by Mark Karamira-Karegyesa & Sofeeyah Lloyd
In this quick guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Kampala’s top outdoor event venues.
From luxurious lakeside resorts to chic rooftop terraces overlooking the city skyline, each location offers its own distinct atmosphere and amenities. Whether you’re planning a corporate conference or a cultural festival, Kampala has a perfect outdoor space to bring your vision to life.
Team Hallpax compiled this list based on more than a decade organizing international events in East Africa. When you’re ready to plan yours, book a call. We’ll guide you through every step of the process.
Quick Guide: 8 Best Outdoor Venues in Kampala
- Serena Kampala Hotel & Conference Centre: Luxurious urban oasis with versatile outdoor spaces.
- Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa: Elegant resort combining golf course beauty with lakeside charm.
- Speke Resort and Conference Centre: Lakeside paradise offering expansive grounds and water views.
- Imperial Resort Beach Hotel: Beachfront venue with a tropical atmosphere.
- Four Points by Sheraton: Modern hotel with stylish rooftop and garden event spaces.
- Onomo Hotel: Contemporary venue with panoramic city views from its outdoor areas.
- Victoria Mall Rooftop: Urban space offering a unique backdrop of Kampala’s skyline.
- Skyz Hotel: Hilltop location providing breathtaking vistas of the city and Lake Victoria.
1. Serena Kampala Hotel & Conference Centre
- Location: Nakasero, Kampala
- Features: Modern conference facilities, multiple meeting rooms, high-tech equipment, and luxurious accommodation. Known for its professional service and central location.
The Serena Kampala Hotel offers a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and lush tropical beauty. The hotel’s striking terracotta facade, adorned with elegant columns and intricate balconies, seamlessly merges with its verdant surroundings.
The Serena’s outdoor spaces are a testament to thoughtful landscaping, featuring manicured lawns interspersed with towering palms and vibrant local flora. The gardens create intimate pockets perfect for cocktail receptions, networking events, or small gatherings.
As day turns to night, the hotel’s ambient lighting transforms these outdoor spaces into magical settings, with the warm glow of lanterns reflecting off the terracotta walls and illuminating the lush greenery.
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2. Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
- Location: Kigo, 40 minutes from Kampala
- Features: Scenic lakeside setting, top-notch conference rooms, golf course, and luxurious accommodation. It offers a unique and serene environment for events.
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa blends old-world elegance with modern luxury, creating a unique backdrop for sophisticated outdoor events. The resort’s architecture is a standout feature, with its grand, two-story circular atrium and elegant terraces offering breathtaking views of Lake Victoria.
Outdoor spaces at the resort are diverse and captivating. From lakeside terraces to manicured gardens, each provides a distinct atmosphere.
Post-event, participants can unwind at the world-class spa, enjoy a round of golf, or take a cruise on the lake. This seamless integration of luxury with modern facilities offers an experience that extends well beyond the main event.
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3. Speke Resort and Conference Centre
- Location: Munyonyo, Kampala
- Features: Large conference halls, beautiful lakeside views, ample parking, recreational facilities, and high-quality accommodation. It’s ideal for large conferences and events.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, Speke Resort and Conference Centre offers a tropical paradise for outdoor events.
Palm-lined pathways weave through the property, connecting various outdoor venues and providing picturesque settings for everything from intimate cocktail receptions to grand galas.
By day, the vibrant greenery and blue skies create a refreshing atmosphere for corporate retreats or team-building activities. As evening falls, the grounds transform, with warm lighting setting a magical mood for dinner events or waterfront parties.
4. Imperial Resort Beach Hotel
- Location: Entebbe, 1 hour from Kampala
- Features: Beachfront location, extensive conference facilities, spacious halls, and excellent accommodation options. It’s ideal for conferences combined with leisure activities.
Imperial Resort Beach Hotel offers a slice of tropical paradise just down the road from Kampala.
The hotel’s crowning jewel is its private sandy beach, stretching along the lake’s edge and dotted with swaying palms. The gentle lapping of waves provides a soothing soundtrack to any gathering.
As the sun sets over Lake Victoria, the beach transforms into a magical event space, with tiki torches and starlit skies creating an enchanting atmosphere unique to this venue.
Imperial Beach Resort is 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, easing transport considerations for international participants.
5. Four Points by Sheraton Kampala
- Location: Nakasero, Kampala
- Features: Centrally located with modern conference facilities, a few meeting rooms, high-quality services, and comfortable lodging. Newest in town.
Four Points by Sheraton brings a touch of modern elegance to Kampala’s outdoor event scene.
The rooftop space, with its panoramic views of the city, is perfect for cocktail receptions or intimate dinners for up to 100 guests. The garden areas can accommodate larger gatherings of up to 250 people, ideal for corporate functions or expos.
Indoors, the glass-walled restaurant and terrace seamlessly merge with lush greenery, softening the modern architecture. The design creates a unique “floating garden” feel, ideal for cocktail parties or intimate dinners with a view.
6. Onomo Hotel
- Location: Nakasero, Kampala
- Features: Centrally located with multiple, modern meeting rooms, high-quality services, and comfortable lodging.
Onomo Hotel Kampala redefines the urban outdoor event experience with its sleek, modern design and innovative use of space. This contemporary venue stands out for its ability to create multiple, distinct environments within a compact city footprint.
The multi-level rooftop area can accommodate up to 200pax – suitable for medium-sized events. As night falls, the rooftop transforms with colorful lighting, creating an electric atmosphere perfect for product launches or fashion shows.
Onomo’s modern aesthetic extends indoors. Guest rooms blend contemporary decor with relaxing ambience – perfect for a bit of respite after a long day of conferencing.
7. Victoria Mall Rooftop
- Location: Entebbe, 45 minutes from Kampala
- Features: The rooftop of Victoria Mall offers a unique outdoor venue with views of Lake Victoria, suitable for conferences and corporate gatherings.
In Kampala’s second city, Victoria Mall’s rooftop offers an unconventional but charming outdoor event space. The rooftop can host up to 300pax – suitable for a range of events. Its open layout provides flexibility for various setups and themes.
Its standout feature is the unobstructed view of Lake Victoria and Entebbe’s lush landscape, creating a stunning vista for any gathering.
As the hub for shopping and leisure in Entebbe, Victoria Mall is particularly suited to public expos and events wishing to draw large crowds – especially on the weekends.
8. Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz
- Location: Naguru Hill, Kampala
- Features: Skyz Hotel offers modern conference facilities and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Kampala, suitable for conferences and cocktail receptions.
Perched atop one of Kampala’s seven scenic hills, Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz offers a breathtaking vantage point for outdoor events.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, can host up to 250pax, while guests enjoy sweeping vistas of Kampala.
Protea Skyz excels in creating multiple ambiances within one venue. Its sleek, contemporary design is softened by thoughtfully placed greenery, offering a perfect balance of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
How Hallpax Can Help
At Hallpax, we specialize in event planning across Africa, including Kampala. Our local team has extensive knowledge of the city’s best venues and can help you:
- Choose the perfect venue for your specific needs
- Negotiate the best rates and packages
- Coordinate all aspects of your event, from logistics to catering
- Provide on-the-ground support during your event
Pick The Right Outdoor Venue in Kampala
With its warm hospitality, year-round pleasant climate, and these remarkable venues, Kampala is quickly becoming a leading destination for outdoor events in East Africa.
But executing a successful outdoor event is about more than just the venue.
So, let Hallpax guide you through the process, leveraging our local expertise to ensure your event is a resounding success. Contact us today to turn your vision into reality in one of Kampala’s spectacular outdoor venues.
