Kampala Half-Day Motor Bike Tour of Gaddafi Mosque, Independence Monument & More
by Twija Africa Safaris
Overview
This half-day motorbike and walking tour in Kampala lasts between five and eight hours. The tour begins at the Gaddafi National Mosque, East Africa’s largest mosque, where visitors can climb the tallest tower for a full 360-degree view of the city. Next, the tour stops at the Independence Monument, a significant landmark sculpted in 1962 that symbolizes Uganda's liberation from colonial rule, featuring a display about the country’s path to independence. The route includes a visit to Owino Market, one of Uganda’s largest markets offering fresh produce, secondhand clothing, street food, and herbal medicines. The Uganda Museum follows, housing archaeological, ethnographic, and paleontological exhibits that represent Uganda’s history and culture. The Bahá’í House of Worship is also on the itinerary, a place open to all faiths for prayer and meditation, emphasizing unity without formal worship services. Additional stops include Bagala Craft Market, where local artisans display and sell their handmade crafts; Katanga, an informal settlement illustrating the city’s challenging living conditions; and Kabaka's Palace, which features cultural history and the former torture chambers of Idi Amin. The tour also includes a break to try local food. Visitors explore Makerere University with its historic buildings and monuments, either cycling or riding motorbikes around the campus. The final stops include Kampala Railway Station, a colonial-era train terminal landmark; Old Taxi Park, a busy transport hub; and Kalerwe Market, known for fresh produce and local atmosphere. Helmets and hair nets are provided for safety, and the tour includes bottled water, snacks (Rolex), entrance fees, and a professional English-speaking driver guide from Twija Africa Safaris.
Highlights
What's included
Itinerary
Gaddafi National Mosque
Gaddafi National Mosque is the largest mosque in East Africa. It features architecture blending European, Asian, and African styles. Visitors can climb its tallest tower to get a 360-degree view of Kampala.
60 min
Independence Monument
The Independence Monument in Kampala was sculpted in 1962 by Gregory Maloba to mark Uganda's independence. It shows a figure holding a child, symbolizing the birth of a new nation. The monument includes a display area detailing Uganda's struggle for independence.
30 min
Owino Market
Owino Market, also called St. Balikuddembe Market, is one of Uganda’s largest markets. It sells fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, secondhand clothing, cooked and uncooked foods, spices, street food, and traditional herbal medicines.
40 min
Uganda Museum
The Uganda Museum, established in 1908, is East Africa’s oldest museum. It displays historical instruments, cultural tools, ethnographic materials, archaeological artifacts, and paleontological remains reflecting Uganda’s heritage.
40 min
Baha'i Community of Uganda
The Bahá’í House of Worship welcomes people of all religions for prayer and meditation. It emphasizes unity and simplicity without formal clergy-led services. Visitors remove shoes as a sign of respect.
45 min
Bagala Craft
Bagala Craft Market showcases handmade crafts by local artisans using regional materials. Guided tours explain production processes and cultural significance. Visitors can purchase items directly from the makers.
30 min
Katanga Informal Settlement
Katanga is a densely populated informal settlement in Kampala characterized by poor sanitation, inadequate housing, and limited services. Despite challenges, residents show resilience in their daily lives.
20 min
Kabaka's Palace
Visitors see the torture chambers used by Idi Amin’s regime and learn about the cultural history of the Buganda Kingdom at Kabaka’s Palace.
45 min
Local Food Break
The tour includes a break to sample local food.
40 min
Makerere University
Makerere University is East Africa’s oldest and Uganda’s largest higher education institution. Visitors explore historic buildings, monuments, and the campus environment by cycling or motorbike.
45 min
Kampala Railway Station
Kampala Railway Station is a historic colonial-era terminal that once served as a major hub for Uganda Railways. It remains a landmark symbolizing early transport and trade.
20 min
Old Taxi Park
Old Taxi Park is a busy transport hub in Kampala, central to the city’s daily commuter traffic.
20 min
Kalerwe Market
Kalerwe Market is one of Kampala’s busiest markets, known for fresh produce and lively local activity.
30 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.