Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Kampala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kampala or Dakar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kampala or Dakar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Kampala or Dakar?
Kampala
Kampala is the capital of Uganda in the South part of the country near Lake Victoria. It is the largest city in Uganda, with a population of over two million people. This city is very safe and the locals are known to be very kind and approachable.
Dakar
Located in West Africa, Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Main attractions include the city's markets, the Dakar Grand Mosque, Goree Island, the IFAN Museum, the African Renaissance Monument, beaches, and the Senegal Zoo.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in Uganda, The Best Safaris in Uganda, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKampala $69Dakar $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Kampala is $69, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $61. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kampala and Dakar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKampala $59Dakar $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKampala $118Dakar $64
Compare Hotels in Kampala and Dakar
Looking for a hotel in Kampala or Dakar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kampala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kampala $2.48Dakar $5.32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kampala
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kampala are as follows:
-
Taxi around town$3.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kampala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kampala:
- Entebbe Airport Transfers: $80
- Entebbe Airport taxi. For a safe, affordable and reliable 24/7 airport transfer.: $45
- From 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari with Transfer: $2,200
- Full-Day Kampala Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $200
- Private Transfer from Entebbe Airport (EBB) Uganda to Kampala: $127
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:
- Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Round-Trp Private Transfer: $72
- AIBD-DAKAR transfer: $49
- Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $209
- DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $119
- Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $81
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $65
- Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $260
- Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $195
Is it cheaper to fly into Kampala or Dakar?
Prices for flights to both Dakar and Kampala change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayKampala $8.33Dakar $19
Typical Food Prices in Kampala
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Kampala:
-
Lunch for 2$1.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kampala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kampala.
- Like a local cooking Tours: $26
- Cooking Class for Typical Ugandan Food in Kampala: $31
- Three-Hour Food Tour: $41
- Private Cooking Class with a Local Host: $47
- Momma Ida's Ugandan Cuisine Cooking Tour: $75
- Kampala City Walking Food Tour: $77
- Night-time Boda Boda Street Food Tour: $91
- Fishing Village Food Tour & Luwombo Stop: $102
- Half-day Kampala City Tour and Traditional Dance Show with Dinner (7-Hours): $147
- uganda fun time (bed,breakfast, lunch and dinner ) : $154
Typical Food Prices in Dakar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:
-
Breakfast$4.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dakar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dakar.
- Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar: $105
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kampala -Dakar $13
Tours and Activities in Kampala
Here are a few actual costs in Kampala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Walking Tour in Kampala : $15
- Uganda Community Tour: $15
- African Fabric Market Tour : $18
- Amazing Tour Experience with a local: $20
- Kampala Half-Day Walking Tour with Local Female Guides: $20
- 3-Hour Walking Tour with Optional Gaddafi Mosque: $24
- Kampala:Guided walking tour: $25
- Entebbe Walking Tour (3 Hours) with Zoo and Botanical Gardens Options: $25
- Tombs, King’s palace and Gaddafi mosque walk tours: $26
- Steve Kampala Walking tours: $27
- Free Female Guided Walking Tours Kampala (3 Hours): $30
- Kampala Guided walking Tour: $30
Tours and Activities in Dakar
Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $30
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: $30
- Accro Baobab Adventure Ticket Entry: $38
- Half Day Dakar City Tour: $105
- Private City Tour: $108
- Full Day Private Tour in move, eat, act like a local: $108
- Half-Day GOREE Island Tour:The Heritage Tour: $130
- Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
- From Dakar or Saly: Half-Day Tour to Pink Lake: $137
- Full-Day Private Dakar City Tour : $141
- Full Day Goree Island And Dakar City Tour(Minimum 2 Participants): $142
- Day trip Goree island and Dakar city tour : $157
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKampala -Dakar $8.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Kampala
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kampala:
- Entebbe and club,pub and bar crawl experiences: $35
- Kampala Pub Crawl | Uganda | 4 hours: $65
- Kampala Bar Crawl, Beer Tasting and Street Food (6 Hours): $71
When comparing the travel costs between Kampala and Dakar, we can see that Kampala is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kampala Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kampala or Dakar?
Dakar has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Kampala. When comparing the sizes of Kampala and Dakar, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.