Kampala
From World travel guide
Kampala is the capital of Uganda.
Contents |
Understand
The people of Kampla, and Ugandans in general, are very kind and friendly and are very approachable.
Kampala, with a population of approximately 1 million, is far and away the largest city in Uganda. It is not yet completely overwhelmed with traffic and sprawl like Nairobi and Lagos. Additionally, Kampala is very safe to walk around, even at night, a welcome fact for many a high-strung visitor arriving from Nairobi.
Uganda, as the recipient of massive amounts of Western aid money, and as a result hosts large numbers of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Most of those NGOs are based in Kampala, so there is an established expat scene in the city.
Get in
When coming to Kampala by air, you will actually arrive in the city of Entebbe, 35km (22mi) southwest of Kampala.
You can get from Entebbe to Kampala via taxi (approx 30,000 USh one way) or minibus.
Get around
There are three methods of public transportation: boda bodas, mutatoos, and special hires. The fastest method is the boda bodas; motorcycles that you see all over the city. You won't be in Kampala long before being propositioned by a Boda driver. If you're not interested, a simple 'no' will get them to leave you alone. You can get most anywhere on the back of one for between 1,000 and 2,000 USh, but make sure to agree on the fare before the ride begins. Men usually ride facing forward while women are expected to ride side saddle; very risky. Females can get away with riding facing the front, but may be accused of riding "like a man."
Boda Bodas are extremely dangerous as their drivers will do whatever it takes to get you to your destination quickly. Expect to dart in front of and against traffic and even though crowds of pedestrains when necessary. Boda boda accidents account for most of the hospital visits and traffic fatalities in Kampala; you have been warned!
Urban legend has it that during the reign of Idi Amin, motorcycles were the vehicle of choice to make runs for the borders to smuggle in goods. Over time the call "border border" became "boda boda."
Mutatoos are a series of minibuses that follow relatively preset routes all over the city and many other parts of the country. Each mutatoo has a driver and a conductor, both of whom will shout the destinations of their vehicle out the windows. 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). When you reach your destination, tell your conductor "Stage" and they will stop the van. There are also a number of staging points where the driver will stop and wait until they can fill the vehicle. This can take a few seconds or several minutes; just be patient. You pay the conductor when you exit, although some people give the conductor money while the vehicle is moving so that he can make change ahead of time. The normal fare is 300 USh per person for in-city trips. Count your change!
If you aren't up for the thrill of the Bodas and don't have time for a mutatoo, taxis, also called special hires are readily available at most central locations. A few taxis have meters, but most are not. Be sure to agree on the fare before you get in the car or you may be in for a nasty shock. Don't be afraid to haggle either; most destinations can be reached for 5,000 USh.
See
Do
Learn
Work
Buy
Owino market is one of the largest in this region of Africa. The endless booths that line the chaotic alleys of Owino offer a mind-boggling array everything from homemade irons, to American hand-me-down-clothes with the Goodwill price tags still on then, to an amazing array of African foods, to any and everything else under the sun. Everything at Owinio starts cheap and gets cheaper with bargaining.
Owino is located near the center of Kampala, and any Boda or taxi driver will know how to get you there.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Owino is Garden City. Garden City is Kampala's upscale mall, and if you are in the market for an Internet cafe, an expensive pair of shoes, a western-style grocery store, a travel agent, a cinema, and more under the same roof, then Garden City is for you.
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. 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 (a starchy plant that looks like a green banana, served mashed), and so on. Be sure to ask the price ahead of time so that you don't get surprised later on. Prices are typically 500 USh per item, but can vary. Sodas and bottled water will cost more too!
Mid-range
The food court at the Garden City shopping center offers a wide variety of options including Lebanese, Italian, Indian, and more. Unlike a traditional food court, you order from a menu and a waiter brings food to your table.
Splurge
Drink
Actually, you can go out anywhere and have fun. Ugandans are very sociable.
There's a pub called Just Kickin' which serves as a shelter for expats who want to stay on their own. Quite boring IMHO.
There's Capitol Pub and Al's Bar for serious dancing and drinking.
Clubbing can be done e.g. in Club Silk.
Sleep
Budget
Backpackers option include:
- Backpackers [1]
- Red Chili Hideaway, in Bugolobi, [2]. Excellent for cheap, clean and safe camping, dormitory or cottage accommodation
Mid-range
- The Blue Mango, [3]. A good mid-priced option.
Splurge
- Sheraton, [4]. The Sheraton is the highest end hotel in Kampala, and occupies very nice manicured grounds. The Sheraton is currently (as of July 2005) undergoing renovations; the ensuing chaos make the very high rates seem a bit cheeky at the moment.
- Speke Hotel. [5]. Located right by the Sheraton, the Speke offers some classic colonial-era flavor and lower rates than the Sheraton, along with free wireless Internet access.
Contact
Stay safe
Cope
Get out
External links
| This article is still a stub and needs your attention. Plunge forward and help it grow! |
