10 Do's and Don'ts in Kampala

Kampala is known as one of the busiest city in Africa and well as among the cheapest. The city is less populated with tourists  but it can be an interesting one to discover.

DON'T: Carry dollars printed Pre 2009.... 

Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous but no one will accept them. Make sure the dollar notes are crispy clean and not folded.

DO: Carry some cash with you at all times.....

Not all facilities accept payments by Visa cards like its done in the west. Most transactions are done by cash. Having some money on hand will save you sometime and frustration when they refuse your card.

Have some cash on hand.

DON'T: Get on a boda boda without a helmet.... 

I know you might be curious to use one of these bikes which is fun if you are using a good rider but you have to put your safety first. Accidents by boda's are common and nasty. Keep safe.

Keep safe.

DO: Experience the night life in Kampala.

Kampala has a reputation of having the best night life in the East African Region. People love to party and have a good time everyday. Check out some live bands, bars, clubs and performances in the city. I kid you not, you will not be disappointed. Who knows how many dance moves you will discover?

Kampala Walking Tour's Pub Crawl.

DON'T: Stop eating.... 

You have to try a Rolex before you get out of the city. It is Uganda's favorite snack sold every where on the street, its probably the cheapest Rolex you will ever have. And have you had our fruits? I will say no more. Betcha you just can't have one.

Our favorite snack.

DO: Keep your valuables in sight...

You should carry your bag in front of you and keep a hand on it. Keep your wallet and phone where you can watch or feel them all the time. Pickpockets in Kampala are very smart, so your valuables should be given the first priority once you are roaming around the city.

This is how you carry your bag in crowded areas.

DON'T: Miss out on the markets.....

Markets are always interesting areas to explore in Kampala. This will give you a little taste of our daily life.

One of Kampala Markets full of colours.

DO: Avoid the rush hour....

I don't know if you heard about Kampala's traffic jam but you do not want to get caught up in it. We do not have so many traffic lights which makes it worse.  Always do what you have you have to do and leave the city before the rush hour. If your last resort is the boda boda, remember the helmet.

Kampala Traffic Jam.

DON'T: Hunt for WiFi.......

Free WiFi is hard to find. Forget the internet and slowly feel this city which is overwhelmingly interesting in its own ways. You will not regret it at the end of the day. Stay electronically unplugged when you do not have to be.

Forget the WiFi, enjoy the city.

DO: A walking tour with Kampala Walking Tours........

What better way to discover the city with the first, best and original Walking Tour company in Kampala. This tour will take you from the Uptown, downtown and the suburbs. You will discover so much in a short time and you will learn more about the city and country. What better way to discover the city on foot one step at a time?

Enjoy and learn more with the fun guides.

Fun Facts about Uganda

Here are some of the interesting things you should know about Uganda. I have learnt quite a bit during my tours and I thought I should jot some things on my blog. You do not have to take it personal. Live a little and laugh more.

• In Uganda all the manicure and pedicure is performed by male counterparts and they are so good at it! 

• Only in Uganda do they eat a Rolex and a Commando.

• In Uganda people will lift there brows up if they are meaning to say "yes" without saying a word.

• We say sorry even if it is not our fault.

• Some Ugandans are somewhat inaudible. Have you been to a shop or pharmacy and the person behind the counter doesn't feel like talking you but you keep asking them to repeat themselves? Me neither. 

• Some are really slow walkers. Have you walked behind some people on Kampala road or some street? Its like people are on holiday. The walking pace is Zombie like.

• We have over 50 languages spoken in Uganda. We are pretty ethnic.

•  Uganda is the country with the youngest population in the world.

• Uganda has got about 6 banana species/types. Yes, you heard me right.

• I don't know if its the same in other countries, but in Uganda you are punished in school for not speaking English. We learn the hard way, no wonder most Ugandans speak English hence making it easy for foreigners. 

• We have the most boda bodas (Motorbikes) on this continent. Use that helmet often when you use one.

• Uganda has manufactured bark cloth for centuries hence this being mentioned on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.

• There is more of a "bromance" in Uganda. This is where you find male friends holding hands together or shoulders without being sexually involved. This is very common, don't be surprised when you see this.

