Kampala City Tour - Half Day (Private)

5.0 (12 reviews) 6–7 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

12 reviews

5.0

Kabaka's Palace — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Smiles at Gadhafi Mosque — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience the heart of Kampala on this immersive half-day city tour, beginning with the bustling energy of the city center at landmarks like the Independence Monument, Nakasero Market, and the Uganda National Cultural Centre. Step into the rich traditions of the Buganda Kingdom at the Kabaka’s Palace and along the Royal Mile, absorbing stories of kings and historic monuments. Pause atop the Gadhafi Mosque for sweeping 360-degree views of the city’s seven hills, then journey to the sacred Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to connect with Uganda’s royal and cultural heritage before returning to your hotel or preferred location.

Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 6–7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Gazelle Safari Company

Ages: Adults (15–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: An English-speaking Driver-guide
Included: Mineral water provided on tour
Included: Transport in a 4WD Minibus plus fueling
Included: Entrance fee to planned stopovers

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Drop-off outside Kampala radius
Not included: Optional activities at stopovers
Not included: Expenses of a personal nature

Itinerary

Independence Monument

10 min

The tour begins with uptown Kampala Sights.

Explore key landmarks of Uptown Kampala, including the Independence Monument, Mutesa II Monument, World War II Monument, Parliamentary Building, Bank of Uganda (est. 1966), Uganda National Cultural Centre (est. 1959), and Kampala Capital City Authority headquarters. Visit Nakasero Market, established in 1895 and relocated to its current city centre location in 1905. Along the way, admire Hindu temples, including Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, and other culturally significant sites.
Kabaka's Palace

2 hours Admission included

Buganda Kingdom Tour.

From Kampala’s CBD, continue to the Buganda Kingdom and visit the Kabaka’s (King’s) Palace. Explore the Idi Amin Armoury, view historical machine guns, and browse the palace pictorial while learning about Buganda’s rich history. Drive past Kabaka’s Lake and visit the Nantawetwa Monument, a site opened only when the King travels from the palace to the Buganda Parliament. Continue along the Royal Mile, sightseeing landmarks such as Bulange (Buganda Parliament), the Kabaka’s Monument, Zakaria Kisingiri House, and the Buganda Clan Symbols.
Gaddafi National Mosque

one hour Admission included

Gadhafi Mosque and City Views.

As you continue through 1980s-era Kampala, stop at the Gadhafi Mosque, a gift from the late Col. Muammar Gadhafi. Climb the minaret for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Kampala’s famous seven hills, taking in landmarks such as Fort Lugard (est. 1800 by Capt. Frederick Lugard) and Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, where Rwanda’s President Kagame once studied.
Kasubi Tombs

one hour Admission included

Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Next, visit the Kasubi Tombs, a revered spiritual and cultural site for the Baganda. The tombs serve as the burial ground for the last four Kabakas (Kings) of Buganda and remain a center for the royal family. Traditional rituals and cultural practices are still observed here, preserving Buganda’s rich heritage through generations.
Stop 5

10 min

Makerere University Sightseeing.

From Kasubi, drive through Makerere University, Uganda’s largest and oldest academic institution (est. 1922) and Africa’s third oldest university. Explore landmarks such as the Old University Library (est. 1949), the Main Administration Building (since 1941), and the Education Monument.
Baha'i Community of Uganda

one hour

Kalerwe Market and the Baha’i Temple.

On your way to the Baha’i Temple, pass through Kalerwe Market, Kampala’s vibrant second-largest local market, perfect for snapping photos or picking up fresh fruits. Continue to Kikaya Hill to visit the Baha’i Temple, a unique spiritual landmark in Africa. Take a moment for peaceful reflection inside the temple and wander through the lush gardens, capturing memorable photos.

Important Notice: The temple is closed on Mondays.
Uganda Museum

one hour Admission included

Tour the Uganda National Museum.

Visit the Uganda National Museum, East Africa’s first and oldest museum, established in 1908 and relocated to its current site in 1954. Explore its rich displays of Uganda’s history, culture, and heritage, a perfect highlight of your city tour. After a lunch break at a local restaurant, continue to the Martyrs’ Shrine, an important spiritual and historical site commemorating Uganda’s Christian martyrs.

Conclude your tour at the Uganda National Museum. Afterwards, be dropped-off at your hotel in Kampala, or opt for a transfer outside the city at an additional cost.