CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Explore Kampala National Theatre with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours

Discover Uganda’s Cultural Heart: A Visit to Kampala National Theatre with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours

Before or after your thrilling gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s lush jungles, take a moment to explore the vibrant cultural scene of the capital. Kampala National Theatre, also known as the National Theatre of Uganda, offers a rich immersion into the country’s artistic soul—and Safari 2 Gorilla Tours is here to guide you every step of the way.

What Is Kampala National Theatre?

Built in 1959, the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC)—home to the Kampala National Theatre—is a historic and architectural gem located in the heart of Kampala. It’s not just a performance space, but a cultural hub where Uganda’s music, dance, drama, film, and poetry come to life.

Why Visit the Theatre?

At Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, we believe that a true Ugandan experience goes beyond wildlife. Here’s why a visit to the National Theatre is a must:

  • Live Performances: Catch captivating local productions ranging from traditional dance troupes to modern African plays, storytelling, and spoken word.
  • Craft Markets: Outside the theatre, explore artisan markets with handmade Ugandan crafts, ideal for souvenirs.
  • Local Cuisine: The on-site café and nearby eateries serve authentic Ugandan dishes—perfect for refueling after a cultural showcase.
  • Cultural Connection: Interact with local artists and performers, gaining insights into Uganda’s heritage through creative expression.

A Perfect Pairing: Culture + Nature

Combine your visit to the National Theatre with our Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla Safari packages. Whether you’re beginning your trip in Kampala or wrapping up your adventure, this cultural stop adds depth and color to your Ugandan journey.

Travel with Us
Safari 2 Gorilla Tours offers customizable itineraries that include city tours in Kampala along with your gorilla trekking adventure. Let us take care of transport, tickets, and timing—so you can focus on experiencing the best of Uganda.

Click here Book your cultural add-on today, and let Safari 2 Gorilla Tours show you Uganda through both its wildlife and its rich traditions.

CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Explore Gaddafi Mosque with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours

Discover Uganda’s Spiritual Heart: Gaddafi Mosque Tour with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours

Uganda is best known for its wild encounters with mountain gorillas and its breathtaking natural landscapes—but before you head into the jungle, there’s a cultural gem waiting for you in the heart of Kampala: the Gaddafi National Mosque. With Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, you’ll experience the perfect blend of spiritual discovery and natural adventure.

A Landmark of Faith and Unity

Located on Old Kampala Hill, the Gaddafi Mosque—officially known as the Uganda National Mosque—is the largest mosque in Uganda and one of the most iconic religious structures in East Africa. Commissioned by the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, it was gifted to the Muslim community of Uganda as a symbol of pan-Africanism and religious unity.

The architecture is breathtaking: elegant minarets, golden calligraphy, and beautifully crafted interiors that reflect Islamic artistry and African culture. It can host over 15,000 worshippers, making it a vital part of Uganda’s religious life.

Climb to Kampala’s Highest Viewpoint

A highlight of the visit is climbing the towering minaret, which offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the city’s seven hills. It’s the best place in Kampala for travelers to take in the bustling capital—from the red-tiled rooftops to distant views of Lake Victoria.

Trip Extension: From Cityscape to Forest Trails
Our Kampala City Tour, including the Gaddafi Mosque, can be added as a trip extension before or after your wildlife safari or gorilla trekking experience. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Uganda’s cultural richness before heading to the serene wilderness of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or the wide plains of Murchison Falls National Park.

Be Part of the Journey

At Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, we don’t just take you to see gorillas—we guide you through Uganda’s full story: its cities, its people, and its spiritual landmarks. Our expert guides provide insights into local life, religious traditions, and the country’s history that you won’t find in any guidebook.

Click here to book your tour today and add a meaningful cultural experience to your Ugandan adventure.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group, we invite you to explore with us—from the mosque to the mountains.

CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Ugandas Dark Past | Idi Amins Torture Chambers Tour

A Journey into Uganda’s Dark Past | Visiting Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers

Uganda is known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and vibrant cultures. However, beneath its natural beauty lies a history that shaped the nation’s soul—one that is often difficult to face but crucial to understanding the country’s journey. As part of our Kampala city tour with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, we took an emotional yet essential step back in time: a visit to the infamous Idi Amin Torture Chambers, hidden beneath the peaceful grounds of Lubiri Mengo Palace.

Behind the Palace Walls
Just a few kilometers from the lively heart of Kampala, the Twekobe Palace—official residence of the Kabaka (king) of Buganda—holds dark secrets beneath its regal surface. In 1971, this tranquil compound became the site of one of Uganda’s darkest chapters. Originally built as an armory by Israeli engineers, the chambers were repurposed by then-president Idi Amin into a site for detaining, torturing, and executing political opponents. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people met their tragic end here.

The Experience

The entrance to the underground torture chamber is deceptively unassuming. As you descend into the tunnel, the air grows colder and heavier, as if the walls themselves carry the weight of the past. The site guide will lead you through the damp, narrow corridor. Along one side, five small cells bear the visible scars of history—rusted metal doors, crumbling walls, and graffiti scratched into the stone by those who were imprisoned, hoping their voices would someday be heard.

One of the most chilling remnants of the past is the electrified water trench that once flooded the corridor, ensuring no escape for the victims. Prisoners were stripped, blindfolded, and left to endure days of torture in this horrific place.

Why It Matters
Standing in this underground corridor, It feels like a deep connection to the history of the place in a way books could never convey. This is not a tourist attraction designed for shock value; it’s a place of remembrance, a warning, and most importantly, a tribute to those who suffered in silence.

Visiting the torture chambers is emotionally intense, but it’s a crucial experience for anyone who seeks to understand Uganda—not just its beauty, but its soul. It offers a powerful context for Uganda’s journey from trauma to triumph, and underscores the resilience of its people who continue to rebuild, heal, and thrive in the face of their dark past.

Extend Your Journey
Many travelers pair this historical experience with the natural wonders Uganda is famous for. Safari 2 Gorilla Tours offers seamless extensions to explore destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives, and Jinja for Nile River adventures. The contrast between past and present makes the journey even more meaningful.

Final Thoughts

The sites guides will provide sensitive, respectful, and informative tour that will allow you to deeply engage with the history of the site without sensationalizing it. As part of a broader Kampala city tour, this visit is an essential piece of understanding Uganda’s complex legacy.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into Uganda’s rich history and culture, consider booking a tour with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours. This powerful experience will not only open your eyes to a pivotal chapter in Uganda’s past but will also give you an unforgettable connection to its people and their resilience.