Kampala

Uganda · Price calendar

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Dorm beds in Kampala, Uganda range from $9 to $29/night over the next 3 months. HostelHawk tracks 8 properties. Cheapest upcoming dates: Jul 4, Jul 5, Jul 6.

Tap a date to see hostels available that night.

July 2026
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Hostel prices in Kampala, Uganda

A typical dorm night in Kampala runs about $9.

Hostels we track in Kampala

Local knowledge for Kampala

Where to stay

Kabalagala, along Ggaba Road, is where most budget accommodation clusters. It's loud at night but walkable and well-served by boda bodas. Wandegeya, near Makerere University, has cheaper guesthouses and easy matatu connections to the city center.

Getting around

  • Download the SafeBoda app before you arrive. It gives you GPS-tracked rides with upfront pricing so you skip the roadside haggling that reliably extracts tourist rates from newcomers.
  • A rolex from a street vendor near Kabalagala or the Old Taxi Park costs 1,500 to 2,000 UGX and is the best cheap meal in the city. An egg cracked onto a chapati, rolled up. That's it.
  • If you need cash, use Stanbic or Centenary Bank ATMs. They reliably accept foreign cards. Garden City mall on Yusuf Lule Road has several in one spot if your first attempt fails.

When to go

April and May are the cheapest months to book as the long rains keep leisure visitors away. July and August fill up as overland travelers on East Africa routes pass through heading to or from Nairobi.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a hostel in Kampala cost per night?

Dorm beds in Kampala currently range from $9 to $29/night based on the next 3 months of availability.

When are the cheapest dates to book a hostel in Kampala?

Based on current data, the cheapest upcoming dates for hostels in Kampala are July 4, July 5, July 6.

How many hostels does HostelHawk track in Kampala?

HostelHawk currently tracks 8 hostels in Kampala, Uganda.

Where do backpackers stay in Kampala?

Kabalagala, along Ggaba Road, is where most budget accommodation clusters. It's loud at night but walkable and well-served by boda bodas. Wandegeya, near Makerere University, has cheaper guesthouses and easy matatu connections to the city center.

What is the best time of year to visit Kampala?

April and May are the cheapest months to book as the long rains keep leisure visitors away. July and August fill up as overland travelers on East Africa routes pass through heading to or from Nairobi.