Kampala Airbnb Market Analysis 2026: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Central Region, Uganda
Is Airbnb profitable in Kampala in 2026? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Kampala, Central Region, Uganda to uncover income potential. This 2026 STR market report for Kampala, based on AirROI data from February 2025 to January 2026, reveals key trends in the market of 792 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Kampala, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Kampala Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Kampala Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Kampala (2026)
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 July, while January 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 $1,120+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $666 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $342 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $148, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kampala
Kampala Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2026)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kampala STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January 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 72%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 49% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 28%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 12% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kampala
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Kampala (2026)
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 March. 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 $89+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $57 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $39 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $27 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kampala
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Kampala (2026)
Peak Season (July, August, December)
- Revenue averages $605 per month
- Occupancy rates average 37.2%
- Daily rates average $51
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $505 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 33.6%
- Daily rates hold near $50
Low Season (January, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $431 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 29.1%
- Daily rates adjust to average $50
Seasonality Insights for Kampala
- The Airbnb seasonality in Kampala shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kampala's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $630, occupancy reaching a high of 38.2%, and ADRs peaking at $52.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $367, occupancy could drop to 25.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $48.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Kampala.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Kampala seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Kampala (2026)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kampala? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| 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 |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Kampala (2026)
While Kampala, Central Region, Uganda currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. 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 1% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Kampala (2026)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Kampalabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Luxury Home in an Artist's Garden on Lake Victoria
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Skyline 2BR Condo • Pool, AC, Balcony Views
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
AC, Pool, Gym, City View, near Acacia Mall Kololo
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Amaka Ada, Luxury Stay in Kampala
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
AC,K-Bed,Pool,GyM, CityView Near AcaciaMall Kololo
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Entire Villa and Garden - 5 Beautiful Guest Units
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Kampala (2026)
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.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innocent | 2 | $53,381 | 81 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Herman | 3 | $46,581 | 207 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Angella And Renske | 20 | $40,093 | 871 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Ms Happy | 3 | $38,761 | 149 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Delia | 1 | $36,070 | 56 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Hajarah | 6 | $33,900 | 175 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Noella | 10 | $33,700 | 447 | 4.77/5.0 |
| Diana | 3 | $31,707 | 166 | 4.64/5.0 |
| Fanny | 9 | $30,016 | 53 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Jamie | 8 | $28,466 | 98 | 4.69/5.0 |
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.
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 MetricsKampala Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2026): Property & Room Types
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 86.6% of the 792 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 (72%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 22.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (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 42.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 70.6% 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 (41.4%). 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 63.4% of listings.
- A significant 42.7% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Kampala.
- 14.6% 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.
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 77.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 95.0% 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 (40.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 5.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Kampala Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
398 listings
50.3% of total
2 Nights
175 listings
22.1% of total
3 Nights
54 listings
6.8% of total
4-6 Nights
32 listings
4% of total
7-29 Nights
10 listings
1.3% of total
30+ Nights
123 listings
15.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kampala is 1 Night, adopted by 50.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (72.4%) of the Kampala Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (15.5%) 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 50.3% of Kampala hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 15.5% 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
4 listings
0.5% of total
Flexible
481 listings
61% of total
Moderate
141 listings
17.9% of total
Firm
135 listings
17.1% of total
Strict
27 listings
3.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kampala
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kampala is Flexible, used by 61% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 78.9% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Kampala may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (3.4%), 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% market standard in Kampala.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (61%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 3.4% 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.
Kampala STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2026)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Kampala
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kampala is 17 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during August (average 23 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 11 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (22 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (15 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (17 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.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Kampala (2026)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kampala
- Essential amenities in Kampala that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Wifi, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Iron, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Kampala: Free parking on premises, Wifi, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Wifi, 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.
Kampala Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
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 (21.3%) and Uganda (13.9%).
- Top languages spoken are English (52.4%) followed by French (11.7%).
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jinja | 51 | $400 | $73.14 | 25% |
| Jinja City | 17 | $340 | $65.84 | 26% |
| Naalya Estate Village | 18 | $246 | $51.82 | 37% |
| Entebbe City | 148 | $245 | $49.35 | 27% |
| Kira | 46 | $195 | $37.08 | 29% |
| Naalya Estate | 15 | $184 | $38.67 | 29% |
| Entebbe | 22 | $124 | $45.45 | 24% |
| Najeera Bulabira | 11 | $121 | $31.12 | 24% |