Kampala Nightlife

Renowned throughout East Africa for its infamous nightlife Kampala is quickly becoming a major site on traditional safari circuits.  With a variety of bars, clubs, and hangouts placed throughout the city there is always something going on during the week, with things really kicking off on the weekend.  Here are a list of some of our favorite local hangouts.

Bubbles O’Leary

Self proclaimed as Uganda’s only Irish bar, Bubbles is an infamous local haunt drawing an eclectic clientele of expats and Kampala business professionals.  Weekdays provide a more relaxed atmosphere with local bands performing and trivia nights, while the weekends draw large and rowdy crowds.  A relaxed garden setting and outdoor patio surrounds the classic Irish pub structure which is notorious for holding dance parties that last till morning.  Their excellent Irish stew is the perfect cure for the morning after hangover.

Cayenne

Located in Ntinda not far from the center of Kampala, Cayenne is a large open-aired venue that plays a mixture of Indian and Western hits on most nights.  Frequented by Kampala’s elite the drinks are pricey, but you are paying to be seen.  Rarely getting busy till well after midnight, when it does pick up it is a party not to miss.

Iguana

Situated near the center of town Iguana is fairly new bar that already has a large following.  The upstairs venue and outside patio plays a variety of techno and house music, which brings in a younger crowd of expats, volunteers, and locals.  With several couches clustered around the dance floor it is the perfect place to drink a cold beer and people watch throughout the night.

Mish Mash

Another popular hangout, Mish Mash is located in the heart of the city along Accacia Avenue.  The large sprawling lawn is transformed into a dance floor during the weekend where an eclectic mix of international covers and African pop music is played.  Behind the main building lies  a bar and several secluded tables for those wanting a calmer  and more relaxed evening with friends.

Capital Pub

An infamous local haunt Capital Pub is located along the Kablagala strip, or as locals call it the “Tijuana of Uganda.”  Crowded and sweaty this local bar plays a range of Ugandan music and African hits throughout the night.  Locals often come here to play pool and to enjoy the cheap beer. 

Uganda’s Big Five 


Coined by hunters as the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot Africa’s Big Five have long dominated the safari scene, with travelers coming from across the globe to catch a sighting of these legendary animals. Even though Uganda is lucky enough to hold the Big Five within its borders it also contains enough adrenaline packed and slightly dangerous activities to satisfy the most hardcore of travelers. Narrowing it down to just five is difficult, but here is our list of Uganda’s most heart pounding Big Five Adventures.

1. The Kidepo Pilgrimage

The journey to one of East Africa’s most remote and unspoiled National Parks is not for the faint of heart. Set in the furthest North East corner of Uganda along the border of Sudan, Kidepo Valley National Park is a two-day journey from Kampala. The treacherous terrain is a worthy match for even the most rugged land cruiser, and during rainy season you have a better chance of reaching the park in a canoe than a vehicle. Those that are brave
enough to traverse the roads are rewarded with stunning views, abundant wildlife, and some of Uganda’s most coveted bird species. Best of all, the park is deserted, leaving intrepid travelers to enjoy the spoils one of Africa’s most remote wildernesses all to themselves.

2. Conquering the Nile
The longest river in the world, the Nile has given birth to civilizations, eluded explorers, and now at the source in Jinja is where adventures come to conquer the white water rapids. For thrill seekers plunging headfirst into the massive swirling waves, often to be ejected from the safety of their rafts is the highlight of their time in Uganda. Taking on grade five rapids with names like “The Bad Place,” the Nile is the perfect destination for any adrenaline junkie.

3. Volcano Walk
In the towering shadow of the Virungas amongst the mysterious mist of Bwindi is the dramatic setting where Nkuringo Walking Safaris sets off into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.  Clients can choose between several routes including the arduous hikes up the extinct volcanoes Muhabura or Sabyinyo where the Congo, Uganda, and Rwandan borders intersect. Although a walking safari may not get your adrenaline pumping, the steep terrain will definitely get your heart racing.

4. Paragliding
Having recently set up shop on the slopes of Mount Wanale in Mbale, paragliding is the newest extreme sport to enter Uganda’s repertoire. Soaring above the fertile green landscape is the closest that humans can get to flying. Actual flight time varies between 15 minutes to one hour, and is dependent upon the weather and the amount of elevation gained during flight. As the only paragliding operator in Uganda, Fly Mami Afrika adheres to strict USHPA standards and employs a fleet of experienced and trained staff.

5.Biking Uganda
Exploring Uganda out of the safety of a safari vehicle is not for everyone. For adventurers that wish to experience the natural and cultural wonders on a more intimate level, biking Uganda is the best
option. Through rural villages and national parks, nothing is more exhilarating than being feet
away from the wildlife on a bike. Traditional routes include exploring Mburo National Park
before heading South through the rolling hills of Uganda, eventually landing on the doorstep of Bwindi. Another option is biking up to Murchison Falls National Park before departing to Gulu and
then to Kidepo, where you can bike through the National Park. Interested in a Big Five adventure safari where you also get to see Africa’s Big Five? Send us an email about putting one or all of our Big Five in your safari!