One best way to discover Uganda’s most fascinating secrets is by embarking on a city tour. When it comes to city tours in Uganda, most visitors are left to think that it is only in Kampala that you can get the best of this experience but there are many incredible towns that await for you to explore while on city tour. Well, Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and also the main commercial center. It lies just a few kilometers off Lake Victoria shores and formerly, it comprised of 7 main hills that include Mengo, Kibuli, Rubaga, Kasubi, Nsambya, Old Kampala and Namirembe. Today, there are many hills the fact that this vibrant and sound city has kept on expanding. Prior colonial era, Kabaka Mutesa the first gazetted this area as a hunting ground as there were several antelopes mostly impalas where it derived its name. Besides Kampala, below are other incredible places for you to go for city tour in Uganda
There are several towns and cities worthy exploring in Uganda;
Entebbe
This town is situated very close to Kampala about 40 kilometers southwest and just close to Lake Victoria shores. For starters, it is here where Uganda’s international airport is located hence a main gateway into the country. Besides, it is here where the presidential second home is found and where the president lives.
Jinja
This is another amazing place that you need to explore while on a city tour in Uganda. It is situated close to Lake Victoria and it is approximately 87 kilometers east of Kampala. It is the country’s oldest industrial town. It features as the second biggest and busiest town. It began as a small fishing village along the Nile and named from Luganda and Lusoga word-ejjinja that denotes rock or stone.
Mbale
Still in eastern Uganda, Mbale is that one town you need to pay a visit. It is about 245 kilometers northeastern Kampala and features as the biggest commercial center in this particular sub region. While here, you can even pay a visit to Mount Elgon National Park for you to explore the natural wonders within this area.
Mbarara
As you head to western Uganda, Mbarara is that one expansive town you. This town is about 4 hours’ drive from Kampala capital city center. It is a main transit for visitors on safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and many other significant tourist sites. It is a main refuge to the remains of the Ankole kingdom palace and the Nkokenjeru royal tombs for the Ankole kings etc.
Gulu
As you head off to north, don’t miss to pay a visit to Gulu-one of the major business and busiest towns in Acholi sub-region and the northern side. It is situated about 340 kilometers by road north of Kampala capital city center. This town also derived its name from Acholi word “pot” that denotes its location in a depression of a prehistoric flood plain.
Fort Portal
For visitors on chimpanzee safari to Kibale Forest National Park or you plan to pay a visit to Rwenzori Mountain ranges/Queen Elizabeth National Park Fort Portal is that one town you shouldn’t miss to explore. The main attractions to explore around this area include the Amabere ga Nnyinamwiru, visit the Toro palace and many others.