This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Kampala.
Kampala does not have too many architectural wonders on offer, but if you've watched the Oscar-winning film "The last King of Scotland" with James McAvoy and Forest Whitaker, you will enjoy having a self-guided, film-themed, historical tour around the city where Idi Amin once had the fun of his life.
Among the young people of East Africa, Kampala is known as a place for students and hardcore partygoers, and it is relatively safe to walk at night, but you'd better not do it alone. If you get lost, you can always ask how to get to Watoto Church (formerly known as KPC -- Kampala Presbyterian Church) that is pretty central and well known to everybody. It is also where most of the hotels and hostels in Kampala are located, conveniently next to a large central market. There, you can get everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to exotic African fabric and cheap home utensils made in China. Mind your pockets, though!
Kampala is easy to get to from the airport in Entebbe, and with no traffic it will take you about forty minutes by minibus. Entebbe itself makes for a relaxed day trip -- walk in the green Botanical Gardens, sip a drink by Lake Victoria, and try out local food made with ground nut sauce.
Kampala is also the place to book all tours around Uganda, be it rafting, bungee-jumping, hiking, gorilla-watching or taking a safari in one of the national parks. The easiest way to move around the city is by boda boda (motorbike taxi), but always negotiate the price before you hop on!
Written by local enthusiast for Kampala hostels
Curly