• Uganda is one of the biggest coffee growing country in the world, but here people prefer to drink "chai" tea to coffee.

• Uganda's capital Kampala, is one of the busiest and safest city in Africa. 

• Kampala, Uganda's capital is among the top 10 cheap cities to live in as a foreigner in Africa.

 To be continued. If there is anything that you want to be added on here, inbox me and I will do it.
     
     

Foodie?

Are you a foodie? Do you seek out any new culinary adventures where your tastes buds come alive? Well this post is for you! WARNING: Do not read this on an empty stomach.

It’s been suggested by many clients that I do a food tour. “Zulaika,” they say, “Kampala is such a unique place. The sights are good, the people are friendly, but what about food? I want something yummy for my tummy. What do you suggest?” After about a year of planning, I’ve cooked up a plan.


How did I do it? Well, I’ve conducted meticulous research, consulted market trends and organized focus groups before determining that…okay who am I kidding? I ate. Yes I ate. I admit it. I sampled and I snacked, ‘cause this girl loves to eat. You see, dear reader, I myself am a foodie. If it’s unique and safe to digest, I’ll give it a try. And this past year I’ve opened my mouth to many a delectable treat.

Did you know Uganda's biggest export is coffee? Look at these smiles after a cup of Java!

Of course we Ugandans are known for not being shy when it comes to satisfy our appetites. How does grasshoppers fried with onion sound? What about white ants? Not appealing? Don't worry. My tours are not like an episode of "Survivor". If you don't have an appetite for it, neither do it. However many are curious to try something unique to our country. To that I say, put down that energy bar and crunch a grasshopper. It is 100% protein!

Now if you have a weak stomach, that's ok. I will try not to laugh as I pity you with sad eyes. Grasshoppers are really healthy and good to eat. Still don't want any? Then more for me!
However these delicacies of insects appear seasonally, not through out the year.

White ants! Yes, she ate them and liked them!

Mother nature is good to Uganda. She has blessed us with so many yummy fruits. How does a sun kissed mango sound right about now? Good, huh? Let me show you how we prepare it with a knife. I am sure you don't know how peel it our way. Voila! You are also allowed to do it by yourself.

Mango Mania!

UK's got bangers and mash, Thailand has got Pad Thai and Uganda has got a Rolex. No, not that expensive Swiss watch; I am talking about our fast food delight or street snack. It is a rolled chapatti filled with eggs, onions, tomatoes, green pepper and cabbage. Now we are talking, right?

Uganda's legendary Rolex.

Capturing the making of a mouth watering "Kabalagala"-Ugandan pancake.

You also have to try a 'Kabalaga" a Ugandan pancake! It is a mouthful, just saying! No one has tried it and didn't like it. I know, I am on a ROLL with this post.

Enjoying a local lunch.

Good snacks, happy faces!

So bring an appetite when you walk with me.It will be my pleasure to take your taste buds on an adventure. There is more to sample, don't worry about skipping some items. And of course let me know about any food allergies beforehand. I'll make sure this journey is safe. Your tummy will thank you! Now let's eat! BON APPETIT MY FRIEND!

We love shopping!

Have you ever wanted to do some shopping around the city but are worried that you will be viewed as walking ATM because of your skin color? I am well aware of the "mzungu price" (white persons price) often given to visitors because of the seller's assumption that the person has a lot of money. I believe though, that you should be able to enjoy shopping without constantly worrying about getting ripped off  or having to struggle with ridiculous prices. For this reason I have introduced "We love shopping" tours to assist in your purchases while providing tips and local knowledge so that you can get a good price both this time and the next time you do it alone. Many travellesrs simply have no idea how low they can bargain the amount they pay, but I am here to show you how.

African fabrics.

Downtown Owino, busy checking out some second-hand caps.

As a native Ugandan, I know all the good spots where you can find fair prices for high quality goods. In this case, the choice is all yours, tell me what you are interested in buying and I will take you there. Whether it is souvenirs, farming products, clothes, fabric, beads, cushions and chair pads, furniture or electronics, I know where to go.

Colorful pasta and spices.

Buying some avocados, Uganda is known to have some of the biggest, tastiest avocados in the world!

