Kampala is the sprawling capital city of Uganda with an estimated 2.5 million people. Located in the southern-central part of the country, Kampala is bustling with people, life, and culture.

If you are traveling to Uganda, what better way to enjoy the country than a 24 -hour tour around Kampala?

In this article, we curated a list of activities and things to do while spending the day in Kampala. Time is precious, which is why we curated only the best-of-best. Here’s an insider’s guide on how to spend 24 hours in Kampala.

Morning

Coffee at 1000 Cups Coffee House

Apart from her gorillas, food, and culture, Uganda is known for her coffee. 1,000 Cups Coffee House serves the best of coffee from single-origin coffee beans across East Africa. From espressos to drips and aeropress, this cafe has the right blend of coffee to shake up your day. Enjoy warm cups of coffee with light snacks and small chops.

Visit Gaddafi Mosque

Gaddafi’s Mosque is Uganda’s national mosque built by late Libyan leader, Colonel Gaddafi. Located on one of the original seven hills of Kampala, this large exotic mosque gives a bird’s eye view of Kampala from the top of its minaret.

Tour the mosque after paying an entry fee of 10,000 UGX ($2.66 USD). Take pictures and soak up the rich history. Women are given head-scarves and sarongs to cover up in keeping with the customs of the Islamic faith.

Visit Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi tombs make up a UNESCO World heritage site. The Kasubi tombs serve as burial grounds for the kings of Buganda. These kings are believed to escape death by disappearing from Earth instead of dying. The palace contains Buganda regalia and exhibits a rich cultural heritage. Tour guides are always ready to explain these details to interested tourists.

Mid Day

Lunch at Mama Ashanti

Mama Ashanti serves the best of West African cuisine; egusi soup, jollof rice, African spiced tea, chicken kebabs, tomato stew, and native soups cooked in Africa. You can treat yourself to a hearty meal of egusi (melon seed soup) and pounded yam with cool ginger and passionfruit juice. Mama Ashanti also has spacious gardens with relaxation spots to shield from the mid-day sun.

Visit Uganda National Museum

This museum is the biggest and oldest museum in Kampala with different exhibits highlighting Ugandan history. Other exhibits range in subject matter covering nature, culture, technology, and traditional music instruments used by Ugandans throughout history

The museum entry fee is 3,000 UGX ($.80 USD) for adult tourists and 1,500 UGX ($.40 USD) for children. Pictures attract a fee of 2,000 UGX ($.50 USD), while videos go for a fee of 5,000 UGX ($1.33 USD).

Shop at any available Craft Market

Kampala has a good number of craft markets scattered round the city. Examples include Banana Boat, Afriart Gallery, Makerere Art Gallery, Quality Hill, Uganda Crafts 2000, Exposure Africa, Uganda Art Gallery, Craft Africa, Karibu Art Gallery, Nommo Gallery, Umoja Art Gallery, to name a few.

These craft markets sell artworks, fabric, sculpture, jewelry, and souvenirs made by local artisans. Apart from materials made in Uganda, artisans also sell hand-made goods made from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tourists are advised to window shop and haggle thoroughly before buying items. Cheaper items are usually sold at the Jukali Handcraft Village, also known as the Friday Craft Market.

Visit Lake Victoria

What’s a tour ‘round Kampala without a visit to the world’s second largest lake? Lake Victoria has lots of activities to entertain you: white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, jet boating, bird watching, you name it.

Don’t forget to try some of the local foods sold there like fried Nile perch/tilapia with fried potatoes or traditional matooke, binyebwa, and chapati.

Evening

Cultural Tour at Ndere Centre

Ndere Centre is a melting pot of all cultures in Uganda. From cooking lessons to dance classes, Ndere gives you an experience of all Ugandan cultures at the same time.

Slowly wind down for the evening by watching any of the traditional dance and musicals from the Ndere Dance Troupe.

Dance groups display their talent on Sundays and Wednesdays by 6pm. Afrojazz performances take place on Friday evenings.

Dine at Antonio’s

Antonio’s serves the best meals from Uganda, Kenya, and North America. From pizzas to sumptuous rice dishes, stews and local cuisine, the menu is endless.

A typical dinner at Antonio’s includes local foods like chicken or beef pilau, chicken and masala chips, goat mochomo, kebab, and chips. Antonio’s also serves Chinese and Indian cuisines.

Party at Ange Noir

The Black Angel is Uganda’s busiest and most popular dance hall and night club. Ange Noir gives the ultimate night out experience; drinks, disco, dance, and of course, the latest jams from the DJs.

Hang out with friends, dance, live life and turn up in the heart of Kampala.

Kampala is a fantastic city! What do you think of our guide on how to spend 24 hours in Kampala? We would love to hear your comments and suggestions below.