Kampala: Kololo Neighborhood Walking Tour

Discover the Kololo neighborhood on a guided walking tour. Visit the Uganda National Museum, see the Kololo Independence Grounds, and stroll through Acacia Avenue and Kisementi Square.
Welcome to Kololo, one of Kampala’s most prestigious neighbourhoods—an area known for its leafy avenues, diplomatic residences, and a mix of old colonial charm and modern vibrancy. This 3-hour walking tour offers a glimpse into the area’s history, architecture, and lifestyle, while maintaining a relaxed pace.

Tour Highlights

Uganda Museum
Our journey begins at the Uganda National Museum, the oldest in East Africa, established in 1908. Its collection showcases Uganda’s diverse heritage—from ethnographic displays of traditional attire, tools, and music to exhibits on early archaeology and natural history. Before we step out, take a moment to explore the open-air section, where traditional huts representing Uganda’s major ethnic groups offer a glimpse of rural architectural styles. This serves as the ideal foundation for understanding Uganda’s cultural mosaic.

Kololo Hill
Leaving the museum, we walk north toward Kololo Hill, one of Kampala’s original “seven hills.” The first stretch passes leafy avenues and quiet compounds, once colonial residences and now home to embassies, consulates, and high commissions. These tree-lined streets—like Prince Charles Drive and Elizabeth Avenue—demonstrate Kololo’s longstanding role as Kampala’s diplomatic and residential heart. Along the way, guides often point out hidden stories: wartime bunkers beneath certain houses, or villas once occupied by prominent independence leaders.

Kololo Independence Grounds (Airstrip).
Our route then leads toward the famous Kololo Independence Grounds (Airstrip). Originally constructed in the 1950s as an emergency landing strip, it became an iconic site when Uganda celebrated its independence here on 9th October 1962. Today, it remains a ceremonial and cultural stage, hosting presidential swearing-ins, papal visits, and concerts. From its open grounds, we enjoy panoramic views across central Kampala’s skyline, including Nakasero Hill and the bustling city centre.

Kololo’s upper residential area
From here, we ascend gently through Kololo’s upper residential area. The neighbourhood is quieter, shaded by jacaranda and flame trees. This walk highlights the architecture: 1950s colonial bungalows with wide verandas, mixed with contemporary luxury villas. Kololo’s hilltop position once made it a strategic military point; today, it symbolises affluence and security.

Acacia Avenue and Kisementi Square
Our descent brings us to Acacia Avenue and Kisementi Square, one of Kampala’s most vibrant social and commercial hubs. Once a quiet neighbourhood road, it has transformed into a lively strip of cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, popular with both locals and visitors. Here, we pause for a well-earned refreshment—perhaps Ugandan coffee or a light snack—while soaking in the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.