Kampala, Central Region Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROI Reviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI

Updated: 2026-04-09

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Kampala, Central Region? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $2,804 per year — at a $49 nightly rate, 29.4% occupancy, and a $15 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.

Kampala's 747 active listings and selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 125.7% year over year, and the market is recalibrating around a new competitive baseline. This is the stage where hosts who invest in amenities, guest experience, and dynamic pricing build durable advantages that compound as the market matures.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a tightening market, selectivity matters — focus on proven neighborhoods, competitive pricing, and guest experience to protect returns.

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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Kampala?

In Kampala, the headline Airbnb metrics are $2,804 in average annual revenue,29.4% occupancy, $49 ADR, and $15 in RevPAR, and guests book about 19 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)

$49

The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Kampala.

Occupancy Rate(?)

29.4%

Lower demand, potentially seasonal or market factors at play.

Avg. Annual Revenue(?)

$2,804

Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Kampala. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.

RevPAR(?)

$15

Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.

Revenue Growth YoY(?)

-9.4%

Slight decrease (-9.4%) vs. last year.

Active Airbnb Listings(?)

747

Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)

19 days

How far in advance guests typically book in Kampala. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.

STR Regulation Level(?)

Low

Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.

Peak Revenue Month(?)

December

The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Kampala.

Lowest Revenue Month(?)

February

The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Kampala.

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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Kampala?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Kampala is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Kampala is typically December, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Kampala across different performance tiers:

Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,133+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $676 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
Typical properties (Median) generate around $341 per month, representing the average market performance.
Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $143, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kampala

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Kampala?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kampala STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while February experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Kampala:

Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 70%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 48% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 27%.
Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 12% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kampala

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Kampala?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Kampala involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kampala typically peaks in June and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $90+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $58 or more.
Typical properties (Median) charge around $40 per night.
Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $28 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kampala

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Kampala?

RevPAR in Kampala is currently $15. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $7 RevPAR.
Typical properties (Median) generate $11 RevPAR.
Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $19 RevPAR.
Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $29 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Kampala

RevPAR Insights for Kampala

The average RevPAR in Kampala is $15. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
The gap between the top 10% ($29) and bottom 25% ($7) is $22, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
RevPAR peaks in Dec and bottoms out in Mar, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Kampala benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $11, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
Top-quartile listings achieve $19+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Kampala?

Kampala's peak Airbnb season falls in December, July, August, while the softest stretch is February, March, October. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (December, July, August)

Revenue averages $626 per month
Occupancy rates average 37.7%
Daily rates average $52

Shoulder Season

Revenue averages $487 per month
Occupancy maintains around 31.6%
Daily rates hold near $51

Low Season (February, March, October)

Revenue drops to average $436 per month
Occupancy decreases to average 29.0%
Daily rates adjust to average $51

Seasonality Insights for Kampala

The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Kampala shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kampala's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $672, occupancy reaching 40.4%, and ADRs peaking at $54.
Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $410, occupancy could drop to 28.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $50.
Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Kampala need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
Regularly analyze your own performance against these Kampala seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Kampala?

Kampala, Central Region, Uganda currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 747 active listings. Larger markets with light regulation can attract new supply quickly, but that also means regulatory frameworks may evolve as local governments respond to growth — staying informed protects your investment. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Kampala to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Kampala?

Location within Kampala matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Kampala
Neighborhood / Area	Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)	Key Attractions & Landmarks
Kawempe	A bustling urban center with affordable housing options and proximity to major roads. Suitable for budget travelers and visitors looking for a local experience.	Kawempe Market, Kawempe Town Council, local restaurants, Abayita Abato Church
Kololo	An upscale neighborhood with beautiful views of the city. Ideal for expatriates and tourists seeking a more luxurious stay with access to amenities.	The Uganda Museum, Kololo Hills, local embassies, fine dining restaurants, entertainment venues
Mbuya	A quiet residential area popular among those looking for a serene environment close to the city center. Attracts families and business travelers.	Mbuya Cathedral, nice parks, shopping centers, local markets
Entebbe Road	A popular transit route leading to Entebbe International Airport. Great for travelers needing quick airport access.	Lake Victoria, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Uganada Wildlife Education Centre, Beaches along Lake Victoria
Nakawa	A rapidly developing area with modern amenities. Good for business travelers due to its access to the business district.	Nakawa Market, local shopping centers, Kampala International University
Jinja Road	A main artery in Kampala that connects different neighborhoods and is close to various attractions. Perfect for travelers looking to explore the city.	Phoenix Uganda, Jinja Nile Resort, local markets
Wandegeya	A lively student area with a youthful vibe. Perfect for young travelers and those interested in a vibrant local culture.	Makerere University, Wandegeya Market, local eateries
Old Kampala	Rich in history and culture, it attracts both local and international visitors interested in the heritage of Kampala.	Baha'i Temple, Old Kampala Mosque, historical sites, local crafts shops

