Kampala.
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Overview

Kampala, the City of Seven Hills, is the capital city of Uganda and is, by a very large margin, the largest city in the country. Secondary to it is Jinja to the east and Entebbe to the south. Kampala is in the south central part of Uganda, near the northern shores of Lake Victoria.

Understand

The people of Kampala, and Ugandans in general, are very kind, friendly and approachable.

Kampala, with a population of approximately 1.7 million, and 6.7 million in the metro area (2019), is by far the largest city in Uganda. Although it is a smaller city with less suburban sprawl than Nairobi or Lagos, the traffic jams and pollution can be every bit as bad. If you are travelling around the city, plan your days carefully to avoid spending many hours in traffic.

Uganda, as the recipient of massive amounts of Western aid money, hosts many non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Most of these are based in Kampala, so there is an established expat scene in the city.

A facet of Kampala's weather is that it features two annual wetter seasons. While the city does not have a true dry season month, it experiences heavier precipitation from August to December and from February to June. However, between February and June, Kampala sees substantially heavier rainfall per month, with April typically seeing the heaviest amount of precipitation at an average of around 169 millimetres (6.7 in) of rain.

The Kasubi Tombs, the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially damaged by fire in 2010.

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

Get in

By plane The most common way of getting to Uganda is by plane. When coming to Kampala by air, you will actually arrive in the city of Entebbe, 35 km (22mi) southwest of Kampala.

You can get from Entebbe airport to Kampala:

By Private Hire taxi - at least. 75,000 UGX By the Pineapple Express- 80,000 UGX per person, has fixed times By the Airport Express bus. By Rideshare (Uber/Faras/ Bolt) - at least 80,000 UGX, depending on your accommodation By Boda-Boda/shared taxi (matatu) - around 7000 UGX. This requires taking a boda for 4 km from the airport to Entebbe city (around 3500). In the city, take a Matatu to Kampala for around 3500.

By hotel shuttle - hotels such as Sheraton often have shuttles available for guests. They are generally cheap and are added onto the hotel bill.

Get around

There are three methods of public transport: boda-bodas, matatu and special hires.

By boda-boda The fastest and most dangerous method is the boda-boda. These are motorcycles that can be seen all over the city. While walking on the street in most areas of Kampala, boda drivers usually call out at pedestrians and ask if they want to go somewhere. If you're not interested, a simple 'no' will get them to leave you alone.

Boda-bodas are dangerous however, as the drivers will do whatever it takes to get you to your destination quickly. Expect to dart infront of and against traffic and even though crowds of pedestrians when necessary. Boda-boda accidents account for most of the hospital visits and traffic fatalities in Kampala; you have been warned!

Boda-bodas got their name from the bicycle taxis that operated at some of the busy border crossing points. Buses had to discharge their passengers at the exit border control, who then had to walk to the entry border control. The distance across no man's land at some borders can be considerable. Hence the bicycle taxis would cry "boda-boda" (a poor pronunciation of "border to border" in English) to the weary travellers. These bicycle taxis can still be found in most smaller Ugandan towns, however, in Kampala they have been replaced by motorcycles. Boda-bodas charge 3000-20000 UGX for trips within Kampala, however they fluctuate whether you're a foreigner or not. Prices can be negotiated a lot as most boda drivers will always want money at the end of the day, however it is almost impossible to get anywhere for under 2000, Longer trips to places on the outskirts of the city may run you up to 30000 UGX.

In-app Boda-Boda rides around Kampala are focusing more on passenger safety with the introduction of the mobile App-Based motorcycle transport service providers who are trained, more professional and have helmets for passengers. Most service providers allow payments via the app or cash payments. These app-based boda-boda services work in and around Kampala. Such services include SafeBoda, Uber, Bolt, and Faras.

