My Wishlist
1.800.557.2841or Contact Your Travel Advisor
Sunset captured from Naguru
Home/Destinations/Africa/Uganda/Kampala

Kampala Vacation Packages and Tours

Kampala, Uganda
Explore UgandaClose

Overview

Take a trip to Kampala on your Uganda Vacation

Kampala, located near the shores of Lake Victoria, is Uganda’s largest capital city and is known as the centre of Uganda’s political, commercial and academic world.

In the mid-19th century, Muteesa I, the Kabaka (King) of Buganda chose the area where Kampala now exists as his favourite hunting ground because the surrounding hills and wetlands proved to be an ideal breeding ground for impalas. When the British arrived, they named one of Kampala's seven hills “The Hill of the Impala” and as a result, the English name, combined with the local language resulted in the town being called Kempala. 

It grew into a city that became the capital of the Buganda kingdom. While it was severely damaged during the Uganda-Tanzania war of the late 1970s, Kempala has succeeded in rebuilding itself and maintains a forward-thinking mentality.

Today Kempala is considered one of Africa’s “greenest cities” due to the abundance of parks, gardens and golf courses that are found in the city centre when travelling to Uganda. The area is also known for its incredible nightlife offering many restaurants and casinos. New buildings including hotels, banks, shopping centres, academic institutions and more have made Kempala one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities and an excellent base to begin exploring Uganda.

At a Glance

Languages

English, Swahili

Currency

Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

What do the experts say?

Channa Jayasinghe

Channa Jayasinghe

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Turkey is a vast country and home to many diverse communities. Therefore, there are many local traditions that showcase their distinct origins. Among many, one fascinating event in Turkey that visitors should witness is the ceremony of Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia.
Learn More About This Expert
Farooq Qaisar

Farooq Qaisar

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
Few places layer ancient civilizations quite like Turkey. From the ruins of Ephesus, the legendary city of Troy, and the underground cities of Cappadocia, to the Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur of Istanbul - it's a living museum. Walking through the Hagia Sophia or along the ancient walls of Constantinople is like stepping into a history book.
Farooq Qaisar

Farooq Qaisar

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
Turkish cuisine is seriously underrated globally. From a simple simit on the street to a full meze spread and a sizzling kebab, every meal is an experience. And of course, Turkish tea and baklava are daily rituals you don’t want to miss.
Aylin Esin

Aylin Esin

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
One hidden gem is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. Sand dunes against the backdrop of the Rockies, with sand sledding, hiking, and amazing night skies.
Jessica Scott

Jessica Scott

Team Lead
Learn More About This Expert
Te Maeva Nui is the Cook Islands' biggest annual cultural celebration, held every August to mark the anniversary of the nation's self-governance. The festival features colorful parades, traditional music and dance, handicrafts, and local food. It’s a vibrant showcase of the islands’ heritage and community spirit. Attending Te Maeva Nui gives travelers a unique chance to see the culture come alive and connect with locals in a joyful, festive setting

Travel Stories

Get Inspired About Your Trip to Uganda

Unlock more with your Newsletter membership

Discover Goway Travel Protection Plans that offer a peace of mind by helping protect your travel investment, belongings, and most importantly you!
Exclusive Savings
Insider Contests
Trending Guides
Newsletter signup visual
Follow Us On
Contact UsCustomer ServiceGeneral Inquiries
As seen on
Travel + LeisureAfarForbesSmithsonian
BC Reg. #833-0; TICO Reg. #1543989; CST #2070685-20Offices located in CA, US, AUS
© Copyright 2025. Goway Travel