Kampala is Uganda's capital, a busy city spread across green hills north of Lake Victoria. It is loud, energetic and full of life, with bustling markets, good food and a strong music and arts scene.
Most travellers pass through quickly, but a day with a good guide gives you a real sense of Uganda: the royal tombs at Kasubi, the Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo, the markets at Owino and Nakasero, and an evening of traditional music and dance at the Ndere Centre.
A city built over green hills, with red-roofed houses, mosques, churches and views down to Lake Victoria.
Activities here
Kampala is warm year-round, with days around 25 to 28°C and nights about 17°C. The main rains fall from March to May and October to November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 | 18 | 100 |
| Feb | 28 | 18 | 100 |
| Mar | 27 | 18 | 160 |
| Apr | 26 | 18 | 170 |
| May | 26 | 17 | 120 |
| Jun | 26 | 17 | 70 |
| Jul | 25 | 16 | 60 |
| Aug | 26 | 17 | 100 |
| Sep | 27 | 17 | 120 |
| Oct | 27 | 17 | 130 |
| Nov | 26 | 17 | 150 |
| Dec | 27 | 17 | 110 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
Kampala can be visited at any time. Early June is especially busy around Namugongo for Martyrs Day, which is fascinating but crowded.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Sep
Kampala is about 45 minutes to an hour from Entebbe International Airport via the expressway, longer in traffic. It is the hub for road journeys to all of Uganda’s parks.
A visa is needed for Uganda and can be applied for online before you travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Please see the Uganda page for details.
Kampala is generally safe for visitors, but take normal city care: keep valuables out of sight in markets and avoid walking alone at night. We advise against using motorbike taxis, which are involved in many accidents.
National ParkBwindi Impenetrable National ParkMountain gorilla trekking
National ParkKibale National ParkChimpanzee tracking
National ParkQueen Elizabeth National ParkKazinga Channel boat safari and tree-climbing lions
National ParkMurchison Falls National ParkThe Nile forcing through a seven-metre gorge
National ParkKidepo Valley National ParkRemote savannah wilderness
National ParkLake Mburo National ParkWalking safaris among zebra and elandOur take
“See it with a local”
We always recommend exploring Kampala with one of our guides rather than alone. They know which market stalls to visit, where to try a proper rolex, and how to move around the traffic. A single well-planned day here adds real depth to a safari.
Safaris from
US$987 per person
Plan your time in Kampala
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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