By matatu Matatus are minibuses that follow relatively pre-set routes all over the city and many other parts of the country. Confusingly, they are known as taxis in Uganda. It might be a bit confusing in the beginning how to use the matatus to efficiently get where you want to go, but it's not so difficult.

Their routes usually go between the city centre and some suburb. The majority of matatus to/from the suburbs leave/finish inside or around the

Some, for example, those going along Ggaba road to Kabalagala, Kansanga, Bbunga, Ggaba and Munyonyo, leave inside the

This can be hard to find since that's basically inside a shopping mall. Other matatus leave directly from the streets around the old taxi park or farther away up to Kampala road, and some leave from the

Although the park is mainly reserved for matatus, larger buses going further out to all corners of Uganda and neighbouring countries.

Matatus will stand in the park until they are full, something that normally takes less than 15 minutes, but can take over half an hour (or even over one hour late at night or on Sundays). Matatus that leave the area around the park are hence full, which makes it difficult to hop on a matatu at other places in the city centre. Unless you're very lucky, you'll have to go to where the matatus start in order to leave the city centre.

Each matatu has a driver and a conductor. Don't be frightened if you can't understand what they're saying. Ask one of them for your destination and you'll be told yes or no. When you get in, expect to be squeezed. Each vehicle is licensed to carry 14 people, but they will pack in as many will fit (and their belongings). If you don't like this it's a good idea to sit in the back of the vehicle, since usually the squeezing is limited to the first 2 rows. Once the matatu starts moving people can get off at any time. When you reach your destination, tell your conductor "Stage" and they will stop the van.

Whenever a matatu has empty space the driver will go slowly and honk repeatedly. If you want to get on, just make some gesture and it will slow further down and shout out the destination, just shout your destination as response and they will pick you up if it's along the way. There are often also a number of further staging points along the way where the driver will again stop and wait until they can fill the vehicle. This can take a few seconds or several minutes; just be patient. In some cases drivers won't take you if you only go relatively short distances, since that will mean they'll risk losing money if they can't fill your place quickly once you're dropped. You pay the conductor when you exit, although some people give the conductor money while the vehicle is moving so that he can find change ahead of time.

Going with a matatu is generally cheap, safe, slow and nice. Ugandans are often happy to start up a conversation or help you out, and if the conductor tries to overcharge you or make you take an inefficient route, passengers are likely to point that out to you and scold him. People also complain if a driver takes too long to wait for passengers or drives recklessly and will even collectively quit the van in protest if a driver drives too badly.

By special hire If you aren't up for the thrill of the bodas and don't have time for a matatu, taxis, also called special hires, are readily available at most central locations. A few taxis have meters, but most have not. Don't be afraid to haggle either; most destinations can be reached for 15,000 UGX or 20,000 UGX.

Ride hailing apps like Uber and Faras are available, with many drivers available, so the time to wait is only a few minutes. The cars are clean and peaceful, and the riders are usually open to chats.

Car rental Several agencies offer car rental, with or without a driver. While self-driving in Kampala may seem crazy with the number of boda-bodas, car rental is a great option to explore the rest of the country, and to get around in quieter and calmer areas, like Bugolobi, Kololo, Naguru, Luzira, and Munyonyo.

See

National Theatre. A big cultural centre with a theatre that also hosts dance shows/lessons/events, comedy, films, concerts, jam sessions, improv and discussion nights. The current program can be found at the entrance or online on social media or website. Every Monday there's a music night with live music from artists on stage. There is a restaurant located inside the venue, with a wide range of food and drinks. There's also a library, a restaurant and a large African Crafts Village with dozens of shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and also some stuff that is more artsy than all the stuff you can find everywhere else.

Nommo Gallery. Uganda’s National Art Gallery. Calm, spacious, green oasis in the middle of the city with art exhibitions (paintings and sculptures that can be bought) and two restaurants frequented by government employees.

