Getting around in Kampala
We are going to get straight to the point. Getting around in Kampala is probably one of the most unpleasant things you’ll have to do while in Kampala.
Narrow roads, rowdy drivers, boda-bodas and an over-supply of cars all create an experience that is one to be remembered or one to be loathed.
We highlight a few ways in which you can get around but take it from us, if you’re not one for risky adventure, it’s best to stick to a tour company driver/hotel taxi.
Boda-bodas
The fastest way to get through the traffic chaos. Also, the most unsafe way to travel in Kampala city – we suppose you have to weigh your options. Most of the accidents that end up in Kampala hospitals are from boda-bodas but despite this, most people do prefer to take boda-bodas. Boda-bodas are basically scooters driven by drivers, most of whom probably do not have official licenses (we think).
There is no fixed rate and everything in Kampala involves negotiation. If you are looking to travel within Kampala city, it should cost you an average of between 2,000/- to 5,000/- (about $1.5-$2) depending on your negotiation skills. From our hotel to Old Kampala, it should cost about 2,000/-. Old Kampala is where most of the tourist attractions in Kampala city are based. From our hotel to Kololo, it should cost about 3,000/-. Kololo is where most of the bars and clubs are located in Kampala. There is also a big shopping mall in Kololo.
If you’re not one for negotiation and prefer to take the safe road, you may consider using “Safeboda”. You can download their app and it works just like Uber. Safeboda drivers receive pre-training and probably follow the road rules better than your average boda-boda drivers e.g. they stop at traffic signals when the light is red.
Safeboda drivers provide you with a helmet but probably best to wear something on your head (a scarf?) before using the helmets. You don’t know whose head the helmet has been on!
Matatus (Mini-bus taxis)
Matatus used to be the most unsafe option of getting around Kampala until they got overtaken by boda-bodas.
Matatus are mini-vans that can carry upto 14 people and they are the cheapest way of getting around (thanks to economies of scale). A single ride can cost between 500/- to 1,500/- ($0.25-$0.5). Once again, this depends on your negotiation skills but also on the colour of your skin. There are special prices applicable to foreigners and you’ll have to try that little bit harder if you have a lighter skin tone. But we all love challenges, don’t we? This applies to boda-boda drivers as well.
Matatus do take longer to get you to your destination than boda-bodas but the drivers are expert weavers at weaving through traffic. They will get you to your destination faster than a private hire taxi but there is also a higher risk of being delayed in an “incident”as they drive in a very haphazard fashion following the rules of their own brains.
From our hotel, you need to walk to Kampala road (city square) to catch a matatu. From there to Kololo, it should cost you 1,000/-. It is difficult to catch a taxi to Old Kampala, so probably best to stick to the boda-bodas/private hire.
Uber
Uber is a good mid-range option of getting around Kampala city and the drivers also drive safely thanks to the reviews system!
Getting around Kampala can cost anywhere between 5,000/- to 10,000/- ($2 – $4).
However, you will still encounter the standard third world problems of cars breaking down and Uber drivers taking longer roads to inflate the fare. You do have to know your roads or pretend to be knowledgeable so that they don’t try to over-charge you. Keep an eye on the route selected by Uber and always question the driver if he takes an alternative route. At the very least, he’ll know that you are monitoring him reducing any further instances of “taking you for a ride”. Excuse the pun.
As always, proceed with precaution. Earlier this year, a couple was mugged by an Uber driver. Late in the night around 12:00am, the Uber driver brought his car to a halt claiming the car had got spoilt. A few minutes later, three of his friends joined him and demanded that the couple hand over all their money/jewellery. One of the passengers resisted and he was beaten up by the four men.
Moral of the story, aim to travel with drivers who have completed several trips and have a good rating. Also, try to avoid travelling during the late hours of the night.
Hiring your own car
If you are brave enough and you think you have what it takes to drive in Kampala traffic, you may consider hiring a car.
Hiring a car can be quite convenient if you will be spending most of your time travelling upcountry, however, driving within Kampala city is one of the hardest things to do. Not only do fellow car drivers not follow traffic rules, boda-boda drivers will also scratch your car without hesitating and drive off (sometimes with a smile). Experienced drivers who have been driving in Kampala for several years still complain about how hard it is to drive around Kampala.
Finally, be warned. Should you get involved in an accident with a boda-boda, it won’t be long before other boda-bodas gang up on you and create chaos, making it possibly the worst experience of your life.
Hotel Taxis
Getting around Kampala city by hotel taxis can cost anywhere between 15,000/- to 25,000/-. ($5 – $8). This is the most expensive option, however, it may be the safest option of getting around Kampala city.
Hotel taxis are usually safe as hotels use these taxis everyday for picking up guests from airports and also taking them around the city. The drivers are carefully vetted and their job is at risk if they do not perform according to the hotel standards. You should always check with the hotel if you are unsure about how safe their taxis are and how long they have been using them for.
Walking
Sometimes the easiest way of getting around the city is by foot. You may reach your destination faster than taking a cab.
Before you book a hotel, it’s a good idea to check where you intend to spend most of your time while in Kampala. You can then book a hotel that’s close by.
However, please refrain from walking by yourself during the quiet hours of the night and keep an eye on your bags and pockets at all times as there are many pickpockets lurking around Kampala city.
Depending on where you stay in Kampala city, you may also get a lot of attention from by-standers, especially if you’re female and have a lighter skin tone. If you do not like being stared at, best not to walk.
Getting around Kampala city
There you have it. 6 ways in which you can get around Kampala city. Yes, we are aware this article sounds so dire and down-putting but we are only telling you as it is. Best to know what to expect and be prepared. Once you are in Kampala city and have tried the various modes of transportation, you’ll know what you are comfortable with.
Apart from the Kampala traffic, everything else about Kampala is amazing 🙂
If you stay at our hotel and would like to try various modes of transportation, feel free to ask our receptionists what the costs will be based on how you’ll be travelling and where you will be going. Our staff live locally and have a good idea of the fare you should be charged, making you better equipped to negotiate a fair price!
Happy travels!