Kampala
This is one of the most exciting cities in Africa, with so many sights and sounds that you could easily miss in a car ride, but on a walking tour you take in everything one at a time.
Unlike it being city just it is also a district of its own, located in central Uganda in the Buganda Kingdom. Its total population as per 2011 was 1,659,600 people.
The weather in the city is warm throughout the year hence favorable for everyone, this is because of its closeness to the Equator. Also note that it has two rainy seasons as on stars from March to May and the other from August to December.
It is a good place to explore with so much to see and experience and the best way to do this is on foot. It is a busy city, this makes it to be regarded to as “a city that never sleeps”.
It has lots of people, therefore venturing it and doing various activities alone could be quite scary hence there is need for a guide who can be in line to lead you through the chaos of the city center.
You will see different aspects of Kampala, how history blends with today life, and the cultural diversity across the city, the people, how business is done and how people live and work and so much more. You might even learn some basic Luganda that could help you buy a thing or two from the market.
Some of the things you will see on a walking tour around Kampala city include the old taxi park, Owino market, local crafts, vegetable and food markets, the Kabaka’s palace, the Idi Amin torture chambers, the Kasubi tombs, the Kabaka’s lake (It is a man-made lake by the Kabaka himself), the Hindu temple, Bahai temple, the Gadhafi mosque, Uganda Martyrs shine, the Catholic and Anglican churches on different hills, the independence monument and so many other landmarks.
You could also enjoy some of Uganda’s interesting fast foods, such as the Rolex, it’s quite heavy and you will enjoy it or you could visit one of the many restaurants lining the streets of Kampala. Either way, your dining will also be part of the tour.
On top of this, you can also visit various night hideouts such as clubs, restaurants, casinos among others of which you can be sure of enjoying yourself all night. Be sure to get comfortable walking shoes for this part of your safari, a hat, enough drinking water, sun glasses and also a camera will also do you well.
Jinja
This is a city in the Eastern Region of Uganda, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. It sits along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, near the source of the White Nile. The city sits at an average elevation of 1,204 metres (3,950 ft) above sea level.
The source of the Nile, at Coronation Park, is marked by a garden and a monument honoring British explorer John Hanning Speke.
Owen Falls Dam and Bujagali Dam both span the Nile. Farther north on the river, Itanda Falls is known for its white-water rapids. East of Jinja, on Lake Victoria, Samuka Island is home to birdlife, including little egrets.
Whitewater Rafting is one of the top things to do in Uganda and Jinja town particular. The Grade 5 Whitewater rafting experience in Jinja is the best in Africa. It is a scary activity but also very exciting and thrilling like nothing else.
Whitewater rafting is organized as a half or full day activity. The activity not only involves navigating through the rapids but also making stops at some of the islands. The islands have an amazing collection of green vegetation, birds and primates like Vervet monkeys.
Jet boating where you conquer the rapids using a high speed boat moving at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. This activity will also give you the same adrenaline rush typical of all the other water activities on the Nile.
Golfing in jinja involves putting past the rhino, rounding the python, teeing past the hippo, hacking from inside the buffalo or bogeying beside the lion. It is unique golfing experience and comes with a lot of fun, drinks and mingling with the local high class and tourists from all over the world.
Go to the point where the river begins its journey to the sea. John Speke was the first European to discover the source of the Nile in 1858.
The site where Speke stood and first spotted the source has been turned into a park with beautiful garden that are perfect for relaxation and marveling at the river Nile.
Bungee jumping which involves jumping from a tower (44 meters high) and down towards the Nile waters with a rope tied to the ankles.
This activity is not for the faint heated, it take 2 minutes at most but the memory will last a lifetime. The Bungee jumping site in Jinja is arguably the best and most thrilling in Africa.
Visiting the monument of Mahatma Gandhi considered to be one of the greatest and most charismatic leaders of the 20th century.
He is also considered to be the father of the nation of India and is remembered for the great role he played during India’s transformation into a democratic nation.
Visit the main Jinja market to see how local folks do business and go about with their daily activities. You might even want to buy some fresh fruits or souvenirs from one of the numerous craft shops.
Kayaking and canoeing offer travelers opportunities to not only experience the great Nile River but also the surrounding villages, local people, farmlands and birds. These activities offer more effortless and quiet experiences compared to whitewater rafting.
Go for a Quad biking adventure through the forests, villages, farms and the banks of the river Nile. You do not need to have any experience in order to take part in Quad biking. The Quad biking companies provide free practice sessions for participants.
Visit Mabira Forest on your way to jinja the largest natural lowland tropical forest in central Uganda. It’s about 2 hours’ drive from Kampala past. The forest is home to over 200 species of birds and about 5 of primates. The forest has become a popular place for camping.
Entebbe town
It has so much to offer. Entebbe is one of the most naturally beautiful towns in Uganda. It is part of Wakiso District. The town is surrounded by Lake Victoria, lush green vegetation and great landscapes giving it a cool temperature and natural charm.
Despite its small size, Entebbe is a key town in Uganda with important historical roles. Entebbe was the administrative capital of Uganda before the role was shifted to Kampala after independence. It is for this reason that the town is relatively well organized and built with great attractions considering its size.
Entebbe still hosts the official state house, one of the largest UN logistics bases in the world, government offices and the only international airport in Uganda.
Lake Victoria is the largest fresh water lake in Africa. It is also the second largest in the world after only Lake Baikal in Siberia. The lake is one of the leading tourist sites in Uganda and Entebbe is arguably the best place to explore it.
Lake Victoria surrounds the town on almost all sides. There are several activities that can be done around the lake including swimming, fishing, boat cruises, canoeing, island hopping or simply relaxing by the lake shores.
Entebbe has arguably the best and most popular beaches in Uganda. Some of the beaches include white sand beach, Sports beach, Lido beach, Aero beach, Imperial resort beach and Spena beach among many others.
The hotels and resorts in Entebbe also have their own beaches like Anderita and Botanical beach hotels. On weekend, these beaches are full of revelers from Kampala and other nearby towns. Almost all the beaches have loud music playing in the background while some organize boat cruises on the lake in different shifts for revelers.
Entebbe has one of the oldest sailing clubs in Uganda. The club is busy over the weekend and you will spot several dhow looking boats floating out into the lake with a number of revelers.
The Club organizes sporting competitions to reward the fastest boats. Entebbe Sailing club is a perfect place to go with your friends or family for a truly amazing weekend.
Entebbe town is host to the only international airport in Uganda. The airport is built close to the shores of Lake Victoria and is about 25 miles away from Kampala city. Entebbe international airport is also host to one of the largest UN logistics bases in the world.
The Entebbe Botanical gardens are considered important learning centers by academics within and outside Uganda. You can visit the center for plant identification and bird watching.
Expect to also spot Colobus and Ververt monkeys. The gardens are also home to several species of birds and if you are a birder, this is the perfect place to start from.
Entebbe zoo has become one of the best educational centers for wildlife in the African continent. The center was opened in 1952 for rescued animals before later turning into a zoo.
The Centre still helps rehabilitate animals rescued from poachers before their release back to the wild when possible. The Centre has an amazing collection of wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Entebbe has two main markets. One is close to the first shell petrol station from the Kampala side and the other is in Kitoro. There are also smaller markets opened on specific days of Tourist attractions in Entebbe Uganda the week such as the one close to Manyago.
I shouldn’t forget to mention the Nakiwogo Market. The Nakiwogo market is a beehive of activity and the best place to watch vendors sell off their products or offload goods from the different Ssese Islands. While in all Entebbe markets, you can buy Uganda’s tasty tropical fruits and foods from a kiosk.