Kampala

Uganda's capital spreads across seven hills, where the Kasubi Tombs and the Martyrs' Shrine tell the story of Buganda; to the south, Entebbe offers a chimpanzee island and shoebill swamps.

Kampala is Uganda's capital and largest city, lying a little over 10 km from the northern shore of Lake Victoria. Traditionally known as the "City of Seven Hills", it now sprawls across more than 20 hills and has a city population of about 1.8 million. At around 1,200 m above sea level, it enjoys a mild climate despite sitting close to the equator, with temperatures of roughly 17–28°C year-round; the rainy seasons run Mar–May and Sep–Nov, while the dry seasons of Dec–Feb and Jun–Aug are the best time to visit. Sightseeing falls into three parts. First, the history of the Buganda Kingdom: the UNESCO-listed Kasubi Tombs, the Bulange parliament building, Mengo Palace with its Amin-era torture chambers, Kabaka's Lake, and the two cathedrals on Namirembe and Rubaga hills. Second, the city centre and its religious landmarks: climb the minaret of the National Mosque for views over the whole city, browse Nakasero and Owino markets, and spend an evening at the Ndere Centre watching traditional music and dance. Third, Entebbe, about 35 km south, with its botanical gardens and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, plus boat trips to Ngamba Island to see chimpanzees and to Mabamba Swamp in search of shoebills. On the east side of the city, the Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine is one of Africa's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. International flights land at Entebbe International Airport, 45 minutes to an hour from the city by expressway. Getting around is mainly by motorbike taxi (boda-boda) and ride-hailing apps; traffic is heavy, so allow plenty of time, and always wear a helmet on a boda-boda. Visitors must obtain an e-visa in advance and carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Plan on 2–3 days: one for the city's historic and religious landmarks, one for Entebbe and Lake Victoria, plus an optional half day at Namugongo or southwest to Mpanga Forest and the Equator. Many travellers use Kampala as a base before heading on to Jinja, Murchison Falls or Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

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