As far as I am concerned, I hate African capitals – they are busy, they are noisy and I would much rather be anywhere else.

But Kampala was different. I loved everything about it! The demented boda-bodas zig-zagging their way through the merciless traffic, the crazy nightlife, the never-ending aisles of goodies to buy at Owino market and pretty much everything else.

On this post, I will not tell you what you should do while here, or give you a detailed guide on the top attractions. You can find thousands of guides in Google already. Instead, here are a few things you can to discover the life of the locals – both the mzungu expats and the natives!

 

Fun fact: Kampala’s name comes from the fact that, before the city was built, it was a favorite hanging spot for impalas!

 

Grab a beer and dance to the beat of African music!

Every Monday evening, the National Theatre hosts an informal outdoor night jam for aspiring musicians around Kampala. Tuesdays host an array of African drum perform and Thursdays are scheduled for comedy nights (in both English and Luganda).

Entrance to the events is free.

Witness the Chaos of Owino Market

Owino Market is the go-to place for cheap second-hand clothes, but it also boasts herbs, appliances, bags and more. It is a concoction of vendors trying to grab your attention and quite frankly, it can get very, very overwhelming after only a few minutes.

That does not mean you shouldn’t visit. You will hate it and love it at the same time. The whole experience of shopping at Owino is fascinating and just being there and navigating through its chaos and what feels like a maze of treasures to be found is an authentic African market experience.

Attend a Church Service

“If you hate your enemy…. join them”. Honestly, if there is something I hated every Sunday was the loud music/karaoke coming from the churches (especially when you are hungover from spending the previous night at Kabalagala). Ugandan church services last a whopping six hours!

Instead of dreading the music – join a church service (maybe not for 6 hours, though) and see it as a culturally immersive experience. Church services for Ugandans are more than just praying – they are lively events where dancing and singing are a must!

Old Taxi Park

It’s ridiculous.

The whole place is packed with minibuses (matatus) and I have no idea how you are even supposed to find the one that goes to your destination of choice.

And while you are here…

The whole area around the Old Taxi Park is the go-to place for cheap kitenge (African fabric). Here, you will find it for half (or even less) the price you would if you go to a tourist market because this is where the locals go to buy their own. Afterwards, hire a local tailor to make you a unique dress or suit to bring back home!

Yasigi Beer Garden

Set in the upscale neighborhood of Kololo, Yasigi is a great place to just… chill under African skies.

The beer garden is a microbrewery and offers a selection of Amber, Weat beer, Stout and Pilsner – all which are brewed next to the dining area of the restaurant.

While here, make sure to also try their beer buttered sweet potato fries.

Pray at the Uganda National Mosque

The Uganda National Mosque is the biggest and most famous in Kampala. As I mentioned before on my “join a church ceremony” activity, it is also possible to join a Muslim praying session at this gigantic mosque.

The ceremony is held in Luganda, so it is hard to understand what is going on. However, as a cultural experience, it is really unique. Ceremonies usually last two hours but you will rarely get bored as there is so much activity to watch and take part in. And when you do get bored, make sure to study the decoration of the mosque – the gigantic carpet is made to mirror the actual mosque. There is so much symbolism here that you wouldn’t believe!

Ggaba landing site

Set on Lake Victoria  – Ggaba landing site is the center of fish trade in Uganda. This is the place where fishermen set off to capture their “products” and sell them once they are back on the shore.

Best known as “Ggaba fish market”, it is a bustling place and an incredible cultural experience that should not be missed.

Dance the night away

Whether it’s the “fancier” places like Big Micke’s or Bubbles in Kololo or the more obscure clubs at Kabalagala, Kampala boasts some of the best nightlife I have ever experienced. The best thing about most clubs is that they are often set outdoors and are styled with rustic African decor.

Wagadougu, near Kisementi, is a favorite for both Western expats and local Ugandans – there is a balcony that offers great views of Kampala here and the beer and wine prices are some of the best in the city.

Capital Pub (my favorite) is located in the infamous Kabalagala. It is made up of several different bars and offers some of the best music to dance to (both African and international). There are few rules here, and the decoration/ambiance really give you the feeling that you are in Africa. It is open 24/7 and is a favorite go-to place for both locals and expats.

Bubbles and Big Mike’s are also great. Located next to each other in the upscale Kololo district and are mainly aimed at foreigners.

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