The best way to experience the capitals of East Africa is to embark on a ‘boda-boda’ tour. These are basically motorcycle taxis. On a City Tour your driver guide will take you on an ‘express’ (expertly snaking through and beating the traffic) tour of the city showing the sights, smells and people of the city.

The word ‘boda-boda’ is believed to be a short form of the word ‘border -border’ service. In earlier times, the motorcycle taxis allowed the citizens to travel across borders without much paperwork!  Till date, this ‘motorcycle’ taxis are a popular and indispensable means of local transportation in Kampala, Kigali and Nairobi!

I had a great driver guide – Richard Walters (of Walter Boda Boda Tours). Walter patiently and expertly took me through the ‘standard’ elements of a city tour. In addition, to my delight, he allowed me to explore the city in a different way. We visited the Hindu temple, walked through a typical local mall and yes, had lunch in a small local restaurant! I had a fabulous time to say the least. Reminded me of my Boda Boda experience in exploring Kigali in Rwanda. A Boda Boda city tour is truly the best way to experience and get the feel of Kampala!

 

Here is a pictorial tour of my Boda Boda adventure:

Markets

The first thing that strikes a tourist in Kampala is the spread of markets. Beyond the traditional markets, at most junctions outside the inner city, there are roadside vendors selling all sorts of wares!

Bahai Temple, Kampala

Standing 40 mtrs tall on a small hill in the suburbs of Kampala, this Bahai Temple is one of the eight Bahai places of worship in the world and the only one in Africa. A serene place of worship in a beautiful setting of impeccably maintained gardens, definitely worth a visit.

Gaddafi Mosque, Kampala

A beautiful place of worship on the original hill of Kampala, this mosque was completed courtesy the assistance from Colonel Gaddafi of Libya. A vertiginous climb to the Minaret top rewards the intrepid traveller with 360 degree views of Kampala!

Hindu Temple, Kampala

Modelled after the Somnath temple in Gujarat, this Sanathana Dharma temple in Uganda is the religious centre for Hindus in Uganda. This is where I tried to revive my rudimentary knowledge of Gujarati!

Royal Palace, Kampala

This is the traditional home of the Buganda Kings (one of the 5 kingdoms that is united Uganda today). Learn about the very interesting Bugandan culture history here while selecting a painting on the traditional bark cloth.

Royal Mile, Kampala

The Royal Mile is a road connecting the Bugandan Parliament (Bulange) and the Royal Palace. Note the 52 trees and sculptures along the road representing the 52 clans of the Buganda Kingdome.

Midway on this road is a roundabout with an Arch (Natawetwa) in the form of a local drum with gates on either side. The Arch gates (alledgedly) is opened for passage for only two people in the world – the Buganda King and the Queen of England! All other mortals have to go around to walk the mile.

 Idi Amin Torture Chambers, Royal Palace Complex, Kampala

Within the Royal Palace premises is a horrific site with a history emblematic of Idi Amin’s time. Justifies his moniker as the ‘Butcher of Uganda’. Nearly 25,000 people are believed to have died in the 5 small chambers here.

Central Taxi Stand, Kampala

The centre of the business district, the Central taxi stand is the focal point for all transportation in Uganda. Incredibly packed and the streets clogged – wonder how ‘movement’ happens at all!

Local Mall in Kampala

The local malls are full of small businesses from salons, restaurants, electronics shops, betting shops etc..

 

Ending the tour with local food (Matoke and kebabs) in a small restaurant at the Mall.