a drink, and both were delicious. The ambience was pleasant, the service was attentive, and the prices were reasonable.
Sitting there, enjoying my meal and reflecting on the day, I realised how different my Kampala experience was from what I’d expected. I’d braced myself for chaos, traffic nightmares, and a frenetic energy. Instead, I found a city that was manageable, navigable, and surprisingly calm.
A Chaos-Free Experience
Perhaps it was the rain that cleared the roads that morning. Perhaps it was luck. Or maybe Kampala’s reputation for chaos is somewhat exaggerated. Whatever the reason, my 24 hours in the city were remarkably peaceful. This isn’t to say Kampala doesn’t have traffic or busy periods; it certainly does. But my experience proved that with good timing and smart planning, you can have a calm, enjoyable visit.
After my time in Kampala, I headed to Kangulumira, where I spent a few more restful days on a private island set right in the middle of the Nile River.
Other Things to Do in Kampala in 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a more activity-filled itinerary, Kampala has plenty to offer. You can take a walk through the Ndere Cultural Centre for traditional music and dance performances. Shop for crafts at the Craft Market on Buganda Road. Visit the Baha’i Temple, set on Kikaya Hill with beautiful gardens and city views. Or head to Nakasero Market for a taste of local life and fresh produce.
For those interested in Uganda’s more recent history, the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine at Namugongo is a significant pilgrimage site. And if you have time, a sunset boat ride or kayak experience on Lake Victoria can be arranged from Kampala.
My 24 hours in Kampala were brief but memorable. The city revealed itself to be warm, welcoming, and far more relaxed than its reputation suggested. Between the cultural landmarks, the excellent food, and the unexpected tranquillity, I left with a completely different impression than I’d arrived with.
To wrap up this post, let me answer a question you might be asking…
Is It Better to Stay in Entebbe or Kampala?
That really depends on what you’re looking for. Entebbe is peaceful, laid-back, and right on Lake Victoria. It’s ideal if you want a quiet retreat, easy access to the airport, or plan to visit nearby attractions like the Botanical Gardens or the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Kampala, on the other hand, is where the action is. The restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and many cultural sites are all in the capital. Personally, I loved my calm stay in Entebbe, and it would be my top choice if I were to revisit Uganda.
Have you visited Kampala or Entebbe? Please share your favourite experiences in either city. And if you haven’t, is it a place you would like to visit? Let me know in the comments section below!