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Kampala offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Kampala?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Kampala

The Kampala Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86.7% of the 747 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
Looking at the property type distribution in Kampala, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (71.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
Houses represent a significant 22.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, unique stays, outdoor/unique (combined 5.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Kampala Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Kampala

The dominant room capacity in Kampala is 1 bedroom listings, making up 42.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 71.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Kampala, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.

Kampala Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Kampala

The most common guest capacity trend in Kampala vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (41.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Kampala STR market, accounting for 63.8% of listings.
A significant 42.5% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Kampala.
14.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Kampala.
On average, properties in Kampala are equipped to host 3.1 guests.

How Do Listings in Kampala Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Kampala can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)

29.8

More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.

Average Beds per Listing(?)

2.1

Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.

Exact Location Enabled(?)

28.6%

Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Kampala

At 29.8 photos per listing on average, Kampala hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
28.6% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Kampala averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Kampala?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Kampala

Essential amenities in Kampala that guests expect include: Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Popular amenities like TV, Iron, Hangers are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Kampala: Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen.
Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen.
Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Iron to increase appeal.
Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
Regularly check competitor amenities in Kampala to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Kampala?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Kampala, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

Amenity	Prevalence	Revenue With	Revenue Without	Revenue Uplift
Pool tableHigh opportunity	1.9%	$8,706	$2,691	223.5%
Ping pong tableHigh opportunity	0.8%	$7,007	$2,770	153.0%
Sun loungersHigh opportunity	2.3%	$6,795	$2,711	150.6%
HammockHigh opportunity	0.8%	$6,748	$2,772	143.4%
GymHigh opportunity	5.5%	$6,204	$2,606	138.0%
ElevatorHigh opportunity	7.5%	$5,760	$2,564	124.6%
Pool	10.6%	$5,464	$2,489	119.5%
Outlet coversHigh opportunity	2.1%	$5,746	$2,740	109.7%
Oven	50.9%	$3,627	$1,952	85.8%
Iron	85.5%	$3,004	$1,618	85.7%

Revenue Impact Insights for Kampala

Pool table tops the revenue impact list with a 223.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $8,706 vs. $2,691 without it.
High-opportunity amenities — Pool table, Ping pong table, Sun loungers — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
Iron — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making it table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

Prioritize adding Pool table — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Kampala.
Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Kampala STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Kampala. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Kampala Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International

Top 5 Cities of Origin

Top 5 Countries of Origin

Top 5 Languages Spoken

Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Kampala

The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kampala consists of predominantly international visitors (86%), with top international origins including Uganda, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
Domestic travelers account for 13.9% of guests.
Key international markets include United States (21.9%) and Uganda (13.9%).
Top languages spoken are English (52.2%) followed by French (11.8%).
A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Uganda.
Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Kampala?

Listings in Kampala average 4.74 out of 5 overall, with about 19.6 reviews per active listing and 22.1% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Kampala

An average rating of 4.74 places Kampala in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.83), while Location (4.68) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
22.1% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

Focus improvement efforts on Location — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
With only 22.1% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.

Kampala Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Kampala

The most common availability pattern in Kampala falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 79.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
Approximately 96.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Kampala (44.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
A notable 4.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Kampala?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Kampala

The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kampala is 19 days.
Guests book furthest in advance for stays during August (average 24 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 13 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
Seasonally, Fall (22 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (16 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

Use the overall average lead time (19 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kampala.
Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 22 days) to capture early planners.
Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kampala averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Kampala?

Guests in Kampala stay about 7.9 nights on average, generating roughly 5,207 reservations and 7.1 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Kampala

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Kampala

Longer stays mean fewer turnovers and lower cleaning costs per revenue dollar. This pattern also opens the door to monthly discount strategies that attract remote workers and extended-stay travelers.
Stay lengths peak in Jul (8.4 nights) and shorten in Feb (6 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

Kampala Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (47.4%)

1 Night

354 listings

47.4% of total

2 Nights (22.4%)

2 Nights

167 listings

22.4% of total

3 Nights (6.7%)

3 Nights

50 listings

6.7% of total

4-6 Nights (3.7%)

4-6 Nights

28 listings

3.7% of total

7-29 Nights (1.2%)

7-29 Nights

9 listings

1.2% of total

30+ Nights (18.6%)

30+ Nights

139 listings

18.6% of total

Key Insights

The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kampala is 1 Night, adopted by 47.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
A strong majority (69.8%) of the Kampala Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
A significant segment (18.6%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Kampala, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 47.4% of Kampala hosts use this setting.
Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 18.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Kampala.