Uganda Museum. A natural history museum, with some static displays commencing from the stone age and moving forward to Ugandan traditional life. The Uganda National Museum has been closed to the public since August 2024 for renovations; the Ministry of Tourism site still shows a "temporarily closed" notice and no reopening date has been announced. Many tour pages still list it as open, so check before travelling.

Uganda National Mosque. Big, beautiful modern mosque commissioned by Muammar Gaddafi, the ex-Libyan despot, as a gift to Uganda and completed in 2007. Said to be second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Great, relatively close-up bird's-eye view of Kampala from up the minaret, though there are a lot of steps (272, to be exact) to climb. Just to the north of the mosque is Fort Lugard where the first Governor of the Protectorate, Frederick Lugard, was posted.

Bahai Temple. Beautiful and incredibly peaceful place. Nice view too.

Kasubi tombs. Burial ground of four Kabakas (kings) of Buganda and important place for the Baganda people. UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearly completely destroyed in a 2010 fire, but largely reconstructed with foreign aid. The tombs are central to the Buganda people's identity, acting as a historical and spiritual symbol for Uganda.

Wamala tombs. Tombs where the remains of some of the earlier Buganda kings were buried including Kabaka Ssuuna 11 (1836-1856). During his time he had 148 wives and produced 218 children! The single tomb building was also completely destroyed by fire in 2012, and has now been reconstructed. Meaning there are no original tombs left in the city.

Namirembe Cathedral. By European standards, a small Anglican cathedral. Not very interesting of itself, but some views of the city. This is the fifth Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala, built around the time of World War I, after the four first were outgrown, blown down, nearly eaten by termites, and struck by lightning!

St Mary’s Cathedral. Another cathedral, Catholic this time.

Lubiri. Royal compound of the Kabaka/king. Historically significant place, but not much to see. The original Lubiri was destroyed in 1966 when Milton Obote took power and the Kabaka fled the country. To the west along the Lubiri Ring Road is Kabaka's Lake, a man-made body of water ordered by King Mwanga of Buganda that you can walk around or canoe in, but, whew-wee, there's a little bit of a stink problem from sewage going directly into it.

Parliament of Uganda. Designed to represent the whole country and with visitors/tourists in mind; eg, look at the gate with the symbols of Uganda's different tribes or the giant carved wood art covering the lobby walls.

Independence Monument. Small monument, but of large symbolic importance.

Shri Sanatan Dharma Mandal Temple. A longstanding Hindu temple in Kampala where the emphasis is on Lord Shiva.

Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo. Shrine to the 32 men who were burned to death on order of King Mwanda II of Buganda in 1886 for refusing to renounce Christianity back in turbulent colonial times.

Do

Boda boda tour around town. Get a feel for the different parts of the city and see lots of stuff in little time: Like the docks, beaches and fish markets at Ggaba or Port Bell, all the wonderful hills providing great views and nice buildings on top, and the extreme contrasts between different neighbourhoods. For an extra trustworthy driver, use one associated with the place you stay at and have them arrange an extra helmet.

Speke Resort Munyonyo. Speke is a very fancy resort with a marina, gardens, a pool, beach, gym and squash courts. There is a restaurant in the resort with a large selection of food and drinks for everyone. For entertainment, horse riding is available with guides taking you around the resort, and boat drivers can take you out into the lake and back to experience the breeze and take scenic pictures. The resort also has a lot of walking areas, perfect for romantic endeavours.

Ndrere Centre. Dinners and performances (tribal dance) by the Ndere Troupe. Best to check website for times.

Lake Victoria Beaches Remember there is a risk for shistosomiasis in the Great Lakes of Africa.

Ggaba Beach and KK Beach. At KK Beach, live music, drinks, food, huts, sunset views, security.

One Love Beach. Music, boat rides, food. Maybe you'll be able to see Bulingugwe Island.

Latembe Beach. Beach and pool and boat rides out on the lake available.