We have lots of these in Uganda, and they are delicious!

So the next time you are shopping, reach out to me and let us enjoy the experience together. Former South African President Nelson Mandela once said," If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart". Rest assured on this shopping tour, you will learn to ask the sellers for a price of a product in their language. By doing so you will touch their hearts, which will keep them from asking for a price that will hit your wallet!

Chair pads look beautiful when covered with African cloth.

Cushion and chair pad.

The final product was ready only two hours after placing the order!

Well that is it for now. I hope to see you around, ladies, for some retail therapy-African style. (Though men are more than welcome on the shopping tours as well).

Don't stop traveling.

It’s been said that you discover yourself when you travel. I agree. You are in a foreign place, discovering new food, people, and culture. It’s inevitable that you yourself will change, and your thinking will evolve.

We all face hardships, and I’ve certainly encountered many who have lost jobs, loved ones, and hope. Stress and depression beats us all down eventually. So many have sought refuge from the frustrations of life by discovering a new land, and you know what? The transformation is real.

 Traveling has cured their blues. Traveling has offered them a fresh perspective, and has strengthened them to return home rejuvenated. What’s the magic all about? You’re away from the familiar and aren't subject to the same trappings which challenged you. The same worries don’t apply when you take a new step in a new land.

Wise words.

There are new adventures to be found every time you hit the road. I’ve met and hosted budget travelers who have journeyed from North Africa to the South through every means necessary—walking, riding, or hitchhiking. The road has been good to them. They’ve found genuine folks along the way who have kept their costs down. They experienced an adventure more than they’ve bargained for, and sampled the local culture in a way that could never have been possible through a five-star hotel. So, the idea that you need to be fabulously rich to go so far away doesn't add up when I hear their stories.

I agree with this.

I’ve certainly gotten the “travel bug” myself through my clients, and my list continues to grow of places to see. I’ve exchanged smiles from many I never believed I would ever meet. It’s made me think, “if they can travel that far to see my country, why can’t I make such sacrifices for theirs?” 


A traveler is an international ambassador. They might not be waving a flag, but their demeanor translates so much more than what one may have seen or heard through media. Some of my friends abroad have expressed reservations about visiting my continent. They hear negative press, and it’s affected their travel plans.

Sure, precautions need to be made (like any trip outside familiar surroundings), but once you open yourself to the continent, Africa welcomes you with a genuine embrace. There is so much more to Africa than an acacia tree or a “Lion King” safari.You discover that Africa has a vibrancy that has to be felt. Its peoples are rich in spirit, and the culture is undeniably infectious.

Couple of tourists at the local market.

So I challenge you to live boldly. Challenge stereotypes, discover unabashedly, and look beyond the familiar. You’ll be so much more wiser, happier, and saner for doing so.

See you in Kampala!

Go out your comfort zone.

Why you should visit Kampala.

Kampala is  known as one of the safest cities in Africa. It is a place you can move around around without feeling threatened. I have seen some foreigners move out and about even at night. People are always friendly and ready to help just in case you ask for it. Some people refer Kampala as the city of East Africa just because it’s lively and full of life. People love life and they take every day as it comes.

Kampala road, one of the streets in Kampala.

If you are a foreigner expect to be called as you look like; Mzungu for White, Muchina/ for Chinese or Asian looking. And this does not mean anything racist, it is how you are referred to and you will get used to it.  They will call you to greet you or offer a service or simply take a photo of them if you look like a photographer. And if for example a “boda boda man” bike rider tries to offer you a service and you are not interested, he will not persist by pestering you. It is kind of annoying when someone forces a service upon you that you do not want.

This seller on the right asked if he could be in the photo.

Kampala is one of the busiest cities in Africa, it has about a population of 1.9million people or so. People are out and about doing their work and then there is the traffic with cars and vehicles everywhere It can get exhausting to go through this busy city and all the noise around but it’s an experience one should not miss and the seeming chaos actually has a charm and attractiveness to it since you will not find it anywhere else.

There are rules and laws of the city.  But not all are followed and that applies to the traffic rules. Drivers are stubborn, traffic lights are not followed and some are not functioning, so you the pedestrian you have got to figure it somehow, on how to cross. Fortunately, of late the Police is doing a good job curbing drunk driving in the city.

