La Terraza Rooftop

La Terraza is a rooftop lounge on Cooper Road in Kisementi, the compact nightlife strip at the foot of Kololo. Its main attraction is the view: from the roof you look out across the hills and lights of Kampala, which makes it a natural place to start an evening with a sundowner or to settle in for a night of music.

Music and dancing set it apart from most of the city's rooftop bars. The official Visit Kampala listing describes regular DJ sets and themed nights, including salsa and cha-cha dance nights, salsa lessons on Thursdays and nights dedicated to Ugandan music. If you dance, or want to learn, Thursday is the night to go; if you prefer conversation, come early in the evening before the music picks up.

The bar serves cocktails, wines, beers and spirits, and there are mocktails for non-drinkers. Food mixes local Ugandan dishes with international small plates and mains, so you can make a meal of it or just order a few plates to share with drinks.

The official listing describes the crowd as fashionable, and it is worth booking a table for larger parties or on themed nights. The roof is at its best at sunset and through the evening; on rainy nights, check whether covered seating is available before you go. Parking is limited at the building, and the official listing notes that the Acacia Mall car park nearby is used when spaces run out. Opening hours are not published, so call ahead to confirm times and the week's programme. The rooftop is open to the air and cooler after dark, so bring a light layer. The official listing also singles out the bar's signature cocktails, which are worth trying.

Kisementi is easy to combine with dinner in Kololo: Khana Khazana and Cantine DiVino are a short ride away, and Endiro Coffee on the same road is useful for a coffee earlier in the day. Bubbles O'Learys on Acacia Avenue is within walking distance if you want a change of scene, and Acacia Mall is the obvious landmark for meeting a taxi at the end of the night.