Farther away Entebbe can be easily reached from Kampala, so a day trip is possible. Most excursions and safaris farther away will involve overnight stays. The closest real safaris are in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, about 4 hours away. Go for a safari in one of Ugandas national parks or game parks listed at Uganda#Other_destinations.

Around Entebbe Excursion to Entebbe to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you can watch chimps being fed, which is even more entertaining than it sounds. Visit the Zoo, beaches and Botanical Gardens in nearby Entebbe, (40 min. on Boda motorcycle taxi, 15000-20000 UGX).

Buy

Large parts of Uganda are well suited for agriculture and as a result Kampala has some very large and diverse food and agriculture markets. Traditional handmade tools, arts and crafts are also big. However there are also several large western style malls and supermarkets (e.g. Shoprite from South Africa, Carrefour from France. If you're in the market for souvenirs, check out the Exposure Africa Crafts Village on Buganda Road or the slightly larger Uganda Arts & Crafts Village behind the National Theatre, near the Garden City complex. Also on Buganda Road across the street from the craft market you find a number of tailors if you are looking to have clothes sewn. And if you're tired from shopping the (upscale) cafe 1000 UGX Cups of Coffee is a relaxing Mzungu hangout.

Owino market. Owino market is one of the largest in this region of Africa. Everything at Owinio starts cheap and gets cheaper with bargaining. Owino was completely destroyed by fire mid-February 2009, but has since been reopened. Owino is near the centre of Kampala, and any Boda or taxi driver will know how to get you there. Come prepared for a crowded maze of goods and people.

Nakasero market. A lot smaller and more pleasant than Owino, good for fruit and veg. More accessible from Kampala road and better suited for a (relaxed) stroll.

Exposure Africa Crafts Village. African arts and crafts village with dozens of stalls.

Garden City. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Owino is Garden City. and if you are in the market for an Internet cafe, a Forex bureau, coffee shop, an expensive pair of shoes, a travel agent, a cinema, also has a capital shoppers supermarket. and more under the same roof, then Garden City is for you. Garden City can be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Kampala.

Uganda Crafts 2000 Ltd.. Uganda Crafts, Uganda's oldest fair trade craft shop, has been working with disadvantaged artisans since 1983. They are known for their baskets, but also stock lots of traditional Ugandan products, including musical instruments, jewellery, batiks, carvings and bark cloth items. They also carry products from Kenya, Rwanda, and the Congo. They are certified fair trade by the International Fair Trade Association, which means that they pay their artisans promptly and fairly.

Kasumba Square Mall. Kasumba Square Mall is at the edge of Kampala west at the intersection of Busega Round about and Northern bypass highway, This mall was developed as to alleviate congestion and to deliver goods and services to the community as Kampala is becoming congested city due to rapid population growth.

Acacia Mall. Has many shops, restaurants, services, and a cinema. Great place for the youth to hang out at.

Carrefour Hypermarkets.. biggest supermarket Chain in Uganda.

Mega Standard Department Stores & Supermarkets. Has six floors, and sells 60% of local-made produce. Mega standard now also have a department store and supermarket in the Oasis mall.

Senana shopping centre and hypermarket Buganda road central Kampala. Open 08:00-19:00. Has large supermarket and department store.

Capital shoppers. a chain of Supermakets all over Kampala.

Eat

There are a number of dining options in Kampala ranging from the cheap and local to the very fancy (and very expensive).

Budget Everywhere you go you'll see signs for little hole-in-the-wall restaurants (including some called "pork joints"). Most of these places don't have menus, so you'll have to ask what's available. Common options include meat (usually beef), rice, beans, Matoke (steamed green bananas, served mashed). Common dishes that can be found in most of the city restaurants and in the country side are fish and chips, and chicken and chips. Prices are typically 500 per item, but can vary. Matoke with groundnut sauce can be delicious!

