Kampala Self Drive Family Tour

Travel enthusiasts often refer to Uganda, one of the landlocked countries on the African continent as the pearl of Africa. It is a country that has got it all; from the snow at the Rwenzori mountains to the landscapes of Kisoro, to gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, talk about the iconic wilderness game drives of Kidepo Valley National Park; Uganda is a land gifted by nature.

It is a country that has been known for its hospitable people and diversity of culture. Its capital Kampala is known as the night capital of East Africa. Though Kampala is mainly known for its nightlife; the capital offers a serene environment for family holidays. However, to experience the best of Kampala family tours, it is recommended not to book with a tour operator that specializes in wildlife safaris. Rather look out for families that specialize in hosting foreigners and also giving them tours around Kampala.

A woman with her bag on the chest walks through down town Kampala PHOTO BY COLLEB MUGUME

In summary, many tour operators will sell you a package that will take you to the historical landmarks of Kampala. These include but not limited to the independence monument, old Kampala Mosque, Rubaga cathedral, Namirembe cathedral, Kabaka’s palace, Kasubi tombs among several other locations. If your intention is simply to visit these destinations, then what I am about to discus in this article might not be important to you. But in case you intend to have a real Kampala experience (Kampala unfiltered). Then consider the following tips.

Food Experience

As a tourist, the easiest way to have a food experience in Kampala is finding the right restaurant to give you that experience. Unfortunately, even restaurants will not give you an opportunity to participate in the food preparation procedure. It is for this reason that booking a trip with a local host comes in handy.

Early in the morning, they will take you shopping at one of the local markets. Instead of just visiting the market with a tour guide, you instead visit the market with your host to buy all the necessary items to prepare your lunch. After doing the food staff shopping, you might not have to explore other things in the market since you have to start preparing lunch.

Preparing a local dish will give you an opportunity to connect with the local people. On the first day, they can prepare it their own way and on the second day or for dinner have it prepared your way. Some spices might not be found in the local markets, you might have to drive to specific locations to find the prepared spices. In this process of moving from one place to another in such of what you want, will end up being a city tour without a pre-planned itinerary.

Sometimes you might even fail to find the species you are looking for which is still okay because during the process, many things come to knowledge.

City Walk

City walks are often tailored towards the popular tourist destinations in Kampala. But the better way to explore Kampala is window shopping. You can visit car showrooms, and car bonds to get a taste of how cars are sold in Uganda. This will require you to drive up to a particular location, leave the car behind and then just walk around exploring the different things done in the city.

Visiting Car Workshops

Part of the best way to explore Kampala is visiting places where car spare parts are sold when workshops where cars are repaired. In these places you will have an experience of Kampala that is rarely prepared for tourists. You will need a local to explore these places since there is often a lot of scamming involved.

Visit A Dental Clinic

Kampala is known for having fairly priced dental services. During your Kampala visit, it is recommended that you consider going for a dental check up at one of the dental clinics in Kampala. This will give you a chance to experience the medical wing of Kampala. In case you are uncomfortable with a dental check up, you can sponsor one of the locals so that you just get to see how the experience is like in Uganda.

Make an appointment for a Music Studio Session

One of the best ways to meet some of the top celebrities in Uganda more so in the music industry is visiting some of the top studios in Uganda. It will give you a chance to interact with people who  have groomed and worked with celebrity. Their exposure will give you a chance to get an insight into Kampala. They are also the right people to introduce you to the Kampala nightlife since you can get a chance to travel around as a VIP

In conclusion, it is important to note that even though all these activities will need the help of a local personnel; it does not take away your self drive in Kampala option. You can attempt to do them by yourself; actually if you do them without the help of the local person; you will be surprised, you can have to travel light so that you avoid getting scammed in certain places.

Book your self drive family holiday with 4x4uganda.