Navigating Kampala a city that never truly sleeps on a budget can be challenging. Let the chaos and the roar of boda-bodas and aromatic street food corners not fool you. Amidst all this Chaos is a lot of growth going on. With this comes a challenge of finding a spot that’s both easy on the wallet and high on comfort. In fact, there are many affordable hotels for travelers in Kampala who want both value and convenience.
The good news is that whether you’re a solo backpacker, a digital nomad, or a traveler on a mid-range budget, time has led to Kampala getting some fantastic “hidden gems.” These places offer more than just a bed to solve this problem. As a result, these options really stand out as affordable hotels for travelers in Kampala.
LIST OF THE MOST AFFORDABLE HOTELS IN KAMPALA
- Palm Gardens and Guesthouse
- Bushpig Backpackers
- Acacia Villa
- Fred and Winnie’s bnb
- Hotel Acacia view
- Ubuntu Hivve Kampala
As a traveler and hotelier myself, I have had the chance to stay at all of these places. Here are my thoughts on all of them in terms of price, location and amenities. Moreover, these spots are consistently recommended as affordable hotels for travelers in Kampala by seasoned backpackers.
This 74 rooms all-in one hotel is located in Kanyanya off Gayaza road 4.7 miles from downtown Kampala. It is also in a 5 mile radius from Acacia mall, The National museum, Uganda Golf Club, the Gaddaffi mosque, and Kabaka’s Palace.
It boasts of self contained ensuite rooms that go for as low as $14 (UGX 50,000) to King rooms going for an unbelievable $42 (UGX 150,000). Other room options include the standard doubles, deluxe double, and family rooms.
With a steam & sauna, bar & restaurant, and more than 3 lounging spaces, Palm Gardens and Guesthouse is the perfect hotel to meet other travelers. Even with all these amenities, you won’t break the bank.
BUSHPIG BACKPACKERS
This is one of Kampala’s oldest backpacker hostel. With numerous room types such as dorms, single rooms, double room, Twin rooms and master suite, Bushpig has more than 20 rooms. It is well known for its repention as a party hostel. This is because its bar and clientele are mostly young backpackers.
Its located on Acacia Avenue in kololo and if you are the kind to party everyday this is the place for you. However, you have to brace yourself because it gets abit noisy due to its proximity to the road. Furthermore, the numerous bars in Kololo also add to the noise.
A bed in a four bed dorm with a shared bathroom across the hall here is the cheapest option. It goes for about $20 (UGX 73,000). Other options range from $24 to $70.
ACACIA VILLA
Located on Mawanda Road Kamomkya, this 21 room homestay boosts of a beautiful view of the upper Naguru residences, container houses, traditional huts, and a home like setting. If you are a lover of Animals, the property has a cute Germany shephard called Gustavo and a Japanes Spitz called Buntu. Not only that, but these are one of the highlights about staying here.
Like Bushpig, Acacia villa boosts of dorm rooms which attract a young backpacking clientele within the international community. A bed in a 9 bed shared dorm here goes for about $13 (UGX45,000). In addition, the private rooms with shared bathrooms go for $22. Those with ensuite bathrooms range from $32 to $45.
FRED AND WINNIE BnB
Located on Bukoto Kisaasi road, Fred and Winnie bed and breakfast is a couple owned homestay offering comfortable room and breakfast options in a serene and calm neighbourhood. This is away form the hustles of a busy city. Rates here range from $27 (UGX 100,000) to $ 50.
UBUNTU HIVVE HOSTEL
Talk about supporting young female Ugandan businesses, Ubuntu is a 12 room hostel located in Rubaga a few kilometers from the famous Namirembe Cathedral and the city center. The rooms here are pretty basic. They range between $ 11( UGX 40,000) for a bunk/bed in a shared dorm and $20 for private rooms with a shared bathroom.
CONCLUSION
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive in this day and age. More so with the emergency of backpacker options and affordable hotels around the world. Uganda is no different because options like the ones above have solved the accommodation problem with affordable rates and good service. As a result, affordable hotels for travelers in Kampala remain the top choice for those who value both comfort and savings.
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