For a street snack, the famous "Rolex" is very enjoyable. It is made out of a chapati (kind of a pancake) wrapped around an omelette, with cabbage and tomatoes. Expect to pay 700-1000 UGX. Other street food includes roast chicken, goat and beef. This is usually served with chips or a salad or both. Pricing is per piece 2000 UGX-4500. If you are looking for something healthier but still want to enjoy the experience of roadside eating, the best bargain is with roasted corn or maize. The white maize is slow roasted on a charcoal grill and is available for 500-600 per cob. Freshness is guaranteed as maize is a common plant found throughout Uganda. Usually the vendors will have a stall close to a source of maize plantation.

Great Wall. Owned by Chinese from Beijing, this clean and comfortable restaurant serves big portions of tasty, classic dishes. Menu is in English and simplified Chinese (with strange character mistakes - I suppose 15 years away is a long time). There is a ceiling fan and service is attentive, polite and extremely rapid by Ugandan standards. If you've got a bony bum, bring a cushion.

Govindas, ovo-lacto vegetarian, in Dewinton Road near Nakumat, offers thali at 15000 UGX at lunchtime, and a full menu of Indian dishes. Popular with local Indian community. hey also serve vegetarian pizzas and sandwiches. A reasonable variety of Indian Sweets is available too. Makere University Food Technology department, offers a tasty "local food" lunch, at 7000 UGX.

Mid-range Jinja Road is a good place for a variety of meals.

Garden City. The food court at this shopping center offers a wide variety of options including Lebanese, Italian, Indian, and more. There are particularly good masala dosas served in the food court. Unlike a traditional food court, you order from a menu and a waiter brings food to your table. There is a good Indian restaurant named Nawab on the roof of Garden City, and a steak restaurant that's quite good. Cafe Javas, Oasis Shopping Plaza (next to Garden City) Expat and local hangout. Flawless service. Great breakfasts and wonderfully rich coffee. Free wireless internet. Opens at 6AM and stays open late.

Fang Fang. Large, plush, well furnished place with many private side and meeting rooms. Well stocked bar. Authentic menu and cuisine.

Pizza or BBQ night at the Red Chilli Hideaway. Even if you're not staying there it might be interesting to spend an evening at this backpacker hangout and get some good travel tips from fellow travellers or listen to stories of some avid backpackers and cross-Africa (motor)bike/car drivers.

The Roots Restaurant. A fancy downtown villa serving traditional Ugandan cuisine. Best known for their luwombo and fish dishes. Try snagging a table in their garden when there is good weather.

The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar. Plot 34, Impala Avenue, Upper Kololo Terrace, Kololo, Kampala. Features a wide variety of fusion delights from all across continent. Only restaurant in Uganda offering full range of game meat. Starters range from USh 14,000 to 25,000. Main course range from USh 18,000 to 40,000. The wines includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from USh 30,000 to 150,000. This has a fantastic ambiance, and the food is amazing.

Paradise: Sheraton Kampala. Features a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Main course range from 20,000 UGX to 40,000 UGX. The wines includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from 40,000 UGX to 150,000 UGX. Serena Hotel: just down the hill from the Sheraton. A variety of South Asian and African dishes prepared with flair. A complete meal for two will run to about 200,000 UGX, excluding alcohol. Khana Khazana, this is one of the best (more expensive) Indian restaurants: It is on Acacia Avenue, up from the Protea Hotel, in Kololo. Mamba Point: this is one of the best (more expensive) Italian places. The address is 22 Akil Bua Road-Nakasero: 031-256-3000 UGX. Be sure to go to the Italian restaurant on Akil Bua Road, not the pizzeria on Lumumba Avenue although it is one of the best in town. Kayali Restaurant & Lounge, 7a Yusuf Lule Rd. Some little victuals. There are two in Kampala: one with an attached hotel (nearer to the Sheraton) and open to outdoors (so don't forget to wear insect spray). They keep two white rabbits that hop on the grass in the main patio area and will put up with children petting them if you feed them a carrot or cucumber. The second Fang Fang is in central Kampala at Communications House; they have indoor seating and a roof terrace.

