Hello, I’m Yam, a travel blogger! Previously, I had the opportunity to visit Kampala, the capital of Uganda, located in the heart of East Africa. Kampala is a city overflowing with unique energy, in addition to its diverse culture, history, and beautiful natural environment. Walking through the city, I encountered the many fascinating aspects of Kampala. In this article, I’d like to introduce the highlights of Kampala that I experienced and share the charm of this wonderful city with all of you.
Spectacular View from the Uganda National Mosque
In the center of the city, standing on a small hill, the Uganda National Mosque is a striking symbol of Kampala
The Uganda National Mosque can be considered a symbol of Kampala. Standing on a small hill in the center of the city, this mosque captivates your attention even from a distance with its magnificent appearance. On the day of my visit, the mosque’s large dome and minaret stood out against the blue sky, making a very impressive sight. When you enter the mosque, your heart is soothed by its beautiful decorations and spacious prayer area.
The view from the top of the tower is spectacular!
I especially recommend climbing the tower inside the mosque to overlook the city. Climb the spiral staircase inside the tower to reach the observation deck. From there, you can get a panoramic view of Kampala’s cityscape and enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Victoria. There’s an indescribable sense of freedom in the moment of looking down at the hustle and bustle of the city while feeling the breeze.
For a detailed report on my visit to the Uganda National Mosque, check out my previous article!
Enjoying the Local Student Experience at Kampala University
Beautiful green lawns spread across Kampala University
The next place I visited was Kampala University, one of the most prestigious schools in East Africa. The lush green campus is filled with the energy of students. The university is open to the general public, and I also walked around experiencing the student atmosphere. The sight of students lying on the vast lawns and enjoying reading in the shade of trees creates a very relaxed atmosphere.
While walking around the campus, I encountered excellent students from various countries engaged in enthusiastic discussions. I also had the opportunity to talk with some students and hear about their dreams and goals. Interacting with these globally-minded young people was very inspiring.
The buildings are somehow exotic and cute. The pop colors are soothing to the eyes.
The Vibrancy of the Market
Kampala’s markets are the perfect place to feel the local energy. There are two large markets in Kampala, Nakasero Market and Owino Market, but this time I visited Nakasero Market, which is close to the city center.
The infamous Nakasero Market. Be careful with your valuables.
When visiting Nakasero Market, I found fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and handicrafts crammed together. The atmosphere of the market is truly chaotic, filled with energy as voices of negotiation and laughter fly around. Interacting with locals and tasting tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas is a unique joy of Kampala’s markets.
By the way, crowded areas like Nakasero Market are prime spots for pickpockets. Tourists are especially easy targets, so be vigilant about crime prevention when visiting the market. Also, I’ve detailed my visit experience to Nakasero Market in another article, so please check it out as well.
East African Craft Village where local artists’ masterpieces are displayed
When in Kampala, don’t miss the East African Craft Village. Here, local designers and artists sell handmade art pieces, decorative items, and ceramics. Colorful handbags and souvenir crafts line the storefronts, making you feel cheerful just by looking at them.
Although the sellers can be somewhat aggressive, it’s also fun to negotiate and find a special piece just for yourself. I purchased a vibrant handbag and several handcrafted items. These seem to symbolize Uganda’s rich culture and became wonderful mementos of my trip.
I gave in to the enthusiasm of a friendly Ugandan lady and bought a colorful bracelet. Now I cherish it as a decorative piece in my home.
Summary
Kampala is a city full of diversity and energy. The magnificent view from the Uganda National Mosque, the sophisticated atmosphere of Kampala University, the colorful crafts of East African Craft Village, and various other experiences captivate visitors. By visiting this city, you can touch the essence of Uganda. On my next trip, I hope to explore the charm of Kampala even more deeply.
