Local Markets to Visit in Kampala

Local markets to visit in Kampala offer a wide range of fresh produce, handicrafts and unique local culture. Either in the Kampala city center or a couple of kilometers away, your visit to the local markets will be worthwhile. This is your golden opportunity to test your bargaining prowess with nice local vendors. Meanwhile you will save a lot of money that would have otherwise be spent buying food expensively in a super market. In a guided city tour, you will discover these must-visit markets we have selected just for you,

Nakasero Market

Situated just a mere 750 meters away from the city center, Nakasero Market is strategically situated for convenient access. There is something so special about exploring or shopping in the city’s oldest public market. Constructed in 1927, Nakasero Market offers affordable fresh-produce for anyone looking for locally grown fruits, vegetables and animal products among others. Imported fruits and vegetables are also availed for people who love exotic or international delights.

Owino Market

This is officially called St. Balikuddembe Market and is just less than 1 kilometer from the city center. Owino Market has been in existence for decades to offer you some captivating history besides offering fresh produce. You will learn about where the market got the name Owino as well as its connection to the Roman Catholic martyr Balikudembe. The vendors will also offer visitors on city tours street food including rolex and luwombo. Affordable clothes, shoes and kitchenware available for purchase make Owino one of the best local markets to visit in Kampala.

African Craft Market

Mostly known as the African Craft Village, this is situated less than 2 kilometers away from the city center. If you are looking for the finest handcrafts in Kampala, this is one of the most popular craft shops to visit. This is also where you can buy expertly made local Ugandan artwork as souvenir. Fine artists are also available to create any drawing you may need in real time. Among the key handicrafts to buy from here are African kitenge, African sandals, Kikuyu bags, necklaces and others.

Kalerwe Market

This is around 5 kilometers away from the city center offering a range of fresh fruits, vegetables and meat among others. Though Kalerwe Market is a public one, a few parts are owned by private people. Interact with local vendors as you bargain to lower the price of what you intend to purchase. Some people know the history of this market hence will be in position to tell you. Explore the part in Kalerwe Market where cattle, goats and sheep are slaughtered and sold. They also smoke some of the meat, so ensure to go and enjoy what is locally called muchomo.

When to travel to the local markets to visit in Kampala?

All the best local markets to visit in Kampala are open throughout the year thus are available for exploration everyday. But, since these are outdoor city tours, the best time to enjoy exploring the markets is during the dry season. In Kampala, dry seasons often occur from June to August as well as December to February. It is a lot easier to walk in and around these bustling markets when rainfall is not as frequent or heavy as in the wet season. This avoids pauses while exploring. The access paths to the markets are dry during this period to make movement easier.

How to travel to the local markets to visit in Kampala?

Road transport is essentially the only way of traveling to the local markets. Private transport is availed for travelers who desire convenience, safety, reliability and comfort. The vehicles are available for hire from Standard Safaris. From a range of vehicles available in a well-maintained fleet, you can select the most suitable for you. You can choose to travel either in an SUV, sedan or safari van. Buses, minivans, Toyota Landcruiser safari cars are also available if you prefer these ones.

But, in the market you will have to walk on foot. To make your visit much better, our guide will drive you to and from the local market you will visit. The driver guides are preferred for their knowledge and experience. Before and after the trip, you will learn plenty of things about Kampala, Uganda and the local market. Also, our dedicated team of staff will stay in contact with you throughout the trip. This is to ensure that you get real-time feedback to avoid any inconveniences.

Other places to visit in Kampala

Besides the local markets to visit in Kampala, you might as well explore other places in the city. These unique destinations will make the local markets visit in even more intriguing. Visit religious sites like Rubaga Cathedral, Uganda National Mosque, Namirembe Cathedral, Watoto Church, Baha’i Temple and All Saint’s Cathedral etc. Also, explore cultural sites like the Kabaka’s Palace, Uganda Museum and Kasubi Tombs etc. There are also sports and entertainment centers like Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, MTN Lugogo Arena and various nightclubs etc.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.