Is Kampala expensive to visit?
Kampala is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Kampala can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $73 (USh267,651) per day, mid-range travelers spend $78 (USh284,302) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $86 (USh315,755) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kampala.
Within Africa, Kampala is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Chefchaouen or Dakar.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kampala Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kampala?
The average Kampala trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kampala travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kampala cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Kampala. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $73 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Kampala is home to plenty of hostels, including Bushpig Backpackers Ltd and Acacia Villa. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most people who travel to Kampala will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $78 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $86 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Women-Guided Jinja & River Nile Day Trip - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Kampala
The prices for hotels in Kampala can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $64, while during peak season, that average price jumps to around $119. With budget accommodations starting at $35 and luxury hotels peaking at $239, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kampala for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $121 (USh443,773). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $61 (USh221,886) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kampala? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kampala include:
- Le Petit Village Boutique Hotel starting at $156
- Satellite Hotel Kisasi starting at $34
- Forest Cottages starting at $68
- Jicca Hotel 1 starting at $52
- Fang Fang Hotel starting at $99
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Kampala
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $2.56 (USh9,375) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kampala. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kampala is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.56
USh9,375
The closest airport to Kampala is in the city of Entebbe, which is about thirty-five kilometers away. Upon arrival, you will need to pay one hundred US Dollars in order to obtain your visa. To get from the airport in Entebbe to the city of Kampala, you can take the Airport Express, which drops you off at the Garden City Shopping Mall (a very central point in Kampala). You could also take a taxi from the airport, though it is much more expensive. It is worth asking your accommodation if they offer a shuttle service to and from the airport as well.
Once in the city of Kampala, you will mainly be getting around on boda bodas, matatus, or taxi. Boda Boda's are all over and are very easy to flag down if you need a ride. These can be slightly dangerous, as the drivers will try to get you to your destination as fast as possible. Matatus are minibusses with routes that go all over town; however, they can be pretty infrequent and unreliable. Taxis are also available all over the city; in Kampala they call them "special hires". Of course, walking is always an option, however, it is a very large city so for going far distances you'll want to consider one of the above options.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Entebbe Airport pickup (Entebbe - Kampala) reliable 24/7 transfer for $48 details
- Airport Transfer from Entebbe to Kampala for $30 details
- Entebbe Kampala Airport Transfer for $55 details
How much does it cost to go to Kampala? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kampala will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Kampala are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Kampala. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
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Taxi around town
USh15,000
Food Budget in Kampala
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Kampala can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kampala is $15 (USh54,603) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$15
USh54,603
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kampala is around $15 (USh54603) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $15. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kampala are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $4 to $10
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
There are tons of restaurants to choose from in Kampala and they range from "hole in the wall" to five-star gourmet restaurants. At many of the hole in the wall places (some are called "pork joints") there aren't menus, so you will just have to ask what they offer.
Traditional food items in Kampala usually include some type of meat, beans, rice, and Matoke, which are mashed and steamed green bananas. Another traditional meal you can find from street vendors is fish and chips. Another classic street food snack is a "rolex", which is a chapatti (sort of like a tortilla) stuffed with eggs, tomatoes, and cabbage.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Kampala, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Night-time Boda Boda Street Food Tour for $91 details
- Private Ugandan Food Cooking Class and Culture Experience for $45 details
- Fishing Village Food Tour & Luwombo Stop for $102 details
Below are some standard food costs in Kampala, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Kampala, Uganda
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.