Hello, I’m Yam, a travel blogger! Recently I’ve been writing a lot about Uganda, and I hope you don’t mind. Today, I’d like to share my unique sauna experience in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Whether you’re a sauna enthusiast or not, I hope you’ll enjoy reading about it!
Sauna Culture in Uganda
You might be surprised to hear about saunas in Uganda, right in the heart of Africa. In fact, sauna culture has taken root in Uganda, with many sauna facilities especially in Kampala. For locals, saunas serve as places for relaxation and socializing, and they’re used quite casually. However, there are many differences from saunas in other parts of the world, offering a chance to experience this unique culture.
O’Kla Club – A Hotel with Sauna
I visited “O’Kla Club,” a local hotel within walking distance from Kampala’s city center. This is a comprehensive facility that includes not only accommodation but also a restaurant, bar, and recreational areas like billiards.
O’kla Club has well-equipped billiards, bar, and restaurant facilities.
I visited on a friend’s recommendation, but I only found out about the sauna after arriving. Since I was already there, I decided to experience a Ugandan sauna.
Book your hotel at a great price through the button below!
Ugandan Sauna System
The sauna at O’Kla Club operates with a system similar to public baths in many countries – you pay an attendant at the front desk for admission. First, you pay the fee at the reception and receive a bath towel, which is similar to systems elsewhere. However, there were some significant differences.
The Chaotic Fusion of Sauna Relaxation Area and Bar
The door in the back leads to the sauna room. While many customers are watching TV with drinks in hand, in the front right are people relaxing after using the sauna.
At O’Kla Club, the sauna relaxation area is integrated with the bar area. As a result, there’s a chaotic scene where people drinking in their clothes are right next to people relaxing after the sauna, wrapped only in towels. It’s a sight you wouldn’t see in many other places, and I was surprised at first, but gradually became fascinated by this free-spirited atmosphere.
Mixed Gender Sauna
Another significant difference is that Ugandan saunas are mixed-gender, with no separation between men and women. Moreover, it’s not the type where you wear swimwear – you simply use a towel to cover yourself. In some countries, there are mixed-gender facilities like Korean-style hot stone spas, but typically people wear designated clothing or swimwear. In Uganda, both men and women are essentially naked with just a towel wrapped around them. This is completely different from saunas in many other parts of the world. Intrigued by this cultural difference, I decided to give it a try.
Entering the Sauna
The reception desk system is alive and well in Kampala too
I paid at the reception and received a bath towel. At the same time, I left valuables like my smartphone and wallet at the reception and received a locker key in return. Then I went to the changing room, removed my clothes, and proceeded to the sauna room with the bath towel wrapped around my waist. Women cover both their chest and lower body with towels.
Once prepared, it’s time for the sauna
When I entered the sauna room, as expected, there were both men and women basking in the humid heat. Of course, everyone was local Ugandan. As the only person with noticeably lighter skin, I received curious looks from both men and women.
Interactions in the Sauna
While quietly enjoying the heat in the sauna room despite the stares, a friendly gentleman noticed my somewhat muscular physique and casually asked, “Do you work out, brother?” As a side note, being fit often serves as an unexpected conversation starter, and in Africa especially, muscle-related topics seem to be a common icebreaker.
Although I initially felt a bit out of place in the sauna, through this conversation I was able to feel the warmth and friendliness of the local people.
Relaxing in the Rest Area
Now this is relaxing!
After working up a good sweat, I left the sauna room to cool down in the relaxation area (which doubles as the bar area). On the gentleman’s recommendation, I decided to try Uganda’s “Club Beer.” In many countries’ saunas, you wouldn’t be able to drink beer while cooling down wrapped only in a towel, but this is Uganda. The cold beer cooled down my heated body, and it felt incredibly refreshing.
While relaxing with a beer in hand, watching actors and actresses in TV commercials, the gentleman pointed out, “This is what’s considered handsome in Uganda, and this is considered beautiful.” As with saunas worldwide, the sauna here plays a role in bringing people closer together. Even in a foreign country, being able to connect with local culture and people through such interactions is one of the real joys of travel.
Summary
The sauna experience at O’Kla Club was a uniquely Ugandan experience, quite different from what you might find elsewhere. From the mixed-gender environment to the relaxation area integrated with the bar, it was a continuous series of surprises and discoveries, but I truly enjoyed the free and relaxed atmosphere. If you visit Uganda, I highly recommend sweating it out in a Kampala sauna and enjoying interactions with the locals.
This has been Yam, your travel blogger! See you on the next adventure.