There are many Indian restaurants in Kampala, like Haandi on Kampala road, Masala chat and Govinda on Dewington Road, Khana Khazana and Khyber Pass Speke Hotel behind NSSF, and Indian Summer in Tankhill Parade.

Biyani House Uganda. Offers a happy hour.

Drink

Drink only bottled water - spring water brands like Rwenzori, Jubi, and Aquafina can be trusted.

Alcohol If you feel like going out, go out, you should be safe, just exercise common sense. Ugandans are very sociable. Kampala's nightlife centers around the neighborhoods Bukoto and Kabalagala. Several clubs are also in the Industrial area (e.g. along 1st/6th Street) and along Kampala Road plus Acacia Avenue. Popular clubs are Club Silk, Venom Club, Club Amnesia, Casablanca, Cayenne Restaurant and Lounge, the Mask Lounge Club and Ange Noir. Going out clubbing in Kampala can be very expensive.

Evening out in Kabalagala. Kabalagala is an area with many bars and restaurants that is very lively at night and popular both amongst locals and expats. Go there, have fun and get to know some locals, but keep in mind that some girls (not the majority) are actually there to work. Kabalagala has everything from shabby waragi shacks to fancy establishments like Club Venom at the top of Tirupati Mazima Mall.

Evening out in Bukoto. Bukoto began as a purely residential suburb, but is now spawning many popular nightlife spots. Good alternative to Kabalagala and less mzungus than further down along Acacia Avenue.

Expat night at Bubbles O’Leary’s. Bubbles is an Irish pub in Kampala that serves as the main expat hangout (along with several other places along Acacia Avenue). Go there to get some (shocking) insights into the giant industry that is NGOs, aid and volunteering in Uganda.

Clubbing in the Industrial Area. Some very fancy clubs with steep prices, others more normal, lots of showing off, students enjoying themselves, dance floors fill easily, good dancing, some old mzungu men, hookers, ... partly bizarre but in the end the same as everywhere else around the world. The popular Club Silk, Ange Noir and T1 are on First Street. Several other clubs are on 6th Street.

The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar. Good if you want a quiet and tranquil environment. The Lawns offers beautiful garden lounge bar. Try their wide range of cocktails or wine with amazing starters.

Don't let this put you off, the city is still safe even with this undesired tag.

Cafe Javas. Good chain that is at several locations around the city. Has working Wi-Fi.

1000 Cups Coffee House. Upscale coffee shop popular amongst mzungus. Serving several regional varieties of coffee, American style.

Sleep

Already 2. Small guest house (7 rooms). Self contained rooms with own bathroom. Mosquito nets. No WiFi.

ABC Plaza. Modern building. Self contained, spacious rooms with own bathroom. Very busy road during rush hour.

Lusam Inn Resthouse. Double room with own bathroom a walk uphill from the Taxi Park.

Heights City Annex. Cheapest rooms with outside bathroom. Mosquito nets. No WiFi. Relatively quiet road. Night time security at the entrance. Near the bus offices for buses going to Kenya.

Kawanda Country Inn. Fan double room with own bathroom and TV and free breakfast.

Hotel Harambe. Twin/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Has free WiFi.

Tuhende Safari Lodge. Has a dorm with 3 beds per dorm.

Hotel City Square. single/double rooms with own bathroom. Internet and breakfast.

Selam Restaurant and Lodge. Single rooms.

Mother Theresa Guest House. Very clean single/double rooms with own bathroom.

Royal Arch Inn Guest House. Double rooms. Has hot water, and TV.

Palm Gardens and Guest House. Single room with own bathroom, net, TV. The hotel has 13 rooms.

Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. 30,000 UGX/40,000 UGX.

Backpacker hostels All of the backpacker hostels in Kampala set prices in US dollars at 3750 to one.