You will go a day within this city without having any of your belongings or money stolen, just hang on tight to your bag and that will solve the problem.

Busy down town town Kampala.

The old taxi park.

There are varieties of restaurants and cafes to eat from while in the city. If you do not want to eat local cuisine, you can eat Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Thai and so many other cuisines. The coffee is great for the coffee lovers as you all know we have lots of it in Uganda, even though most Ugandans drink Tea which we call Chai.

One of the coffee shops in the city, you can also do shopping if you wish so.

The social life is very good here, there are a variety of bars and clubs, entertaining theaters where you can watch some comedies and plays, salsa dancing classes, Poetry and book clubs, Cinemas etc.

Enjoying the view of Kampala.

 In this city,  you will never be alone.

Welcome to Kampala – the one City  in Africa that never sleeps.

The dog walking experience.

When a client contacted me and asked about the walking tour, I was happy to give him all the details he wanted. But then there was one thing, he said he wanted to come with his dog. I asked my self; "How are going to do this?".
I started thinking of all the routes that we could use which had less people and of which we could do the tour on day like Sunday because it is much easier to do the walking tour. But then the client said his dog would go any where, I didn't have to worry about changing the routes. The tour was actually done on a Saturday.  The dog was a beautiful Labrador of about two years and half called Zeus.

 

 

The seller playing with Zeus.

We started our tour quite well, we reached the first market and some people were wondering why we hada dog with us. Some people were agitated with this peaceful dog thinking it could harm them. The thing is, in Uganda dogs are mostly trained for security purposes and they are quite scary. So most people think all dogs are the same. But we kept convincing them the dog was friendly and peaceful and then they would try to touch Zeus to prove it. They fell in love with him once they realised he was actually cool and calm. We took a break at this market for a bit for him to take some water.

Zeus got himself a bright colored necklace.

 

 

 Cuddling Zeus.

 

We continued our trip on Kampala streets and people kept giving us space to walk because of the fear of the dog. But this is one of the tours I have enjoyed, peoples' reactions and walking this wonderful and most behaved dog was great. It taught me a lot about how people think of animals or dogs. I think we need more pet culture in Uganda. We need to give more love to these animals.
When we passed in Owino market people thought we were selling. We got comments like; "Are you selling?", "How much can I give you?", "What a beautiful dog!", "What do you feed it on?", and so on. There were still some people who were agitated.
We later had another break for him to take some water. He was really tired.

Relaxing time.

Posing for a photo with Zeus.

 All in all, this was a good experience. Zeus was very strong than I expected, he gave me a good work out with my arms we kept switching him.
If you ever want to walk your dog, write to us. Lets find him/her a different route than yours to see Kampala. Dogs need to see their city, don't they?

The sweetness in walking.

I have come across people wondering how I do this. I am talking about the walking. They wonder how I walk from the city to the Buganda palace. My answer is always " I love walking, Its healthy and I can manage to do it." Well, I think most people in my country are lazy, we are used to boarding taxis or using "boda bodas" bikes. Most of my friends are like that, they would rather get a taxi from Kampala road to Jinja road than walking. One time a man told me "I can't believe you are girl and you are doing kind of work like a man does, its good of you." I smiled and told him walking is not that hard as people make it seem to be.
There are many advantages in walking if only we took time.

If we took off time to walk everyday, these are the advantages.

 Most of the people walked on the tours are older and it is impressive that they are still energetic to do that. I have heard that abroad people walk and do a lot of cycling, hence keeping the bones strong and active. Well,, who doesn't want stronger bones and joints?

Lets ditch the taxis and "boda bodas" (Bikes) some times and walk.

I know the roads in Kampala are challenging to have a walk, but if you have been around for a while, you get used to how things work. I have often forced my friends to walk with me but it comes with whining, that it is my job and that is why I am not bothered. But I always win. And I enjoy walking with clients because a group walk is less tiring and more fun. Could not ask for more exercising.

Walkers are happy people.

Everybody who enjoys walking, why not join me? You will no regret it. Happy walking.