Discovering Kampala, Uganda with Hornbill Treks & Safaris

Lake Victoria nestles the city of Kampala. Uganda's capital is alive with energy, from bustling markets to the boda bodas (motorcycles) zipping through the streets. Our first stop was Kabaka's Palace, the official residence of the King of Buganda, symbolizing the kingdom’s heritage. Founded in the 14th century, Buganda is one of East Africa’s oldest and most influential kingdoms. Under British colonial rule, it became a protectorate and played a key role in shaping modern Uganda. Though the monarchy was abolished in 1962, Buganda’s cultural legacy is still alive in Kampala today.

A local guide took us on a tour of the palace grounds. They shared insights about the royal family and its cultural practices. This offered essential context for understanding Uganda’s history and setting the stage for our journey.

Next, our knowledgeable Hornbill guide escorted us to Le Petit Village, which opened in 2016. The village features Le Petit Hotel with 28 rooms, a pool, gym and spa updated in 2022. There are three restaurants: Le Chateau, La Patisserie and Hanabi Modern Japanese, plus a gelato cart and Le Gourmet Delicatessen, stocked with international products. M-Maison, a home design store, sells many of the handcrafted items featured in the hotel rooms. After a delicious lunch at Le Chateau, we were fueled with Ugandan coffee (have I mentioned the coffee yet?).

Our final activity of the day was to visit Awegys Secondary School, a local partner supported by Hornbill Treks & Safaris. What began with four students has grown to educate hundreds of students. It now includes classrooms, a library, a science lab, dormitories, a village water well and a village clinic. The school provides sponsorships for local youth in need. Hornbill has a charitable foundation that supports a variety of local partners in the communities where they operate safaris and tours.

Arriving back at Latitude 0 for a sunset cocktail at The Upside rooftop bar overlooking Lake Victoria and glittering lights of Kampala was a perfect way to wrap up a whirlwind tour of the bustling capital city of Uganda, where history, culture and modernity converge to create a unique and authentic experience for travelers to Uganda.

Fora Partner: Hornbill Treks & Safaris collaborates with Fora to offer unforgettable wildlife and adventure experiences, combining expert guidance with immersive exploration for their clients.

Where to stay: Latitude 0°

When visiting Latitude 0°, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a spa treatment to energize you after a long flight or treat before leaving the airport. The rooftop bar at Up Top provides beautiful views overlooking the city of Kampala and Lake Victoria. Didn't have a chance to pick up souvenirs? The Afrotide Artifacts & Accessories shop has you covered with everything from handicrafts, art textiles and jewelry produced by local artisans. Lastly, this popular hotel is often booked far in advance, so be sure to reach out to your travel advisor as early as possible.

Getting here: Located on Makindye Hill, Latitude 0° is just 6 km from the city center and 45 minutes from Entebbe International Airport which accepts flights arriving from international cities including Nairobi, Amsterdam, London, Brussels, Dubai and Istanbul.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Uganda page.