A D N A G U L A R CENT descend to colourful markets, chaotic bus parks and a permanent gridlock of vehicles, boda bodas (moped taxis) and pedestrians. Kampala offers a wide choice of accommodation including several five-star hotels – this sector was greatly expanded prior to the
L AND A R U T L U C SITES HISTORICAL
Kampala Commonwealth Summit in 2007 – decent mid-range hotels
A number of historical sites in and around Kampala relate to a time of dramatic change in the late 19th century when the Baganda encountered Islamic traders and British colonialists and missionaries. Several stand on the city’s original seven hills, notably, the Protestant Cathedral on Namirembe Hill, the Catholic Cathedral on Rubaga, Fort Lugard in Old Kampala and the Kabaka’s Palace at Lubiri. Further afield are the Kasubi and Wamala Tombs, Katereke Prison Ditch, Naggalabi Coronation Site and the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine. Contemporary culture comes to life at Kampala’s Ndere Centre, where a regular programme of events presents colourful displays of music and dance from around the country.
and popular backpacker hostels. Entebbe: Offering tranquillity on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small, quiet
century ago, it was the gateway to Uganda
town with a diminu-
when steamers conveyed visitors, among them
tive centre laid out
Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt,
between the hilltop
across Lake Victoria from the Uganda Railway
State House, the
terminus at Kisumu in Kenya. Although this
official residence
role ended when the railway reached Kampala
of the President of
in 1931, proximity to Uganda’s main airport
Uganda, and the lake-
means that Entebbe is still the primary entry
shore golf course. A
point for international arrivals. There is a wide selection of large hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists and other travellers. Attractions: Entebbe’s lake-shore Botanical Gardens are home to tropical trees, birds and monkeys, while the nearby Wildlife Education Centre provides a sanctuary for rescued wildlife. Entebbe is also the launching point for trips to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, resorts on the Ssese archipelago and for sport fishermen seeking the mammoth Nile perch. The Mabira and Mpigi Forest Reserves, an hour’s drive from Kampala, are conveniently located to allow visitors to experience a tropical forest.
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