Kampala

Much of my time has been spent in Kampala hanging out at embassies and travel agents. Apologies to both Kampala and my Dear Readers for the scantiness of this post and the lack of photographs.

Kampala is not an unpleasant city. Indeed, it is quite picturesque, set on rolling hillsides and boasts a fair amount of greenery. However, it is seriously seriously over-populated and even crossing the roads should be undertaken with much trepidation.

It wasn’t always like this. I meet up with resident Sue, a friend of my ex Jen, who has lived in the city for over 15 years. She says she knew individuals’ license plates cars were so scant in the city. Clearly much change has taken place since those days.

The Ugandan museum is rather decrepit and disappointing for a national museum, but it does have a few interesting sights including traditional styled huts from around the country. Admission is USH2,000 with a student card.

Back-packer accommodation is fairly scant. Most backpackers opt for Red Chilli Hide-away, outside the city centre which once boasted excellent food and friendly staff. Rumours abound that this is no longer the case. Wanting to be close to the action, (well at least embassies and travel agents), i opt for the New City Annex on Dewington Road in the heart of the centre. Singles go from USh 15,000 unattached, doubles for USh 30,000 and triples from USh 45,000. The best of the singles is room 117, for it boasts a window, but is heavily booked out. It;s cheap enough and the location is excellent, but that is about it. Nonetheless it is heavily booked and it is well worth making an advanced booking. Call +256 –(0)775 95 8867.

For restaurants there is a good range to be found, although much more pricey than other parts of the country. In Nakumatt Oasis, the food hall on the 1st floor has a fair amount of options. My personal favourite is Pardis – a Middle Eastern restaurant run by an Iranian ex-pat. Meeting up with Loco Lobo, a quality Israeli who i met earlier in Lake Bunyoni, he swears the falafel rivals anything that he can find in Haifa. High praise indeed. The hummus and chopped lamb rock too.

Next door to Nakumatt Oasis is Garden City. On the ground floor you can find Rancher’s Butcher’s Shop and Grill. The pepper steak is totally delicious but at USh 22,000 it doesn’t come cheap.

In tribute to Boy, i do succumb to Nando’s for an over-priced chicken treat.

Getting around is fairly easy on boda-bodas, but negotiations on prices is compulsory.

Kampala boasts some of the best night-life in Africa, but it’s not my thang.