Kampala Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Limited

7 listings

0.9% of total

Flexible (61.2%)

Flexible

456 listings

61.2% of total

Moderate (18%)

Moderate

134 listings

18% of total

Firm (16.9%)

Firm

126 listings

16.9% of total

Strict

22 listings

3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Kampala

The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kampala is Flexible, used by 61.2% of listings.
The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 79.2% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Kampala may expect booking flexibility.
Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.

Recommendations for Hosts

Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 61.2% market standard in Kampala.
Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (61.2%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kampala.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Kampala?

Cleaning fees in Kampala are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee

$12

Median Cleaning Fee

Listings Charging a Fee

34.0%

Fee as Revenue Share

3.0%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Kampala

Only 34.0% of listings charge a cleaning fee, suggesting that most hosts in Kampala bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
The average cleaning fee of $12 is close to the median ($6), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
Cleaning fees represent 3.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.

Recommendations for Hosts

Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Kampala median of $6. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

$148.49

Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Kampala?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Kampala based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Kampala by revenue
Host Name	Properties	Grossing Revenue	Stay Reviews	Avg Rating
Herman	3	$42,645	215	4.90/5.0
Ms Happy	3	$41,195	162	4.82/5.0
Innocent	2	$40,462	81	4.76/5.0
Angella And Renske	19	$36,841	775	4.81/5.0
Fanny	9	$33,737	57	4.78/5.0
Hajarah	6	$32,143	181	4.81/5.0
Noella	10	$29,907	453	4.76/5.0
Clare	1	$29,741	72	4.96/5.0
Jamie	8	$28,326	104	4.65/5.0
Hilary	1	$27,481	18	5.00/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Kampala.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Kampala?

Kampala has a relatively balanced host base.

Superhosts

33.2%

Professional Management

0.0%

Cohosted Listings

33.5%

Instant Book Enabled

7.1%

Simplified Pricing

59.0%

Host Profile Insights for Kampala

A 33.2% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
7.1% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
59.0% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.

Recommendations for Hosts

Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
With 33.5% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
Benchmark your host metrics against these Kampala averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

How Does Kampala's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Kampala Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Naalya Estate, Kampala has 0 percentage points higher occupancy and about $8 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Kampala — performance comparison
Market	Active Properties	Monthly Revenue	Daily Rate	Avg. Occupancy
Jinja	51	$359	$72.30	23%
Jinja City	18	$268	$65.21	25%
Naalya Estate Village	16	$249	$55.08	26%
Entebbe City	142	$230	$50.53	27%
Kira	43	$181	$37.33	28%
Naalya Estate	13	$175	$40.96	29%
Entebbe	20	$141	$46.20	24%
Najeera Bulabira	11	$101	$31.47	27%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Kampala

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Kampala.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kampala?

Kampala hosts earn about $2,804 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $49 and RevPAR of $15. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Kampala, Central Region, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Kampala market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kampala?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kampala is 29.4%. December is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Kampala?

Listings in Kampala average $49 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in Kampala?

Kampala currently has about 747 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in Kampala?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Kampala as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.3% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Kampala?

RevPAR in Kampala is about $15. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in Kampala?

Occupancy of 29.4% means Kampala is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $2,804, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Kampala?

The average booking lead time in Kampala is about 19 days — a relatively short booking window, meaning most guests decide within a few weeks of their trip — dynamic pricing can capture late demand. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Kampala?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kampala include Kawempe, Kololo, Mbuya. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Kampala?

entire_home listings make up 86.7% of the active supply in Kampala. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does Kampala compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Jinja posts $4,313 in average annual revenue with 22.8% occupancy, compared to Kampala's $2,804 and 29.4%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in Kampala?

The average Airbnb stay length in Kampala is about 7.9 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Kampala?

Airbnb listings in Kampala average 4.74 out of 5 overall. About 22.1% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Kampala?

Pool table and Ping pong table are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Kampala. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Kampala?

Yes. About 34.0% of active Airbnb listings in Kampala charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $12. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Kampala?

At 33.2%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.