Kampala

CityCentral, Uganda

Kampala is a CITY in Central, Uganda.

Kampala, the vibrant capital of Uganda, is a bustling city known for its rich cultural heritage, lively markets, and stunning green hills. The city offers a mix of modern and traditional experiences, from exploring the historic Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoying the nightlife in Kololo. Kampala is also famous for its street food, especially the Rolex, a popular local snack. The city's numerous parks and lakes, such as Lake Victoria, provide serene escapes from urban life. Kampala's friendly locals and dynamic arts scene make it a must-visit destination in East Africa.

Best time to visit Kampala

The best time to visit Kampala is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to August, when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are more enjoyable.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Rainy 24-30°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Short rains

Know before you go

Getting there

EBB

Entebbe International Airport

International

40 km away

Getting around

"Transportation options include boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), matatus (minibus taxis), and ride-hailing apps like SafeBoda. Traffic can be heavy, so plan accordingly."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in city centre and hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

256

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams targeting tourists are rare but exist; be cautious with unofficial guides.

Night safety

7/10

Scams targeting tourists are rare but exist; be cautious with unofficial guides.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis. Be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing."

Entry and health

Health information

"Travelers should ensure they have yellow fever vaccination and consider malaria prophylaxis. Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach."

Culture

Local customs

"Greetings are important; always greet people before starting a conversation. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Haggling is common in markets."
EnglishLugandaSwahili

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs ~$5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Mid-range hotels $80-150; luxury options $150+

Timezone

Africa/Kampala +03:00 (GMT+3)

More facts

Population

1,680,600

Area

189 km²

Government

City Council

ISO code

KLA

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Kamppala, Kampala, קאמפאלא, Кампала, קמפלה, Kampála, ڪمپالا, كامبالا, કંપાલા, ಕಂಪಾಲಾ, ካምፓላ, كمبالا, കം‌പാല, Կամպալա, กัมปาลา, کامپالا, Καμπάλα, كامپالا, 坎帕拉, Kanpala, Кампалæ, ਕੰਪਾਲਾ, 캄팔라, Kampalo, კამპალა, কাম্পালা, カンパラ, कंपाला, IKampala, UG-102, ཀམ་པ་ལ།, کمپالا, Deeyisdiz Dah Shijéʼé, Kambaala, கம்பாலா

HistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingCultural