Things To Do
in Kabale

Mashed steamed green bananas, often served with a sauce (groundnut or meat stew); widely available in homes and restaurants.

Must-Try!

Fresh, simply grilled or fried lake fish served with starches — best at lakeside guesthouses around Bunyonyi.

A popular street food made on the griddle, often filled with vegetables, eggs and sometimes meat — great for breakfast on the go.

Cornmeal staple (posho) served with stewed beans or groundnut sauce; filling and inexpensive at market stalls.

The central market is the best place to see regional produce, buy fresh fruit, sample roadside snacks and taste small stalls serving local stews and grilled fish.

Found near transport hubs and schools—cheap, fast and widely enjoyed by locals; ideal for breakfast or a quick snack.

Polite greetings are important—ask about someone's wellbeing and offer a handshake; show respect to elders and community leaders. A friendly ‘hello’ goes a long way.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or during ceremonies; some will expect a small fee if you take close-up portraits.

Dress modestly in town and especially when visiting homesteads or religious sites—avoid revealing clothing in rural communities.

Haggling is common at markets; be polite and friendly while negotiating. Accept a polite 'no' and keep exchanges light-hearted.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; small tips for porters, guides and restaurant staff (10% in more formal restaurants or a few thousand UGX for small services) are customary if service is good.

Ugandan shillings (UGX) are the primary currency—carry cash for markets, taxis and remote lodges. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money/Airtel Money) is widely used. Credit cards are accepted at a few hotels and larger establishments, but many local businesses are cash-only.

Cool, sunny days and crisp nights; this is one of the best times for hiking, boating and photography with clearer skies and firm trails. Expect more visitors and slightly higher prices at lakeside guesthouses.

Intermittent rains but many dry windows; landscapes are lush and green and bird activity increases—pack a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.

Heaviest rainfall of the year; roads and some trails may become muddy or impassable, and some lodges reduce services. Travel times increase—plan buffer days for connections.

Generally pleasant with sporadic showers and warm daytime temperatures; good for travel if you prefer fewer tourists and lower rates.

Short hikes between villages and viewpoints on the lake’s many islands and peninsulas; gentle terrain with excellent birding and photography opportunities.

Ridges and terraces around Kabale offering moderate hikes with panoramic views—best done with a local guide to follow footpaths and visit homesteads.

Cross-border ridge walks (where permitted) yield highland scenery and cultural exchange; ensure you have proper permits and local guidance.

Accessible with a longer transfer—serious hikes and gorilla treks take place in Bwindi; requires permits and guided teams and is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Vegetarian options are available (matooke, beans, vegetables) but menus are limited. Ask cooks to skip meat stock and clarify ingredients; markets make it easy to assemble a vegetarian meal.

Vegan eating is possible but requires more requests (no butter or ghee, no fish/meat broths). Opt for vegetable stews, beans and plain ugali/matooke; bring snacks if you have strict requirements.

There are no formal halal-certification hubs in Kabale; some restaurants serve beef and goat and butchers can usually indicate how meat was sourced—if strict halal is needed, bring provisions or eat vegetarian/seafood.

Staples like matooke and posho are gluten-free, but be cautious with bread, chapati and sauces; ask about frying oil and cross-contamination at busy stalls.