Kampala: a day across the seven hills

The Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, safeguard the tombs of Buganda kings in a complex of traditional reed-thatched huts: the local guide, often a descendant of the site's historical custodians, recounts a piece of history that predates British colonialism.

On Kampala's hill, one climbs to the Gaddafi National Mosque, whose minaret offers one of the broadest views over the city: from there, the other hills and their respective cathedrals are clearly distinguished.

The Uganda Museum, one of Africa's oldest, houses traditional musical instruments, ceremonial weapons, and a section dedicated to the natural history of the Country, useful for orienting oneself among Uganda's many ethnic groups.

The Owino Market, informal and enormous, sells everything at prices to be haggled: it's not a place designed for tourists, but precisely for that reason it returns a truer image of the city.

Outside this day remain Lake Victoria and the Ggaba neighborhood, where fresh fish is eaten just steps from the water, and the Ssese Islands, reachable by ferry for those who stay longer.

The seven hills touched in these few stops are enough to orient oneself through the rest of the city, once you've moved on.