Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. With a population of 1,208,544 (2002), it is the largest city in Uganda. It is located in the district of Kampala at 0°19'N, 32°35'E, at 1,190 m (3,900 ft) above sea level. Kampala City is situated 40 km north of Uganda's international airport at Entebbe on Lake Victoria, and is spread haphazardly over seven hills. Its name comes from a Kiganda expression – kasozi k’empala – meaning the hill of antelopes (impala).

Kampala is also popularly known as the city on many hills because it is spread over 10 hills. With a population of approximately one million, it's on the small side for a capital city and retains a small town charm. People passing each other in the street often know each other and stop for a chat. Local clientele mix in the bars and restaurants and shopkeepers greet regular customers warmly.

The city centre is vibrant with shops, roadside traders, markets, and the mind-boggling matatu (minibus taxi) stands providing local colour and atmosphere. The Nakasero fresh food market just off the city's main drag is one of the most colourful places in East Africa with piles of bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, mangoes and every fruit and vegetable you can think of - and some you can't - ugly jackfruit or matoke (cooking banana). Kampala is the gateway city for visitors to Uganda and is one of East Africa's most laid-back and friendly cities and you will undoubtedly pass through it en route to a safari in Uganda's national parks.

Kampala was first started in about 1891 when the king of Buganda had his administrative centre on 2 hills in Kampala, they were Rubaga and Mengo hills which are still part of the city. The town slowly grew and in 1950 it got a municipal status and in 1962 it officially became a city.

Today the scene is still growing and can be seen from the hills surrounding it. It commands great views and excellent beauty though some time the view is disrupted by the tall profile of the modern city buildings that Kampala is proud of. Kampala has got tremendous charms and remains the greenest in the whole of Africa. It is the central administrative centre of Uganda and a big commercial city for nearly all East and Central Africa.

The city centre is a modern metropolis adorned with attractive vegetation and surrounded with great parks. There are lots of hotels, restaurants and hostels for people who wish to visit the country. Kampala now has a good mix of people from all over the world and this has brought new varieties of food to Kampala. Kampala is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, which make it a popular location for water sport activities and fishing. It is also a gate way to most of Uganda's attractions like Safari parks, cultural sites and so on.

Places to see include but not limited to The Kasubi tombs - where the remains of the Kings of Buganda were buried Uganda, Uganda Museum, Nommo art gallery, National Theatre, Cathedrals - Rubaga and Namirembe, Parliament of Uganda (and Independence monument). Popular excursions include:

Kampala City Tour (Half Day)
This tour takes you sightseeing in Uganda's capital city including a visit to the Uganda Museum, National Theatre, Craft Centre, Owino market, Kasumbi Tombs, Kabakas lake, Kibuli Mosque, the Bahai Temple, Namirembe Cathedral, Makerere University and other areas of cultural interest.

Jinja: Source of the Nile (One full day)
Jinja was previously the industrial capital of Uganda. It is best known for being the source of the river Nile at the snow submerged Rippon Falls. Owen Falls Dam, located just downstream from the Nile's source, provides electrical power for Uganda and even parts of Kenya. The Nile starts it's 4,000 mile journey to the Mediterranean from Lake Victoria. Join us on this tour to see this famous attraction and it's environs. The tour departs from Kampala, heading East to Jinja and driving past coffee, tea and sugar plantations and colorful roadside fruit/vegetable markets. First stop is at Mabira Forest to see primates, birds and butterflies, then on to the Owen Falls Dam and the submerged source of the river Nile. Lunch is at the exquisitely beautiful Samuka Island where you can enjoy a variety of sumptuous African dishes. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Bujagali Falls where several rapids are situated close together. Return to Kampala, arriving early evening.

Chimpanzee Tracking Tour on the Chimp Island (One full day)
From Entebbe, you take a boat ride to Ngamba Island and spend time with the chimps. These amazing cousins to Man were rescued from captivity and set free to roam this island - only an hour away from Entebbe by Speedboat. You get there in time to see the chimps being fed. You can also swim or go kayaking as long as you avoid the hippos- lots of fun!!!