Katanga Slum Tour with a Local Guide
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into the vibrant heart of Kampala on a guided tour of Katanga, one of Uganda’s largest informal settlements. Often misrepresented, Katanga reveals a community rich in resilience, ingenuity, and untold stories.
Led by a local guide, you’ll explore its history, growth, and role in Kampala’s urban life. Wander through lively alleys lined with chapati stalls, artisans repurposing materials, and bustling markets alive with colour & energy.
Meet residents eager to share their perspectives and visit homes and youth projects that showcase education and innovation in the face of hardship.
While the tour acknowledges the realities of overcrowding, sanitation challenges, and poverty, it equally celebrates the spirit of perseverance—the laughter of children, the rhythms of church music, and the pride woven into daily life.
More than a tour, this is an exchange of cultures and perspectives. Proceeds support local initiatives, ensuring your visit leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Available options
Katanga Slum Tour with a Local Guide
What's included
Professional English Speaking Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Katanga Slum, located between Makerere University and Mulago Hospital in Kampala, is one of Uganda’s largest informal settlements, home to tens of thousands of people. The settlement is characterized by overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, and frequent flooding due to inadequate drainage.
Many residents live in small, makeshift homes built from mud, wood, or iron sheets. Despite these hardships, Katanga is alive with resilience and creativity. Its narrow alleys bustle with activity—chapati stalls, fresh produce markets, artisans recycling scrap, and small workshops sustaining livelihoods.
Families adapt to limited resources by building strong social networks, while youth groups and community projects work to break cycles of poverty through education and innovation.
Challenges such as poverty, disease, and land disputes remain, but Katanga’s spirit shines through in the pride of its people, the laughter of children, and the determination of young entrepreneurs shaping its future.
What's not included
Snacks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Uganda
Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is a land of stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the cascading waters of Murchison Falls, Uganda offers unforgettable experiences for adventurous travelers.
Top Attractions
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. The park is also home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Nature
Full day to multiple days
USD 700 for gorilla trekking permit
Murchison Falls National Park
Home to the powerful Murchison Falls where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing and boat cruises.
Nature
Full day to multiple days
Moderate (USD 50-100 per day)
Kibale National Park
Known for its chimpanzee tracking and diverse primate population. The park also offers beautiful forest walks and bird watching.
Nature
Full day to multiple days
Moderate (USD 50-100 per day)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rolex
A popular street food made with a chapati wrapped around a filling of eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat.
Snack
Can be vegetarian or with meat
Matooke
Steamed and mashed green bananas, often served with meat or fish and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Luwombo
A traditional dish where meat or fish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with vegetables.
Main Course
Can be vegetarian or with meat
Popular Activities
Gorilla Trekking
Chimpanzee Tracking
White-Water Rafting
Hiking
Boat Cruises
Beach Relaxation
Spa Treatments
Traditional Dance Performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August and December to February
These months offer the best weather for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking. The skies are clear, and the trails are more accessible.
21-28°C
70-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Swahili
- Widely spoken: Luganda, Acholi, Luo, Runyankole
- English: Widely spoken in urban areas, moderately spoken in rural areas
Currency
Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Uganda is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in urban areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Entebbe International Airport • 35 km from Kampala
By bus
Kampala Bus Park, Nakivubo Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Matatus are the most common form of public transport, offering cheap but crowded and sometimes chaotic rides.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, SafeBoda
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kampala
Entebbe
Jinja
Day trips
Lake Victoria
50 km from Kampala • Full day
A large and beautiful lake offering a variety of activities, including fishing, boat cruises, and relaxation.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
180 km from Kampala • Full day
A sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of the endangered rhino, offering guided walks and rhino tracking.
Ssese Islands
55 km from Entebbe • Full day to multiple days
A group of islands in Lake Victoria offering a variety of activities, including relaxation, fishing, and nature walks.
Festivals
Nyege Nyege Festival • September
Kampala Capital City Festival • August
Pro tips
- Book gorilla trekking permits well in advance, as they are limited and sell out quickly
- Hire a local guide for the best experience and to support the local economy
- Carry a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medications, as healthcare can be limited in rural areas
- Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary, especially in the mountains and national parks
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to enhance your cultural experience and show respect for the local people
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
