Things to do in Kampala

• Uganda National Mosque, Old Kampala

  One of the largest mosques in East Africa. Visitors can usually climb the minaret for a wide view over the city. Modest dress is expected; wraps are typically provided.

• Namirembe Cathedral

  The Anglican cathedral on Namirembe Hill, with views back across the city.

• Rubaga Cathedral

  The Catholic cathedral on Lubaga Hill, seat of the Archdiocese of Kampala.

• Bahá'í House of Worship, Kikaya Hill

  Known as the Mother Temple of Africa, set in quiet landscaped gardens north of the centre.

• Kasubi Tombs

  A UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial ground of Buganda's kings. The main thatched building was badly damaged by fire in 2010 and has been the focus of restoration, so check current visiting arrangements before you go.

• Bulange and the Royal Mile

  The Bulange, the Buganda Kingdom's parliament building, sits at one end of a straight road leading to the Lubiri (Mengo Palace) at the other.

• Uganda Museum, Kira Road

  Founded in 1908 and often described as the oldest museum in East Africa, with ethnographic, natural history and traditional music collections.

• Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo

  A major pilgrimage site east of the city. Martyrs Day on 3 June draws very large crowds, so plan around it if you are not attending.

• Owino (St. Balikuddembe) Market

  A vast, crowded market near the old taxi park, known for second-hand clothes and almost everything else. Keep valuables out of sight.

• Nakasero Market

  The central produce market: fruit, vegetables and spices.

• Crafts

  Craft shops and markets sell bark cloth, woven baskets, carvings and fabrics. Prices are usually negotiable.

• Malls

  Acacia Mall in Kololo and Garden City near the centre have supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, cafes and phone shops.

Try a rolex (a chapati rolled around an omelette, sold at street stalls across the city), matooke (steamed green bananas), luwombo (stew steamed in banana leaves) and groundnut sauce. Ugandan coffee is worth seeking out too. For an evening out, Kabalagala and Kansanga along Ggaba Road, Kololo and Bugolobi have the most bars and restaurants.

• Ndere Cultural Centre, Ntinda

  Evening shows of traditional music and dance from across Uganda. Check the current performance schedule before you go.

• Lake Victoria at Ggaba and Munyonyo

  Ggaba's landing site is a working fishing port with boat trips onto the lake; Munyonyo has lakeside restaurants and resorts.

• Entebbe

  The botanical gardens and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, an easy combination with an airport run.

• Mabamba Swamp

  Wetland west of Entebbe known for sightings of the rare shoebill stork, usually visited by canoe with a local guide.

• Jinja

  East of Kampala, where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria. Known for boat trips to the source of the Nile and white-water rafting.

Opening hours, prices and access change, so confirm directly with each site before you set out. Reception at Zen Motel is open 24 hours if you need to ask anything.