Red Chilli Hideaway. Dorm beds. Has a swimming pool.

Kampala Backpackers Hostel and Campsite. Camping. Dorm beds. Single/double rooms. A long 3-km walk up hill from the city centre. The Backpackers is more like a bar than a backpackers place. The rooms look run down.

Ewaka Guest House and Backpackers. Camping, dorm bed, sharing a bathroom, double room sharing a bathroom.

Bushpig backpacker's. Dorms, private rooms. Nice bar to have a meal, hang out, or listen to live local music.

Grand Imperial Hotel. One of the oldest hotels in Uganda, dating back to the colonial era. Services lack compared to other nearby hotels, it's still a good choice for lodging the city centre.

Prestige Hotel Suites. Air-conditioned suites with a swimming pool, bar, lounge, free parking and 24-hour reception. Fast free on-site Wi-Fi available.

Protea Hotel Kampala, Kololo. 35 km from Entebbe Airport, the brand new Protea Hotel Kampala offers 4-star luxury and 5-star service. 59 rooms and 11 suites, all en-suite and air-conditioned; restaurant, bar, satellite television, air-con. Close to gym, tennis and squash courts, etc. Also includes a business centre, wireless internet throughout, currency exchange, 24-hour room service and Reception.

Hotel Africana. Well-established hotel with lots of parking, swimming pool, gym, Wi-Fi, apartments; near a large shopping mall but can be noisy on a concert/wedding weekend. Only hotel with its own mosque.

Hotel Ruch. Central location right next to the Sheraton. Well-maintained bed & breakfast hotel with nice gardens and a bar. On-site Wi-Fi available.

Fang Fang Hotel on Ssezibwa Road in Kampala has clean rooms, air-con available, hot running water, a great Chinese restaurant on the premises (with nice garden seating), and is not overpriced. Recommended. Centrally located near UWA offices.

Aminaz Garden Place. Very good, clean and safe accommodation

Golf Course Apartments, in Kololo. Not to be confused with pricier Golf Course Hotel which is fairly nearby. Offers swimming pool, gym, sauna, tennis court, garden. Kitchens fully equipped for self-catering. Daily maid service, cleaning, laundry. Pleasant green environment away from traffic noise. Prices correct December 2010. Speke Hotel, City Center, in City Center. One of the earliest hotels in Kampala, and very different from the upscale Speke Resort in Munyonyo. It is on a busy street that can be lively at night. The rooms are clean with wooden floors and clean toilets, AC, free Wi-Fi, but it tends to be spartan, and isn't posh by any stretch. The hotel has a pizzeria, Indian restaurant (Khyber Pass), and a pub/bar (Rock Garden Cafe). There is a Crane Bank ATM inside the hotel (may work, but most international cards will need to use the Barclays a few minutes walk away).

Shangri-la Hotel. Budget place with breakfast and pool close to the Independence monument and other central attractions.

Golf Course Hotel. This hotel next to the Garden City Complex offers huge rooms and apartments, modern facilities, a large and fancy pool and very relaxing views of the tropic golf course.

Kampala Serena Hotel. Another five-star hotel just further down the road from the Sheraton. Offers modern and spacious rooms. Swimming pool, large garden, a health club and also several restaurants and bars are all on the hotel premises. The hotel is also close to the popular shopping malls at Yuseuf Lule road.

Sheraton Kampala Hotel. Renovated, the Sheraton is the leading high-end hotel in town, occupying extensive nicely manicured grounds.

Speke Resort. In Munyonyo, about 10 km from the city centre by the shores of Lake Victoria, and not to be confused with the Speke Hotel (above). An excellent getaway from city life. You'll find plenty of animals around (and often in) the resort. Has a large swimming pool, as well as an infinity pool by the lake. Gym, spa, and choice of restaurants with lake views. Free cable internet to rooms, but Wi-Fi only in the foyer and restaurant areas.